Early Stage Dementia Client as Group Leader

Describes the Resident & Volunteer Assisted Montessori Programming (ReVAMP) program at Myers Research Institute which uses persons with early-stage dementia as leaders of small group Montessori-Based activities engaged in by persons with more advanced dementia. It is noted that Montessori techni...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical gerontologist 2005, Vol.28 (4), p.81-85
Main Authors: Camp, Cameron J., Skrajner, Michael J., Kelly, Marty
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Dementia
Education
Educational Programs
Leaders
Leadership
Schizophrenia
Social Relations
Social Roles
Training
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Summary:Describes the Resident & Volunteer Assisted Montessori Programming (ReVAMP) program at Myers Research Institute which uses persons with early-stage dementia as leaders of small group Montessori-Based activities engaged in by persons with more advanced dementia. It is noted that Montessori techniques designed for childhood education have been found to be successful for older persons with dementia. The emphasis is on structured activities that involve immediate feedback, external cueing, & repetition. An initial study of four activity leaders in a long-term care facility indicated satisfaction with the role on the part of the leaders & enjoyment on the part of the participants. An extension of this program included the development of volunteer opportunities for clients with early-stage dementia & a program of staff training. The train-the-trainer model used to train staff in how to teach clients to lead a structured reading group activity is described. The success of the program illustrates that persons with early dementia can still fill important social roles. Other benefits of the program for both clients & staff are discussed. 3 References. J. Lindroth
ISSN:0731-7115
1545-2301
DOI:10.1300/J018v28n04_06