Izkušnje zaposlenih z uporabo metode montessori pri delu s starejšimi in osebami z demenco v domu starejših občanov: študija primera

Introduction: A client-centered approach contributes to a  higher quality of life of the elderly and people with dementia in care homes, and to the well-being of caregivers in the workplace. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of caregivers working with the elderly and people with dementia with the Montessori Method in care homes.Methods: A case study was conducted in a care home where the Montessori Method is used. Data were obtained with face-to-face semi-structured interviews with eleven employees. Content analysis was used for data analysis.Results: Four categories were identified: (1) the substantive and organizational aspects of the Montessori Method in the treatment of the elderly and persons with dementia; (2) cooperation between employees, residents and relatives; (3) employees' personal development; (4) significance of education for adults. The results have revealed a link between all the categories regarding the experiences of caregivers in the treatment of the elderly and people with dementia.Discussion and conclusion: The results of the case study contribute new knowledge about the application of the Montessori Method in care homes. Caregivers' experiences have revealed that the use of the Montessori Method contributes to a better understanding of the importance of cooperation and education, and consequently also caregivers' personal development. In practice, a systematic implementation of the Montessori Method in the work with the elderly and people with dementia with an emphasis on education that is the basis of practical work, is recommended. Further research of the experiences of caregivers should be conducted and the search for the possibilities of the implementation of the Method in other care homes should be undertaken.