The National Center for Montessori and Aging (NCMA)
The National Center for Montessori and Aging (NCMA) supports families, caregivers, and professionals navigating aging, dementia, and memory care through education, training, and community programs.
Founded in 2017, NCMA was created to explore how Montessori principles, respect for the individual, purposeful activity, and thoughtfully prepared environments, can improve quality of life for older adults and the families who support them.
Located within The Wellness Studio at Montessori Living in Kensington, Maryland, NCMA brings together caregivers, professionals, families, and community members seeking new ways to support aging with dignity, connection, and purpose.
NCMA helps caregivers and families discover practical ways to support independence, engagement, and well-being for older adults while building stronger communities across generations.
Supporting Caregivers and Families
Many families today are navigating the complex responsibilities of caring for aging parents or loved ones experiencing memory changes, Alzheimer’s disease, or other forms of dementia.
NCMA offers practical education and support for caregivers, including:
Dementia caregiver training
Montessori-based approaches to memory care
Longevity and social health coaching
Community discussions and educational events
Intergenerational programming
These programs help families create environments that support independence, engagement, and quality of life for older adults.
Supporting Individuals Living With Dementia
Millions of families today are caring for loved ones experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. NCMA programs help caregivers understand how thoughtful communication, meaningful activity, and supportive environments can improve daily life for individuals living with memory changes.
By focusing on strengths, dignity, and engagement, Montessori-inspired approaches help caregivers support individuals living with dementia while maintaining a sense of identity, autonomy, and purpose.
Why Social Connection Matters
Research increasingly shows that social health is one of the strongest predictors of longevity and well-being.
Strong relationships and meaningful engagement can improve:
Cognitive health
Emotional resilience
Cardiovascular health
Overall well-being
Many adults today experience limited opportunities for meaningful social connection outside of family and work. NCMA programs help individuals and communities intentionally cultivate connection, purpose, and belonging across generations.
Montessori and Aging
Originally developed as an educational method for children, the Montessori approach is now widely recognized as a powerful framework for supporting older adults, particularly those living with dementia.
Montessori-based approaches are increasingly used in dementia care communities and caregiving programs because they focus on strengths, engagement, and dignity rather than limitations.
Key principles include:
Person-centered care that respects each individual
Prepared environments that promote independence and accessibility
Purposeful activities that engage memory and ability
Choice and autonomy in daily life
These principles help individuals remain active participants in their communities for as long as possible.
Programs and Learning Opportunities
NCMA offers educational programs for family caregivers, professionals, and community members who want to better understand aging, dementia, and longevity.
Programs include:
Montessori Longevity Coaching
Workshops exploring social health, aging well, and meaningful engagement.
Dementia Caregiver Education
Practical training for families supporting loved ones with cognitive changes.
Community Conversations and Events
Programs bringing together caregivers, educators, and community leaders.
Many programs are hosted in person at Montessori Living in Kensington, Maryland, serving families throughout the Washington DC region, with additional online learning opportunities available.
A Community for Lifelong Well-Being
The National Center for Montessori and Aging is part of the broader vision of Montessori Living, an intergenerational community dedicated to learning, living, and longevity.
Here, children, adults, and elders share spaces that foster curiosity, connection, and mutual care.
By supporting both caregivers and older adults, NCMA helps build communities where people of every age can thrive.
Dementia Capable Certification Course
NCMA offers a free 8-hour online certification course introducing caregivers and professionals to Montessori-based approaches to dementia care.
Participants will learn practical strategies for:
communicating effectively with individuals living with dementia
supporting independence and engagement
creating environments that reduce confusion and anxiety
building meaningful daily routines
The course was developed by NCMA in collaboration with dementia care specialist Carol Hartmann.
Registration is free.
Learn More About Upcoming Programs
NCMA regularly hosts workshops, caregiver training sessions, and community events designed to support healthy aging, dementia care education, and caregiver well-being.
Explore upcoming programs and gatherings at Montessori Living.