Montessori-Based Activities as a Trans-Generational Interface for Persons with Dementia and Preschool Children

J Intergener Relatsh. 2011 Dec 12;9(4):366-373. doi: 10.1080/15350770.2011.618374.

Abstract

Montessori-based activities for persons with dementia have been used to successfully provide opportunities for programming between older adults and preschool children in shared site. intergenerational care programs. Such intergenerational programming allows older adults with dementia to fulfill roles of teacher or mentor to younger children or as collaborative workmates for persons with more advanced dementia while providing children with positive one-on-one interactions with older adults. We review several studies using this approach, describe characteristics of the programs, participants and results obtained and provide recommendations for those interested in extending this line of work.