10 past 10

10 past 10 Montessori for Dementia Patients A Book for Family, Friends and Caregivers “My husband was diagnosed with dementia seven years before he died. I was not familiar with the disease at the time, not with the initial symptoms, nor its course, nor its end. I made many mistakes. I could not understand his behaviour. This was not my husband, not the loving partner, friend and considerate comrade I had known. Making arrangements and planning our lives together was no longer possible.” Hella Klein, Montessori teacher and now also Montessori therapist for seniors, found out all she could about this disease as quickly as possible in order to be able to first help her husband and subsequently many other victims of dementia, Alzheimer’s or stroke improve their quality of life and find meaning in it. In her work with patients which she carries out on an honorary basis, she uses not only classic Montessori materials but also everyday objects and home-made materials. Hella Klein’s sensitive and empathetic way of interacting with the seniors allows her to find new methods and ways to motivate them to undertake simple everyday activities, to speak or participate in games. “In 1976, I received my Montessori diploma. Ever since then, I could work only according to the method of Dr. Maria Montessori: treating those I am caring for – children, seniors, the handicapped – with deep respect, love and patience; being there for them, playing and laughing together but also sharing sad times.”