Montessori Approach in Senior Living

Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the Montessori method is an educational approach based on scientific observations. Dr. Montessori’s Method has been time-tested, with over 100 years of success in diverse cultures throughout the world.

The Montessori method is based on respect and dignity to all individuals. Providing a prepared environment that’s conducive to learning and engagement, the Montessori method encourages purposeful work that meets people where they are, providing a sense of community and belonging.

It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the whole person—physical, social, emotional, cognitive.

Dr. Montessori 7 key principles

Amaran has been designed specifically with Dr. Montessori’s seven key principles in mind. In both space and activity opportunities, Amaran aims to create supportive environments that will encourage children of Montessori ONE Academy to engage in activities with residents.

To learn more about these principles, click here.

Movement and Cognition

Learning is optimal through engaging multiple senses including, movement.

Amaran encourages residents to actively engage with the children from Montessori ONE Academy. Multi-purpose spaces promote shared engagement in activities for all generations.

A resident in a movement class at Amaran Senior Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A resident and a boy building a birdhouse at Amaran Senior Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Choice

Learning is most impactful when one has a choice, and when they feel they have control over their learning.

Amaran is committed to cultivating opportunities of choice, lifelong learning, spiritual expression and, physical and mental fitness in a warm forward-thinking resident directed environment.

Interest

A deeper and more meaningful engagement is possible when there is interest. Activities are developed based on individual interests and life experiences of each resident.

Amaran’s person-centered programming is designed to create activities that are based on Residents' interests, wants, and needs providing engaging opportunities that encourage movement, choice, cognition, and social interaction.

Resident and a child gardening at Amaran Senior Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A resident and grandchild reading together at Amaran Senior Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Intrinsic Rewards

Learning from each other is naturally engaging moments with intrinsic rewards.

Intrinsic rewards reinforce positive feelings of satisfaction and contentment in day-to-day activities that support autonomy. This independence is evident when residents are engaged and connected to the community in which they live. Residents are encouraged to learn naturally from one another and from the young people at Montessori ONE Academy. In return, residents will be encouraged to share their knowledge base and skills with children. Amaran’s intergenerational programming fosters intrinsic rewards that resonant on a deeper level and provides a greater sense of pleasure and accomplishment.

Personal Dignity

All activities and interactions are grounded with a deep respect for our residents and personal experiences. We recognize that each person is respected as an inherently valuable member of the human community and as a unique expression of life. We seek to embrace and nurture individuality with dignity and choice.

A resident and a child learning to play the guitar at Amaran Senior Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A resident painting at Amaran Senior Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Hands-On Learning

Spaces are designed to encourage residents to practice life skills by inviting engagement and repetition.

Amaran offers interactive environments in which hands-on learning is encouraged. By using the mind, the body, and the senses, learning becomes an activity that engages the whole self. Amaran’s programming and activity spaces offer a variety of objects and activities for meaningful engagement.

 

Order in the Environment

Montessori believes that all human beings have a tendency toward order.

An environment free of clutter and visual chaos brings peace of mind. Amaran features Montessori designed environments that recognize the internal need for order and helps to establish calm.

A pile of rocks in sand near Amaran Senior Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Amaran, where there are endless opportunities, continual growth, and unending purpose