Blending Montessori Principles with Ecumen’s Renowned Awakenings Program

Shoreview, Minn. (July 15, 2024) — During a time of life when many people fear having independence taken away, Ecumen is helping older adults pursue their passions and use their skills. As part of a new initiative, Ecumen North Branch, Ecumen Pathstone, and Ecumen Detroit Lakes are implementing an innovative program based on the “Montessori method,” emphasizing residents’ interests and abilities rather than their limitations.

Developed by an Italian doctor in 1907, the Montessori method has been used around the world to create student-led learning environments that give children the freedom to choose activities that fuel their curiosity and passions. In recent years, the Montessori method has shown promise in helping older individuals develop similar ownership and joy in the activities they pursue.

This new initiative builds on Ecumen’s award-winning Awakenings care-giving model, which focuses on individual needs to support the highest quality of life. Adding a Montessori framework to this model is giving Ecumen team members new tools and resources to help residents find meaning and purpose in their everyday lives.

Ecumen is receiving support for this effort through a Performance-Based Initiative Program (PIPP) grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). As part of this grant, Ecumen will measure the impact of this approach on residents and their families, as well as on team member satisfaction, with the hope of transforming dementia care across the country.

COVID contributed to more idle time among those living with dementia, fewer opportunities to engage in meaningful activities, and confusion due to safety protocols such as masking. That led to functional and mobility dependence for some. Adding the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle (MIL) approach to Ecumen’s Awakenings is aimed at reversing this trend and improving the lives of residents.

Montessori techniques emphasize collaboration, shifting the focus from, “How do we need to care for this person?” to “How can we help them have a meaningful, purposeful day?” Whether it’s tapping into a passion for art or cooking, or allowing people to take on tasks that help others, this philosophy is guided by the residents and what is meaningful to them.

The certification of these programs to implement an MIL approach to care includes an innovative collaboration with the Center for Applied Research in Dementia (CARD), Accelerated Care Plus (ACP), and local non-profit COMPAS Arts.

Just months into the grant-funded program, residents are already experiencing improved quality of life. They are spending more time outdoors and interacting with others as Awakenings is fostering new and innovative paths for engagement. Gardening clubs, movie nights, and community service projects are just some of the resident-driven activities that are providing a renewed sense of ownership and purpose. The initiative is also improving engagement and job satisfaction for Ecumen team members, giving them the tools to deliver the best possible care.

In the coming months, Ecumen will share some of the stories of residents who are benefiting from Awakenings with this new approach. We will also highlight some of the caregivers who are leading this change, helping residents pursue their interests. The experiences and results of this effort will be compiled as part of a report to measure the impact of the Montessori approach and to hopefully serve as a guide for other dementia care providers.