SANDY SPRINGS, November 14, 2022—The team at Villa Palazzo has earnest the highest Gold Level credential for their devotion to building a Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® community. The MIL program was created by the Center for Applied Research in Dementia (CARD) after one of its founders, Dr. Cameron Camp, adapted Dr. Maria Montessori’s child development principles for older adults with dementia.

Care Staff Receive Evidence-Based Training

Guided by CARD, Villa Palazzo staff have learned how to implement the Montessori principles of equality, dignity, and respect in their community. Staff are trained to empower residents with memory impairment to be as independent as possible. This is achieved through tapping into each resident’s remaining strengths, designing environments they can thrive, and helping them find purposeful activities and meaningful roles within their community.

“I want to say how proud I am of our team,” said Robert Howell, executive director of Villa Palazzo. “They have worked extremely hard to earn their Gold certification.”

What a Gold Level Certification Means

Gold Level organizations have resident-led committees, multidisciplinary Learning Circles, effective signage and environmental cues, personalization of resident spaces, and many other milestones. In addition, they have demonstrated at least one innovative achievement in applying MIL principles and have attended additional hours of advanced online learning in MIL from CARD, among other exemplary achievements.

Communities effectively using Montessori principles benefit from healthier and happier residents, fewer drugs, fewer responsive behaviors, more satisfied families, and better staffing and census (Witt-Hoblit, Miller, & Camp, 2016).

About Villa Palazzo

Situated on beautifully landscaped grounds in Sandy Springs, Georgia, Villa Palazzo is a senior living residence that is home to two communities: Assisted Living and Memory Care. We believe in enhancing life and wellness with each touchpoint, and we strive to create a warm, friendly environment where seniors can thrive. Contact Chelsea Taylor at ctaylor@villapalazzo.com to schedule a tour of our community.