Glimpses of Aged Care through a Montessori Lens

This book contains valuable information not just in thinking about parents and grandparents, but for myself, and I do not consider myself old yet. It is young people who need this information so they can change the system. I have watched a relative over the last eight years develop Alzheimer’s until she can do almost nothing for herself, which puts a huge burden on her loved ones and I know she would not have wanted it that way.It is very scary to think of what might happen to myself and my husband with the lack of understanding and support for elders living with dementia we have here in our country.I was very impressed with the Montessori ideas laid out in this book, especially the consideration of dignity during this period, and after death.

I wish I had read this book before my mother entered a facility, but I’m certainly glad I have read it now. I’m 74 and I hope to be able to stay in my own home and independent for a lot longer, but should the time come that I need to hire a caregiver or move into a assisted living situation myself, I now know thanks to Anne Kelly and Susan Stephenson some very practical and simple ways of making that experience better. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is in a caregiving position currently but also for young adults, who want to prepare themselves for taking care of their elders while those elders can still communicate their wants, needs, and feelings.

An excellent book, easy to read yet it is quite profound. The authors understand the internal world and language of dementia, they speak for a treatment with dignity, kindness and independence. An important read for all of us who reflect on the kind of a society we live in and would like to live in.

Excellent ! I should buy more !

I was flying from Iceland back to Denver after a week of family trip. This book accompanied me throughout the whole flight. I have read many books Susan has written. This one, without a doubt, not just informative but mostly importantly reflective. Prepared environment is such a universal concept in Montessori. It is such a delight to see how the concept is applied to aging and dementia community. It also gave me opportunity to contemplate about my own tradition and how aged people are being treated.This is an easy yet profound read.