Montessori Community for Elders and Care Partners
Welcome to MINT’s Montessori Community for Elders—a groundbreaking adult day program designed for Elders and their Care Partners. Rooted in the Montessori philosophy—traditionally used in early childhood education but profoundly impactful in eldercare—our program promotes independence, dignity, and joy in daily life.
By honoring each individual’s strengths, interests, and needs, we create a nurturing environment where every elder can thrive.
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Our day program meets once a week and provides Elders and their Care Partners with a thoughtfully prepared environment that stimulates the senses, supports activities of daily living, and offers space to practice skills, share hobbies and interests, and engage in purpose-filled activities.
$60 per day
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This eight-module, self-guided online course supports Care Partners in applying Montessori principles at home or within other care settings. Topics include the Montessori approach to aging, meaningful engagement activities, communication strategies, responsive behaviors, and the unique role of the Care Partner.
$250 ; 8 week online course
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We offer personalized in-home consultations to help you and your loved one adapt your home environment using Montessori principles and practices. Together, we create supportive spaces that promote independence, joy, and daily success.
$30 per hour
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After visiting and observing your community, we provide guidance on how to integrate Montessori-informed practices into your eldercare setting—bringing greater independence, purpose, and possibility to residents and staff.
$75 per hour
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Twice a year, we host Brush Development’s transformative From Can’t to Can Do! two-day introductory workshop on Montessori for Aging, Disability, and Dementia at MINT.
We also offer custom introductory workshops and presentations for groups upon request.workshop prices may vary
Core Principles
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✽ Person-Centered Care
Our program is deeply rooted in the belief that each individual possesses unique capabilities and potential throughout their life. We prioritize personalized care, tailoring activities and support to align with each elder's personal history, preferences, and abilities.
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✽ Promoting Independence
We empower elders to engage in meaningful activities that enhance their autonomy. By providing opportunities for choice and encouraging self-directed learning, we help maintain and support cognitive and physical abilities.
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✽ Relationships of Respect and Dignity
Every interaction within our community is guided by respect and dignity. We honor the life experiences of our elders, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding that positively impacts their well-being.
Our daily schedule is rich with diverse activities designed to stimulate the mind, body, and spirit. From art and music to gardening and activities of daily living, our activities are tailored to foster connection, joy, and a sense of purpose.
Do you enjoy…
Embroidery, knitting, weaving, or sewing
Woodworking
Music
Travel
Program Features
Engaging Activities
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Personal Care- skin care and makeup, hair care, dressing frames, dress up, shoe polishing, toileting
Care of the Environment- sweeping, dusting, mopping, laundry, polishing
Plant Care- watering the plants, gardening in the atrium
Food Preparation- water, coffee, tea, and fruit can be made and shared at any time that individual snack preparation is offered. Communal Meal Preparation is offered each day. Activities and roles include: chopping vegetables, menu planning, setting the table, and cooking the meal.
Do you enjoy…
Embroidery, knitting, weaving, or sewing
Woodworking
Music
Travel
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Engaging all of the senses, especially as we know that our senses decline as we age.
A variety of materials that allow us to work with our senses, practicing with and reviving our sense of touch, taste, smell, sound, and sight.
Manipulatives to practice sorting, grading, qualities like volume, height, weight, and geometric shapes
Smelling jars, touch tablets, tasting work- these activities often spark joy and reminiscing
Sound cylinders, bells, and a listening station
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Reading is a preserved skill, and we can utilize it throughout the program. A reading nook is available with dementia-friendly literature, and sets of language cards are throughout the room. These are sets of images with a description on the back. The themes of the sets vary from leaves, tools, or household objects to more complex sets that cover a continent, famous artists, or baseball players. They are wonderful prompts, sparking memories and offering plenty of interesting themes to discuss and explore.
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Drawing, painting, collage, clay, and sewing activities are always available. Elders are encouraged to bring their own projects as well.
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We offer a variety of board games and puzzles, and encourage you to bring your favorites! We have an area dedicated to working with tools and plenty of space to share and add other hobbies and interests here as well.
Areas of Exploration
One of the most engaging opportunities we provide is the opportunity for elders to prepare, set up, cook, and enjoy a communal lunch.
We often find that for elders who are more reluctant to eat, or could benefit from additional supports to encourage eating; that participating in the preparation of their favorite meals can be motivating, satisfying, and fun!
Communal Dining Experiences
Get in Touch
Send an email to Melissa Crenshaw, Director of the Community Casa at MINT.