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DOI: 10.1177/1471301207085370 © 2008 SAGE Publications Montessori programming for persons with dementia in the group settingAn analysis of engagement and affectVirginia Tech University, USA, sjarrott{at}vt.edu
Maccabi Health Services, Israel, gozali_t{at}mac.org.il
California State University at San Marcos, USA, c.gigliotti{at}ucsd.edu Implementing meaningful activities for persons with dementia reduces boredom, agitation, and negative affect. Previous research demonstrated that Montessori activities, modified for persons with dementia, facilitate positive engagement and affect. We conducted activities in small parallel group settings to support social interactions and reflect typical staff-to-client ratios in institutional activity settings. The amount and type of engagement and affect were compared during Montessori-based activities and regularly scheduled activities of 10 older adults with dementia at an adult day program. Participants exhibited more constructive engagement and less non-engagement during Montessori-activities compared to regular activities. Affect did not differ between the activity conditions. We conclude with a discussion of research and practice methodology modifications.
Key Words: activities affect engagement person-centered care recreation
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