Mary Ann Morse at Heritage Adult Social Day Program

Mary Ann Morse at Heritage Memory Care Team Achieves ICCDP Certification in Montessori Method Applied to DementiaSpecialized skills advance person-centered Alzheimers and dementia careFramingham, MA (November 6, 2025) Mary Ann Morse at Heritage is proud to announce that the caregiving team in its Homestead Memory Care program has achieved official certification for the Montessori Method Applied to Dementia. This certification, awarded by the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (ICCDP), highlights the team's expertise and dedication to providing compassionate, person-centered memory care.This prestigious distinction places Mary Ann Morse at Heritage among a select group of senior living communities committed to enriching the lives of residents through innovative, evidence-based care.The certification highlights the organizations unwavering commitment to honoring each residents individuality, fostering autonomy, and enhancing quality of life through innovative, research-driven approaches for individuals living with Alzheimers disease and other dementias.Montessori-based dementia care draws from the Montessori educational philosophy, emphasizing respect for the individual, fostering independence, and nurturing a supportive environment. These principles translate seamlessly into memory care, focusing on residents strengths, meaningful engagement, and dignity.By earning this certification, we reaffirm our mission to deliver personalized, exceptional care for our residents, says Lisa Kubiak, President & CEO, Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp. This milestone highlights our dedication to creating an environment where every individual can live authentically and purposefully.How Montessori-Based Memory Care WorksThe Montessori approach to dementia care centers on structured, supportive environments that encourage independence and meaningful interaction. Adapted to meet the unique needs of individuals with cognitive impairments, this method builds on parallels between dementia care and Montessori principles, such as addressing communication challenges and emotional needs.Among the key features of Montessori-based dementia care are strategies that promote independence through clear navigation tools and manageable task steps, reducing frustration and fostering autonomy. Multisensory activities and reality orientation evoke memories, provide emotional grounding, and help maintain routine and identity. Familiar tasks, respectful caregiving, and social interaction foster purpose, belonging, and community, essential for emotional and cognitive well-being.Emerging research underscores the benefits of this approach, including improved memory recall, reduced agitation, enhanced motor skills, increased positive behaviors, and better eating habits. These outcomes are achieved through structured routines, meaningful activities, and dining interventions that support engagement and self-feeding.Highly Trained StaffThe Homestead Memory Care Program staff are certified in Montessori methods for dementia care, ensuring personalized and structured approaches tailored to residents abilities. Training from organizations like the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (ICCDP) equips caregivers to foster environments of dignity and purpose.We are thrilled to achieve this milestone and bring the added benefits of the Montessori Method Applied to Dementia to our residents and their families, adds Brian Kelly, Executive Director. This accreditation reflects our mission to set the standard for exceptional memory care in our community.About Mary Ann Morse at HeritageMary Ann Morse at Heritage is a premier senior living community in Framingham, MA, offering traditional assisted living, memory care, and mental health assisted living programs within a safe and secure campus.Mary Ann Morse at Heritage is part of Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp., a trusted resource for senior living and healthcare in the MetroWest region for over 30 years. The organizations continuum of care includes Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center, Natick, offering short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, memory care, respite care, and hospice services; and Mary Ann Morse Home Care, providing 24/7 Medicare-certified home health and personal in-home care throughout 19 MetroWest communities. As a nonprofit, Mary Ann Morse Healthcare is dedicated to empowering seniors to live their best lives and embrace healthy aging at every stage of their journey. For more information about the Homestead Memory Care Program and the Montessori Method Applied to Dementia or to schedule a tour, please visit www.maryannmorse.org, or contact Ken Demeo at 508-665-5317 or via email at [email protected]. ###