Using Montessori methods to improve care for veterans with dementia and serious mental illness
Official title: Montessori Approaches in Person-Centered Care (MAP-VA): An Effectiveness-Implementation Trial in Community Living Centers
Funded at Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr · NIH-11006239 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping veterans in community centers by teaching staff special techniques to better care for those with dementia and mental health challenges, making their daily lives more comfortable and enjoyable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tuscaloosa, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2021 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003093-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006239 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans residing in community living centers who are experiencing dementia or serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not veterans or those who do not reside in community living centers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the quality of care for veterans living in community centers by training staff in Montessori approaches. These methods aim to address challenging behaviors associated with dementia and serious mental illnesses, such as agitation and aggression, through non-pharmacological interventions. The study involves developing a toolkit for staff that empowers them to implement person-centered care strategies effectively. By improving staff training and care delivery, the research seeks to enhance the overall well-being of veterans in these facilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved quality of life and reduced distress for veterans with dementia and serious mental illness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that non-pharmacological interventions can effectively improve care outcomes in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr
Tuscaloosa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hilgeman, Michelle M. — Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr
- Study coordinator: Hilgeman, Michelle M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.