Montessori Approach to Adult Care and Aging
Background of the approach
The Montessori approach is best known in education circles where it is used to support the development of children from conception, with practices extending to 24yrs of age. It is based upon the work of Dr Maria Montessori who was one of the first women in Italy to attain a medical degree. She was not only qualified as a medical doctor but also highly trained in the fields of psychology, philosophy, engineering and ultimately pedagogy.
The bulk of her firsthand research was undertaken at the beginning of the 20th Century and since then students of the Montessori method have followed her processes to progress the pedagogy as modern research corroborates her findings and practices. Part of this progress has been to extend the principles of Montessori pedagogy to the support and care of adults, including those living with any variety of disability; physical and cognitive.
Montessori pedagogy holds to the belief that education should be an “aid to life” and that the educator should take a humble stance to help the “child do it for themselves”. These two main beliefs transfer seamlessly to the concept of Montessori person-centred care when caring for adults; aiding the natural life of the care recipient and helping them do things for themselves when they can.
Role of Montessori Australia
Montessori Australia is the official national peak body for Montessori practice in Australia. Montessori Australia has long provided training and resources to the aged care and dementia sectors. In 2019, it strengthened its support by establishing the Montessori Adult Care Support Services (MACSS) Focus Group, which expands its reach to adults with a wide variety of cognitive and physical challenges.
MACSS offers:
- Monthly open forums for industry professionals and family caregivers to discuss challenges, share experiences, and explore Montessori-based solutions.
- Support for an updated training program (soon available online) for professional development, equipping caregivers with the skills to transform care environments.
- Support for diverse care settings, including residential aged care facilities (RACFs), adult day centres, and in-home care, whether through full implementation or small adjustments that enhance well-being.
Benefits of the Montessori Approach
Unlike conventional person-centred care—where caregivers often take over tasks, unintentionally reducing autonomy—the Montessori approach enables care recipients to retain their independence and engage in purposeful activities. It acknowledges that, while adults may experience a decline in certain abilities, they remain individuals with thoughts, aspirations, and a need for meaningful contribution.
Key principles include:
· Individualised Treatment – Care is tailored to each person’s unique needs, preferences and goals. Adapting as the capabilities of the person change.
· Focus on Strengths – Activities are designed around what individuals can do, rather than their limitations.
· Tailored Communication & Activities – Adjusting communication methods and activities to suit the individual's cognitive and physical abilities, such as, simplifying language, breaking down tasks into smaller steps, and providing visual cues.
· Creating a Supportive Environment – Designing a safe, structured, and positive environment that enhances independence, self-direction and self-care.
· Involvement of Family Members – Family involvement is key in creating a familiar and reassuring environment, contributing to the person’s sense of stability and belonging.
· Non-Pharmacological Behaviour Management – Reducing reliance on medication by addressing root causes of behavioural symptoms and fostering positive connections.
Implementing the Montessori approach
The Montessori method in adult care is structured around three essential elements:
1. The Caregiver (spiritually prepared)
A caregiver with a mindset to honour the personhood of another will be one who:
· Is self-aware, and humble.
· Sees themselves as an aid to life not a provider of life.
· Enables independence, autonomy, and the dignity of another person.
· Is an objective observer, adapting the environment according to the changing needs of the care recipient.
· When challenging behaviours arise, is able to assess:
o What they may have done to trigger the behaviour.
o What environmental factors may have contributed consider how to make adjust adjustments.
o Whether a medical condition could be influencing behaviour, seeking appropriate intervention if necessary.
2. The Environment (specifically prepared)
A well-designed environment supports autonomy, allowing individuals to:
· Live in an aesthetically pleasing and orderly physical environment that is easily navigated while inviting and making movement easy.
- Continue doing what they can – e.g., dressing themselves, preparing meals, engaging in self-care.
- Relearn lost skills – through guided practice and adaptive tools.
- Participate in meaningful activities – such as:
- Setting tables, polishing cutlery, or arranging flowers for the living space.
- Leading a book club, mentoring younger generations, or volunteering.
- Engaging in Montessori-based exercises to maintain cognitive and motor skills (e.g., using tongs to move objects for hand coordination, buttoning practice for dressing).
- Self-initiate participation – Choosing activities that align with their interests.
- Engage in real community involvement – Running a shop, growing vegetables, preparing meals, or assisting with events.
· Access calming, reflective spaces – Such as a garden alcove, chapel, library or music corner for emotional and spiritual well-being.
3. The Care Recipient (The Individual)
Every person receiving care is recognised as:
- A sentient being with unique experiences, beliefs, and aspirations.
- Someone who has as much to give as they do to receive.
- A valuable member of their community, capable of making meaningful contributions.
- An individual who thrives on a sense of belonging, purpose, and love.
Training & Resources
Implementing the Montessori approach requires a shift in caregiver mindset, transformation of caregivers and existing living environments can be supported through structured training. Montessori Australia offers:
- Free monthly forums via MACSS – A welcoming space for professionals and family caregivers to learn and collaborate.
· A new course in the Montessori Approach to Adult Care – Designed for both professional and family caregivers, this mostly online course offers flexible, self-paced learning with live virtual discussions to support real-world application. (Available soon through Montessori Australia’s affiliated training institute)
· Membership to Montessori Australia for adult care organisations – this carries benefits whereby providers have access to: -
o Montessori training at a reduced rate.
o Pre-recorded workshops at a reduced rate.
o The Montessori Registered program: a program that credentials a provider of care according to Montessori quality standards. These standards are being mapped to the new aged care quality standards.
o Montessori didactic materials at a reduced price.
o Consultancy services at a reduced rate.
o Online discussion forums.
o Live virtual forums.
For Further Information or to speak to someone about our services please email [email protected]
Or contact Liz Ghali at [email protected]