Life Enrichment Programs

Montessori programming is based on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori and adapts principles to be used with memory care programs. Montessori therapies involve interactions in a supportive, failure-free environment taking into account each individual's strengths. Participants work in a methodical way, using repetition, and progress to another difficulty level gradually building skills. The materials used are familiar and age appropriate. Therapies are goal oriented to improve fine and gross motor skills, reading skills, matching memory skills, to name a few. The outcomes for each task are reflective of the participant's individual competencies.

Validation therapy was defined by Naomi File and is a technique to validate the reality of those with dementia. Validation supports the person's feelings and emotions in whatever time and space their current reality is. When someone has Alzheimer's Disease they have a different reality, for example someone may feel they must go home to get their child off the school bus. Validation gives credence to their feelings and uses reminisce to allow the person to talk about who is on their mind. It is opposite Reality Orientation in situations like this where RO would require bringing the person into today's reality that their child is a grown up 55 year old. Imagine the shock of hearing that you have missed your only son's childhood! Our staff is trained in Validation Therapy to help people feel comfortable in their memories and to aid in reducing anxious moments such as these.