National Center for Montessori and Aging (NCMA)

Bridging Generations through Montessori

National Center for Montessori and Aging (NCMA)

The National Center for Montessori and Aging (NCMA) is a resource for families, caregivers, and communities of practice who support aging populations. We emphasize the need for person-centered care, fostering independence, and creating a prepared environment that supports the unique needs of older adults and their caregivers, especially those with dementia, through engaging activities and creating roles that promote dignity and well-being. 

Silent Journey and Aging

While the Silent Journey is primarily designed for parents of children, the principles of the Montessori method, particularly its focus on individualized learning, independence, and a prepared environment, can be adapted for use with older adults. In fact, the Montessori method is increasingly being applied to dementia care and other aging-related challenges. 

Montessori for Dementia and Aging:

  • Principles of Dignity and Respect: The Montessori method emphasizes dignity, respect, and independence for all individuals, including older adults. 

  • Prepared Environment: The concept of a prepared environment can be applied to create stimulating and accessible spaces for older adults, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. 

  • Individualized Activities: Montessori principles can be used to design activities that are tailored to the individual needs and abilities of older adults, promoting engagement and cognitive stimulation. 

  • Choice and Control: Older adults are given choices and control over their daily routines, activities, and environment, promoting a sense of autonomy and well-being. 

  • Three-Period Lesson: The three-period lesson, a core concept in the Montessori method, can be used to teach new skills or concepts to older adults in a structured and engaging way. 

The Silent Journey, along with the broader application of the Montessori method, offers a valuable approach to understanding learning and supporting individuals of all ages, including older adults, in a way that emphasizes dignity, independence, and engagement. 

Why Montessori?

Montessori care techniques advance effective, efficient, safe, and supportive caregiving. These principles help caregivers and professional partners learn to: 

  • Observe, engage, and communicate verbally and nonverbally with compassion, dignity, and respect.

  • Conduct meaningful individualized social interventions and activities that enrich life.

  • Prepare the living environment to support independence, autonomy, and psychosocial well-being.

What We Provide

  • We specialize in dementia care certification programs for professional and family caregivers that incorporate Montessori principles proven to enhance the quality of life. We offer an interactive experience in our innovative Dementia Lerning Lab, which demonstrates Montessori design principles that promote independence, autonomy, and psychosocial well-being.

  • We offer intergenerational programs to bring together people from different age groups, fostering interaction, understanding, and shared experiences. NCMA offers six volunteer program areas, some focus on academic improvement for younger generations, while others enhance social connections and health for older adults. 

  • We partner with memory care nursing homes, educational programs for healthcare aids and activity coordinators, municipal offices for aging, and other community organizations seeking to serve aging populations with the latest scientific research and the principles of Montessori learning. We also partner with corporate wellness and social responsibility programs to enhance longevity and long-term care.  We co-create programs tailored to the unique needs of our partners, ranging from one-time seminars for county aging offices to continuing education courses offered through accredited universities.

  • We offer at-home and online services designed to empower caregivers and enhance the well-being of seniors. Our holistic approach encompasses wellness workshops, nutritional guidance, personalized fitness plans, and community support, all delivered in a nurturing environment designed to promote longevity and quality of life for both caregivers and their loved ones. 

  • The Center for Montessori and Aging is located in the national capital region and housed at Crossways Montessori Communities, a dynamic site for community development, housing,  and Montessori education and training. The four fully-equipped event spaces are an ideal setting for conferences, workshops, and convenings

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