Presbyterian Senior Living’s Quincy Village, Waynesboro, PA, is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking three-year initiative beginning in 2026 to expand and enhance care for residents living with dementia through a strategic partnership with the Montessori Dementia Program and the Center for Applied Research in Dementia (CARD).
This transformative initiative is made possible through the generous financial support of anonymous donors who reside at Quincy Village. Their commitments ensure the program’s full implementation over the three-year period. This collaboration reflects Quincy Village’s deep commitment to innovative, person-centered care that supports independence, dignity, and meaningful engagement for individuals affected by cognitive change.
Having lost a parent to dementia and being deeply engaged in providing support and person-centered care throughout many years of cognitive decline, I can attest to the importance of having available guidance and useful tools to help ease the arduous journey for the individual with dementia and their care partners. I am hopeful that what is achieved from the Montessori Dementia Program will serve to improve the lives of those struggling with dementia at Quincy Village and throughout Presbyterian Senior Living so that everyone involved may enjoy a more comfortable, less stressful, dignified and fulfilling life experience.
ANONYMOUS DONOR
A vision rooted in purpose and research
Memory Care at Parker House, part of Quincy Village’s assisted living neighborhood, has long embraced a “small house” concept designed to create a homelike environment where residents can age in place with comfort and connection. To further support residents living with dementia and their care partners, Presbyterian Senior Living undertook a thoughtful and deliberate evaluation of dementia care models to ensure alignment with the unique needs of residents and team members. After careful consideration, Quincy Village selected the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle®.
What the Montessori Approach Brings to Dementia Care
The Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® is an evidence-based model that applies the core principles of the Montessori philosophy to dementia care, shifting the focus from deficits to strengths. Residents are supported so they can continue to be active participants in their daily lives through purposeful roles, have choice-based activities, and thrive in environments designed to promote success. Rather than asking individuals to adapt to care routines, the model adapts care to the individual. Research has demonstrated that Montessori-based dementia practices can increase meaningful engagement, improve mood, and enhance overall quality of life — benefits that extend not only to residents, but also to their care partners.
A Collaborative Three-Year Implementation Plan
Beginning in 2026, the partnership with CARD and the Montessori Dementia Program will unfold through a structured three-year implementation plan at Quincy Village.
Key components of the initiative include:
- Comprehensive training and ongoing coaching for Quincy Village care partners to integrate Montessori principles into daily care practices
- Intentional environmental design and activity development that promote resident choice, engagement, and independence
- Ongoing evaluation and mentorship through collaboration with CARD experts to ensure sustainability and continuous improvement
- A culture shift in dementia care, embedding person-centered, strengths-based practices throughout daily life
This phased and supported approach ensures that team members feel confident and empowered while residents experience meaningful, lasting benefits.
Transforming Care for Lasting Impact
The adoption of the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® represents more than a program — it reflects a transformational shift in culture and care philosophy. With the support of anonymous donors and the expertise of nationally recognized dementia care leaders, Quincy Village is setting a new standard for dementia care within Presbyterian Senior Living. If you would like to support programs like this at Quincy Village or your community, donate to the Health and Well-Being Across the Continuum Fund.
Living with a spouse that has dementia, I feel this will be a valuable program for older adults with dementia. Hopefully, if started early in their dementia journey, this program may slow the disease’s progress and even improve their lifestyle. I firmly believe in supporting the efforts that Quincy Village is making to this end. -
ANONYMOUS DONOR
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