He’s a gerontologist; she’s a former Montessori teacher and administrator. It was only a matter of time until they merged their talents and developed the Montessori Method for Positive Dementia Care. They use the Montessori Method in cutting-edge ways to support memory function and improve the quality of life in aging populations.
Together they train family members, professional caregivers and medical staff in the use of interventions for persons who have dementia and Alzheimer’s. The Brenners use the Montessori Method as the foundation for their evidence-based memory support program. This program uses the five senses, muscle memory and spiritual engagement to maintain connections for persons with memory loss.
At their numerous speaking engagements over the past few years they were always asked if they had a book detailing their approach. They didn’t. So they finally realized they needed to write one. And here it is. It was just published in February of this year.
For me, one of the most important features of this book is the positive attitude the authors espouse about people with dementia and their caregivers, as illustrated by this passage from the book:
“People with dementia are not the walking dead, being in a relationship with someone who happens to have this condition is not just one long good bye. We have to find a new way to say hello.”
The authors state that oftentimes, when friends and family hear the words “Alzheimer’s and dementia” they react to the news the same way they deal with death. But the Brenners tell us that we are the ones who have to assure them that the dementia journey is not about death, it is about life.
The Brenners share the stories of people living with dementia they have encountered during their years of experience in this field. Even more importantly, they describe in detail the techniques and tools they have developed to help readers stay connected to the people they love.
Tom and Karen also give numerous illuminating examples of how they have used their tools and techniques to reach specific individuals with dementia, even those others have considered unreachable.
This book is a true inspiration to dementia caregivers everywhere. And at their presentations now when they’re asked if they have a book, they say “Yes.” And a marvelous one it is.