The Montessori Method is a teaching style that focuses on a child’s needs and abilities. Teachers look at what a child likes to do and can actually do. By honing in on what a child can do, it eases the frustration a child experiences when something is too difficult. Teachers increase the challenge without pushing the boundaries too far.

Experts find that that teaching method is helpful when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s. It taps into their interests and abilities, which helps them feel secure and confident. How do family caregivers make the Montessori Method work with their parent’s care needs?

Pinpoint Favorite Activities and Abilities

You need to stop and think about the things that your mom or dad loved to do. Your mom loved sewing. As rote memory doesn’t fade away quickly, it’s something your mom will remember how to do. That’s an activity you’ll want to include in daily or weekly activities.

Your dad may love gardening. He’s gardened all of his adult life. If you put him in front of a raised bed, he knows exactly what to do. Gardening would be a great activity for him.

Use Activities to Retain Motor Skills

Motor skills start to fade away as dementia progresses. You can use favorite activities to help work those motor skills. Using a hand shovel to dig in the dirt repeats the motions used to spoon food.

Sewing helps your mom hold a small object and manipulate it through the fabric, which helps keep her hands exercised and works hand-eye coordination skills that are useful for buttoning a shirt or pants.

When you can, use these favorite activities to work on the skills you know your parent is starting to lose. It helps keep the brain connection strong and doesn’t seem like a lesson as it’s an activity your mom or dad already loves and is still familiar with.

Focus on the Senses

Even if you can’t get your parent to participate in a favorite activity, you can still use memories to help calm or soothe. A room that’s scented with lavender may remind your dad of the flower gardens he had. The smell of freshly baked bread may make your mom remember helping her mom in the kitchen.

Hire caregivers to help you as needed. A caregiver is useful at times when you need a break, have errands to run, or need to get to work. To learn more about caregivers and the services available in your mom or dad’s area, call a home care agency.

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Caregivers in South Pasadena, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.