The Hickman Achieves Silver Level Certification as a Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® Community
September 26, 2023
Congratulations to our memory care team at The Hickman for their dedication to fostering a Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® (MIL) within our Darlington community, resulting in a Silver Level certification.
The Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® is a memory care approach deeply rooted in the Montessori philosophy, emphasizing a holistic and person-centered approach. It harnesses our residents’ physical and cognitive abilities, keeping the essential principles of equality, dignity, and respect.
Dr. Cameron Camp, one of the founders of the Center for Applied Research in Dementia (CARD), drew inspiration from Dr. Maria Montessori’s principles and adapted them to improve the lives of older adults with dementia.
The Darlington neighborhood implemented comprehensive practices to achieve Silver Level certification. These practices included resident-led committees, multidisciplinary Learning Circles, effective signage, personalized resident spaces, and continuous staff training conducted by certified internal trainers. Identifying and utilizing each resident’s strengths to create an environment conducive to their well-being; residents discover meaningful activities and roles within the community. An excellent example of this approach is Donna A., one of our residents, who established the “Nails by Donna” nail salon. Donna schedules appointments and provides manicures to fellow residents every week.
Research has shown that communities like ours, which effectively implement Montessori principles, benefit from healthier and happier residents, reduced medication usage, decreased responsive behaviors, greater family satisfaction, and improved staffing and census figures (Witt-Hoblit, Miller, & Camp, 2016). Our Darlington residents show greater joy, and medication intervention is down.
“Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® is truly ingrained in our way of life here in Darlington,” remarked Stacey Farrell, Community Life Manager for the Darlington Neighborhood. “We are extremely enthusiastic and motivated to continue our learning journey and to raise awareness about the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® for the benefit of our residents and staff.”