We currently have people in Spain, Switzerland and Mexico participating in the AMI MDA programme. One of the main requirements to participate is extensive aged care experience. Montessori for Dementia and Ageing is firstly based on best dementia practice, and it is upon this that Montessori is then built. There is often a misunderstanding that Montessori teachers or guides can just move into working with elderly people and those living with dementia. Compare that to me, as an aged care Montessorian, going into a classroom. I would have no idea about what is required in a Montessori classroom, just like a Montessori guide or teacher would have little knowledge of what is required in an aged care community. The prepared environment for example is totally different in aged care as to the prepared environment in a classroom.
![Montessori for Dementia and Ageing Trainer Anne Kelly](https://montessori-ami.org/sites/default/files/images/questions/mda-trainer.jpg)