The Montessori Method for Connecting to People with Dementia: A Creative Guide to Communication and Engagement in Dementia Care, Paperback

Creative activities can support people with dementia, leading to moments of reconnection and joy. This book shows how the Montessori method - with its arts-based, person-centred and positive focus - can help caregivers connect to people with dementia.

Drawing on 20 years of experience, Tom and Karen Brenner explain the philosophy of the Montessori method, provide clearly-written steps to follow when applying it, and share a wealth of case studies and stories from their personal work using this method with people with dementia. This includes reading circles, art programmes, drum circles, poetry, and video diaries. Supported by research of the importance of creativity and the arts in dementia care, it is made clear throughout how every aspect of the Montessori method can help those with dementia to rediscover the world around them, maximising the opportunities they have to reconnect with their peers, family, friends, and support staff.

Thomas Brenner is a gerontologist specializing in dementia, and works for the Illinois Department on Aging. Karen Brenner is a Montessori educator and co-founder of the Alexander Graham Bell Montessori School for deaf children. Together they have worked for 20 years using the Montessori method with people with dementia. They live in Chicago, Illinois.