Welcome to the Montessori 8-hour Dementia Capable Certification Course
Module 1 –
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will define and articulate the characteristics of a profession.
- The participant will understand the Montessori Philosophy in Dementia Care.
Competencies:
- Evaluate the characteristics of a profession critically.
- Have a better understanding of the 8-hour Montessori Dementia Capable Certification course.
- Continuous Learning and Adaptation Commitment.
Module 2 - Aging Facts
Learning Objectives:
-
- The participant will explore the study of aging and how it impacts the whole person as they age.
- The participant will study the impact of ageism.
Competencies:
-
- Gain a better understanding of the aging process.
- Engage in discussions of the impacts of ageism.
Module 3 - Needs and Aging
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will apply Maslow's Hierarchy to Personal Experiences.
- The participant will understand cultural competence and diversity.
Competencies:
- Apply Maslow's Hierarchy to understand the needs.
- Stay informed about diverse cultural practices and needs.
Module 4 – Navigating the Maze of Dementia
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will gain an understanding of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease.
- The participant will review some of the changes in people living with Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease-related Dementia, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Huntington’s Disease.
Competencies:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer's disease.
- Communicate effectively about Alzheimer's disease, its symptoms, and its impact on individuals and families.
Module 5 - Communication with the Person Living with Dementia
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will acknowledge the heightened perceptiveness of individuals with dementia to tone and nonverbal cues.
- The participant will understand the broader implications of effective communication in personal and professional domains.
Competencies:
- Observe and understand nonverbal cues, recognizing the significance of unspoken messages in caregiving scenarios.
- Adapt communication approaches to create meaningful interactions, recognizing each person as unique.
Module 6 – Behavioral Expressions
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will analyze the difficulty with problem-solving and confusion in individuals with dementia..
- The participant will evaluate the potential challenges faced by caregivers due to the lack of insight in individuals with dementia.
Competencies:
- Apply behavioral therapies and relaxation techniques to manage anxiety and mood-related issues in individuals with dementia
- Demonstrate patience and empathy in communication with individuals who may repeat questions or statements due to memory impairment.
Module 7 - Addressing Challenging Behaviors
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will review some of the challenging behavioral expressions related to dementia, like sundowning, wandering, agitation, and aggression.
- The participant will recognize the concept of wandering in individuals with dementia and its potential impact on their safety and well-being.
Competencies:
- The participant will implement measures to create safe and structured environments that reduce agitation, wandering, and other challenging behaviors.
- The participant will evaluate, and address safety concerns related to wandering, hoarding, and other behaviors, prioritizing the well-being of individuals with dementia.
Module 8 - Personal Care
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will emphasize a person-centered approach in responding to challenging behaviors, considering the individual's needs, emotions, and preferences to create a supportive environment.
- The participant will understand the abilities and limitations of individuals with dementia, and employ communication, environmental preparations, and a person-centered approach to enhance the bathing experience.
- The participant will review the utilization of decorative elements, contrasting colors, and sensory enhancements in bathroom design to create a comfortable and familiar environment for individuals with dementia, promoting overall well-being.
Competencies:
- Prioritize the well-being of individuals with dementia by adopting a person-centered approach, considering their unique needs, emotions, and preferences in care practices.
- Enhance communication skills to explain bathing plans, provide clear instructions, and encourage independence while maintaining a supportive and reassuring tone.
- Implement thoughtful design elements in the bathroom to create a dementia-friendly environment, considering visual cues, calming atmospheres, and sensory enhancements.
Module 9 - Person-Centered Care and Care Planning
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will identify and explain the principles that define person-centered care.
- The participant will apply person-centered language principles in healthcare communication.
Competencies:
- Apply regulatory guidelines to ensure assessments and care plans meet legal and quality standards.
- Exhibit effective communication skills by using person-centered language.
Module 10 - Trauma and Dementia
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will define trauma and adverse child experiences or ACES in the context of dementia, encompassing various emotionally distressing experiences.
- The participant will review trauma-informed care principles in providing support to individuals with dementia who have experienced trauma.
Competencies:
- Demonstrate the ability to assess trauma history in individuals within the context of long-term care facilities.
- Communicate effectively with caregivers and healthcare providers regarding the potential link between trauma and dementia.
Module 11 - Montessori-Friendly Environment
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will define the key principles of the Montessori approach in the context of aged care.
- The participant will identify environmental examples that promote increased freedom in a Montessori-friendly environment for elderly individuals.
- The participant will describe environmental cues used in Montessori aged care.
Competencies:
- Apply Montessori principles to aged care settings, recognizing the unique needs and challenges of elderly individuals.
- Identify safety measures and features that contribute to a Montessori-friendly environment.
Utilize communication strategies that are clear, and simple, and avoid unnecessary distractions to promote well-being.
Module 12 - The Therapeutic Power of Art, Music, and Activities
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will define the role of art and music in Montessori-based aged care.
- The participant will examine the emotional value of music, art, and activities for a person living with dementia.
- The participant will understand the principles of Montessori-based dementia care.
Competencies:
- Demonstrate the ability to incorporate art and music as therapeutic modalities in Montessori-based dementia care.
- Adapt activities to cater to the unique needs of each person, ensuring a person-centered and individualized approach.
- Communicate with individuals in a person-centered manner, respecting their choices and preferences.
Module 13 - Family Support and Regulatory Framework
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal and ethical considerations surrounding dementia care, including the intersection of legal frameworks and ethical principles in decision-making, advance care planning, and the use of restraints.
- The participant will develop the understanding of obtaining informed consent from individuals with declining cognitive abilities, focusing on early engagement, supported decision-making, and legal safeguards.
- The participant will develop skills for advocacy, community outreach, and policy initiatives to promote equitable access.
Competencies:
- Demonstrate the ability to make ethically sound decisions in dementia care, balancing the independence and protection of individuals, and adhering to legal frameworks and professional ethical guidelines.
- Apply a multidisciplinary approach to investigations and interventions.
- Demonstrate cultural competence in advocating for equitable access to dementia care, considering diverse backgrounds. Implement initiatives that address disparities and promote inclusivity in education, policy advocacy, and service delivery.
Module 14 - Care and Compliance
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will develop a comprehensive understanding of various dementia care models.
- The participant will gain the skills and knowledge needed to implement person-centered care across different care settings for individuals with dementia.
Competencies:
- Implement person-centered care practices effectively, considering individual preferences, abilities, and life history.
- Provide valuable support to caregivers, fostering an understanding of dementia-friendly practices, communication strategies, and the importance of self-care.
Module 15: End of Life Care
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will define the holistic approach to end-of-life care.
- The participant will gain knowledge of Palliative Care and how Hospice Care addresses discomfort in end-of-life situations.
Competencies:
- The participant will apply a patient-centered approach that respects individual preferences and values.
- The participant will exhibit proficiency in managing symptoms associated with end-of-life care.
- The participant will understand the importance of emotional support and counseling to caregivers.
Module 16: Caring for the Caregiver
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will identify the diverse support systems available to caregivers, including social, family, administrative, and professional networks.
- The participant will comprehend the physical and mental manifestations of stress, distinguish between short-term and chronic stress, and identify the impact of long-term stress on caregivers.
Competencies:
- Ability to navigate and leverage various social support systems to enhance caregiver well-being.
- Capacity to recognize and address emotional challenges, including burnout, stress, and compassion fatigue, through proactive self-care strategies.
