[Updated: April 25, 2025 | Published: April 25, 2025]
When someone you love is living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you’re looking for a community where they can feel engaged, valued and at home.
At Rowan House Memory Care, we’ve built a community where each person is encouraged to make meaningful choices, stay connected, and enjoy a life filled with purpose.
We’re proud to share that Rowan House has achieved a significant milestone: the Gold Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® credential — the highest honor awarded by the Center for Applied Research in Dementia. This certification recognizes Rowan House as a leader in evidence-based care for older adults with cognitive impairments.
“The gold level credentialing is a true testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of our entire team,” said Chief Operating Officer Jessica Rieker. “It has been nothing shy of rewarding to witness the commitment to providing compassionate, person-centered care and staying at the forefront of memory care support.”
But what is Montessori-Inspired memory care, and what does this award mean for your family?
What Is Montessori-Inspired Memory Care?
Montessori memory care is more than a philosophy. It’s a way of life that helps people with dementia feel engaged, respected, and empowered every day.
Initially developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the Montessori method helps children thrive through choice, structure and engagement. Dr. Cameron Camp, Director of Research and Development at the Center for Applied Research in Dementia, recognized the potential of Montessori principles to benefit individuals with memory loss. He adapted these principles to create the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle®, a dementia-care model that encourages engagement, choice, and meaningful activity — all proven to enhance quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.
A Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® Credentialed Community, like Rowan House, is a place where:
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Residents actively shape their daily experience — they choose how to spend their time.
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Staff receive in-depth training to understand the whole person, not just each Resident’s diagnosis.
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The environment is designed to reduce stress, promote memory and encourage independence.
More than just programming, Montessori-Inspired care creates a culture of mutual respect between residents, staff and families. At Rowan House, residents:
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Participate in community decision-making.
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Engage in meaningful, therapeutic programs like art, music and gardening.
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Build friendships, support one another and stay socially connected.
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Enjoy purposeful visits with loved ones in welcoming, home-like settings.
Montessori-Inspired care creates a community where every individual is seen, heard and empowered — regardless of where they are on their cognitive journey.
Why Gold Certification Matters
The Gold Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® credential isn’t just a status symbol — it’s a demonstration of leadership, innovation and integrity in memory care.
To earn this highest level of certification, Rowan House exceeded industry standards by embedding Montessori principles into every part of daily life — from team communication and training to meaningful, Resident-led innovation. That meant:
- Meeting all criteria for Bronze (team communication and engagement) and Silver (responsive behavior training and coaching).
- Hosting a formal, half-day credentialing visit with evaluators from the Center for Applied Research in Dementia.
- Developing a detailed sustainability plan to ensure that Montessori principles remain embedded in daily practice across all levels of care.
Rowan House also fulfilled a key requirement unique to Gold certification — the Resident-led innovation milestone, known as a Gold Project. In this initiative, residents identify a cause or program that matters to them, then work with staff to bring it to life.
Today, Gold-certified communities hold international recognition, with certification valid for two years. Families can feel confident knowing they’ve chosen a community held to the highest standards of excellence.
A Focus on Welcoming Practices
To earn the Gold Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® credential, Rowan House completed a special Resident-led initiative called the Gold Award Project, which focused on Household Welcoming Practices.
Over nearly two years, our team worked closely with Residents and their families to create thoughtful, consistent ways of welcoming anyone who enters Rowan House. These simple but powerful routines help Residents feel confident, comfortable and connected — whether they are greeting a neighbor, a family member or a visitor.
The project included conversations with family members, during which our team learned about each Resident’s life story, favorite activities and meaningful relationships. These personal details helped shape warm, familiar gestures of hospitality that reflect who our Residents are and what matters most to them.
We also took a close look at the physical environment to make sure it feels calm, inviting and easy to navigate. This included:
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Clear, easy-to-read signs and helpful memory cues.
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Comfortable furniture arranged to encourage gathering and conversation.
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Soothing music and familiar household scents to create a sense of home.
At Rowan House, these welcoming practices are more than just routines — they’re part of how we help each person feel seen, respected and at home.
What Makes Rowan House Unique?
Rowan House was purposefully designed with Montessori-Inspired care in mind — creating a secure, stimulating and nurturing place for those living with dementia. Here’s what sets it apart:
A Calming, Supportive Environment
- 26 private studio apartments grouped into small neighborhoods.
- Tranquil sensory spaces, circadian lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Circular walking paths to support freedom of movement.
- A private therapeutic garden that’s part of our Friendship in Bloom horticulture program.
Personalized, Purposeful Engagement
- Montessori-based enrichment programs including art, music therapy and memory exercises.
- Opportunities to contribute, connect and find joy in everyday moments.
- Intergenerational activities that bring together residents and young people.
- Emphasis on choice, routine and meaningful connection.
This approach supports cognitive health, emotional well-being and a life filled with dignity and meaning.
What Montessori-Inspired Care Means for You and Your Loved One
Choosing a memory care community is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. With Montessori-Inspired memory care at Rowan House, your loved one will be:
- Supported by staff trained in evidence-based dementia care.
- Welcomed into a community that promotes independence and engagement.
- Surrounded by comfort, beauty and warmth in a thoughtfully designed space.
And you’ll have peace of mind, knowing their days are filled with purpose and connection.
If you’re exploring memory care options in Columbus or Dublin, Ohio, we invite you to learn more about Rowan House at Friendship Village of Dublin. Our Montessori-Inspired approach and Gold-level certification reflect a deep commitment to serving your family with integrity and heart.
Contact us today at 614-734-2105 or click the button below to schedule a tour.
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