Dementia Montessori Program – Online Course

Online Montessori Dementia Certificate Program

“Joy, feeling one’s own value, being appreciated and loved by others, feeling useful and capable of production are all factors of enormous value for the human soul.” – Dr. Maria Montessori

Course Overview

The Montessori Dementia Program has been designed for family members, PSW’s, and other care providers and volunteers who are supporting individuals living with dementia. It will present a new way to think about and provide support for persons living with Dementia and their caregivers, using proven Montessori philosophy and systems. The program design provides practical techniques and methods taught by experienced Montessori and Dementia trainers. The Montessori Dementia Program online course was developed and designed by Montessori and Dementia specialists to meet a growing need in the community. It provides you an alternative approach to care giving and supporting individuals living with early to mid-stage Dementia.

You will learn how the Montessori philosophy and practices can be adapted to enhance the quality of life of people living with Dementia. The Montessori approach focuses on maintaining the independence, cognitive abilities and communication skills of people living with Dementia for as long as possible while providing opportunities for purposeful engagement and community involvement.

Course Details

A Dementia specialist will discuss the different types of Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and the typical symptoms that can be expected as Dementia progresses. A Montessori specialist will discuss the fundamental principles of the Montessori approach as adapted for Dementia care and will address the significance of key areas of the Montessori method. Upon successful completion of all four modules, including required assignments, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Course Schedule

Module 1: Overview of Montessori and Dementia

  • Introduction to the Montessori Philosophy
  • What is Dementia?
  • Dementia and Preventative Measures
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Is there a Cure for Dementia?
  • Dementia Treatment

Module 2: Responsive Behaviors

  • Responsive Behaviors
  • Sundowning
  • Case Studies
  • Montessori and The Prepared Environment
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Types of Memory

Module 3 and 4: The Montessori Approach

  • Review from Module 1 and 2
  • The importance of Observation
  • Cultural Activities
  • Sensorial Based Activities
  • Creative Pursuits
  • Cognitive Activities

Course Participants

The Montessori Dementia Program has been designed to assist family members, health care providers, Personal Support Workers, and volunteers who are supporting individuals living with early to mid-stage Dementia in their homes, respite care, adult day centers, retirement and long-term care residences.

The Montessori Dementia Program is a self-directed course that allows you to proceed through the course curriculum at your own pace and your own timeline. The course is composed of four modules that consist of self-study course material, presentations, videos and short assignments. It will take approximately 10 to 12 hours to complete the course depending on your schedule.

Course Aims and Objectives

  • to keep the care and respect for the adult as our central purpose
  • to provide care and support to individuals living with Dementia that will enhance the quality of life and sense of belonging in their community
  • to understand the importance of establishing routines and roles, through repetition and practice, allowing a person living with Dementia the freedom to make their own choices
  • to provide skills that will assist care providers in supporting a more purposeful, dignified, engaging and independent life.
  • to achieve purposeful engagement by providing opportunities and the option to choose enjoyable activities
  • to emphasize the importance of socialization, community involvement and communication in enhancing ongoing mental health and well-being.
  • to gain a knowledge of Dementia, its types, symptoms and stages
  • to understand how the Montessori Method impacts the daily life of a person living with Dementia
  • to learn how observation is used to better understand and meet the needs of a person living with Dementia
  • to learn the importance of creating an environment that provides sustained life enrichment, engaging hands-on materials, a sense of belonging and community involvement
  • to provide a person living with Dementia options and opportunities for activities in the areas of daily living, sensorial, cognitive, and creative
  • to adopt an approach that facilitates a person living with Dementia in maintain their abilities and level of independence for as long as possible

Admission Process:

Admission Requirements

The sign up process is simple! Simply go to mdpedu.thinkific.com and you can start the course today!

Course Calendar

Course Dates: You can start today!

Class are online and are self-directed. An instructor will follow your progress and provide feedback as you progress through the course. 

Duration: 4 weeks

Program Fee

Online Montessori Dementia Program Certificate Program: $$395.00 CAD

Please visit mdpedu.thinkific.com to register today!

** Please note that there is no assessment or final examination with the course **

Please note that the course fees are non-refundable.

Course Career Opportunities

After taking this course, you can apply to the following positions

working as a support to P.S.W.

working one on one with an adult client

working as an assistant in long term care residence