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Our amazing consultant, M. Celeste Chase, has earned her CMDCP and we are most excited to congratulate her accomplishment! Celeste works extremely hard to ensure that she is delivering the absolute best advice and education in every single one of her weekly columns. Her contributions are greatly helping Activity Professionals everywhere to improve the lives of the residents they serve while maintaining confidence in their skill set. We are very proud and grateful for you Celeste. Celeste was kind enough to provide information below regarding the certification mission and process in case any of you are interested in obtaining it for yourself. We support you! Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP) About my New Certification The Montessori Method can help build self-worth in dementia residents—and help them connect with the outside world despite their dementia. With its focus on respect for the resident, a safe and nurturing environment, and activities that promote engagement on a level that’s possible. Montessori Method for Dementia Residents Maria Montessori was one of Italy’s first female physicians. In 1907, she developed a new type of school—designed for challenging students who were once considered “un-teachable.” Her work gradually allowed her to recognize that her methods were equally successful for adults with dementia. Under the Montessori philosophy, nothing the resident says or does is “wrong.” The work incorporates creative involvement within the resident’s version of the world, rather than to attempt to correct memory or perceptions. Promote Value Focus remained on the value of the resident and the importance of promoting that he/she still has intrinsic value—and to introduce activities that foster that feeling. For example: Higher-functioning dementia residents may be asked to teach others with lower functions on how to do certain tasks—promoting the idea that they still have useful skills to teach others. Montessori principles and interventions are effective with people who have a memory deficit but could still engage in procedural learning. Activities with patients with dementia are structured to progress from the simple to the complex and are intended to be interactive for short bursts of time. Engagement by stimulating the mind with activities that use fine motor skills. Use of shapes, cards, chips, and objects that enhance dexterity. Engaging Senses Montessori activities are specifically designed to appeal to all five senses, helping dementia residents connect to the world around them in a safe and nurturing environment. The program often uses art and music therapy, mild physical exercise, and group activities that focus on the individual's abilities. These activities are designed to evoke positive emotions—and help them reconnect with the world around them. Connection with Long-Term Memory While more recent memories are often destroyed by dementia, many residents retain their long-term memory. Montessori method creates opportunities for dementia patients to reconnect to positive long-term memories, a tactic that can help draw dementia resident out of states of withdrawal, isolation, or paranoia. Maintaining Respect This means respecting and honoring their current perceptions and memories—even if those are “wrong” by objective standards. It also includes trying to meet the resident where they are, offering activities that start with their capabilities and gently push the envelope to help them build new skills, and honoring the abilities and achievements the resident is still capable of doing. The Montessori Method places an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a person’s natural psychological, physical, and social development. I am honored to have recently achieved this designation. Approval Process Your experience and credentials are submitted for approval to the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (ICCDP). Once approved, you are required to take a 6 hour course through the Center for Applied Research in Dementia and pass an exam. FYI- There is a cost and requirements for renewal. More INFO Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Our MEPAP 1&2 Courses 2 Course Formats www.ActivityDirector.org - 1.888.238.0444 Structured Class (16 Weeks) - Begins the First Tuesday of each Month Self Paced Class (13 Weeks-1 Year) - Enroll and Begin Anytime Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2019 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Meaningful Memory Care Planning Individuals afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia complications go through a number of different stages during the disease progression. Leisure pursuits are crucial for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease, particularly those which offer and encourage engagement opportunities and much needed cognitive stimulation. The Approach to discovering leisure pursuits to offer engagement and stimulation is the same as any resident assessment process with one very significant distinction: Look at what the resident can still do rather than what they can no longer do. Establish consistent routines. Why? The day is a little less scary when the daily pattern is predictable and somehow familiar. Many of us operate on autopilot whilst going about our daily business but memory deficits can cause a snafu in the normal retrieval process. Thus, even our firmly embedded auto pilot can malfunction. While structure and routine is important, there are countless opportunities to do “meaningful” things in unexpected places and times. Daily everyday tasks such as bed making, sweeping, dusting, and watering plants for example are small yet simple though they can provide rich opportunities for engaging residents who perhaps show no interest in bingo, movies, or other group activities. Planning Tips Continuously adjust and accommodate to match to the changing needs of the disease progression. Plan for times during the day when the resident tends to function at their best. Use adaptive strategies and techniques that focus on strengths/skills in which the individual still possesses. Allow the individual to retain as much control as possible to help foster a sense of personal dignity. Simplify tasks: break down step by step. Move to the next step in the sequence only when the first step has been accomplished. Attention span may be limited so plan programs in no more than 20 to 45 minutes segments. Programs are most effective when they are multi-sensory and spanned over consecutive days (facilitate memory input) and are connected to a related theme. Remember: Loss of memory creates an inability for the individual to remember what they did in the past for themselves to find amusement. However, this population may still have the ability to [be amused] well into the disease process. Incorporate events that “elicit” a response through use of basic sensory stimulation and awareness of his/her body movements. Sensory Integration would focus on any combination of the following: -Visual (eyes) -Auditory (ears) -Proprioceptors* (awareness of body position) -Vestibular (balance) -Tactile (touch, feel) -Olfaction (smell) -Gustatory (taste) Proprioceptors* sensory receptors in muscles, joint capsules and surrounding tissues, that signal information to the central nervous system about position and movement of body parts. Activity Starters The following list has been provided as inspiration and motivation only. You will need to look at the individual resident with a Dx of Alzheimer’s to create a “person centered” care plan uniquely suited to the skills that remain and the specific stage of the disease as per nursing assessment. Stuffed Toys Offer stuffed animals and other soft toys to cuddle. Check for any materials that could be removed and become a choking hazard. Baby Dolls and Baby Doll Clothes Provides opportunity to foster nurturing characteristics. The goal is not to dress the doll properly, but rather to “elicit” the desire to change the doll’s clothing whilst working on hand eye coordination. Pet Therapy Animals of varying types are well documented to improve well being and boost emotional connection to something other than themselves. Music and Movies Foster emotional connections via music, videos, and movies. Keep the time frame brief, only watch/listen for 5 to 10 minutes but if they are engaged, keep allowing them to enjoy the experience for long as continue to be engaged. Sensory Sensory deprivation is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Use everyday objects to arouse one or more of the five senses (hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch), with the goal of evoking positive feelings. Exercise Any physical activity can be beneficial, from a simple walk to yoga. Use props, such as tambourines, clappers, top hat, streamers, maracas, batons, pom poms, stretch bands, scarves, or stretch bands. Bird Watching Hang a bird feeder that will not allow individuals to access the food. Provide chairs or benches to stop and watch the birds. Sunshine and Fresh Air Plan time for the outdoors (weather permitting) for 10-15 minutes. Supply sun protection with wide brim hats and sun lotion on arms and legs. Avoid the sun between 11 and 3 pm. Offer cool drinks. Read Aloud Studies reveal that those afflicted with Alzheimer's disease may be able to hear until very late into the illness. Read articles in magazines and newspapers that the person enjoyed in former times. Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Our MEPAP 1&2 Courses 2 Course Formats www.ActivityDirector.org - 1.888.238.0444 Structured Class (16 Weeks) - Begins the First Tuesday of each Month Self Paced Class (13 Weeks-1 Year) - Enroll and Begin Anytime Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2019 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Hello all, I'm planning a Valentine's Day formal for my residents and I need some ideas. I work in a memory care facility with anywhere from 120-125 residents, and half of them are severely cognitively impaired. I want to do a dance more for sensory and reminiscent purposes (the taste of punch, the sound of their favorite music, dressing up), but I'm struggling with how to include everyone without agitating the more cognitively aware. Your thoughts?