Stories for Older Adults | Montessori Images

From dementia care expert, Jennifer Brush...

It’s so fun to see the look of enjoyment on the faces of those with dementia as they read these stories from Montessori Images. Stories for Older Adults are engaging short stories with vivid, full-page illustrations. In my opinion, they are MUST HAVE books for those living with dementia.

- Jennifer Brush, M.A., CCC/SLP

For more on reading and dementia see our blog post:

A Meaningful Read-Aloud Experience for Older Adults with Dementia

Stories for Older Adults™

Reading aloud is a preserved ability in dementia and many individuals, even those in the later stage of the disease, enjoy reading to others.
- Jennifer Brush, M.A., CCC/SLP

Stories for Older Adults™ are written with the goal of empowering individuals with dementia to participate in a meaningful shared reading experience.

There are several features to the stories that facilitate reading for those with dementia. The large-print text is predictably on the left side each time, with the full-page, color illustration on the right. The illustrations are simple and uncluttered, and directly support the interpretation of the text. Colors are bold and contrasting for those with low vision. There are pauses throughout the story in the form of short questions to prompt conversation and reflection, and to set a comfortable pace. The size of the book and the weight and type of paper used have been calculated to prompt easy viewing and handling.

Also, our stories incorporate intergenerational themes and characters to bring older adults and younger family members together as reading partners.

Soft cover, durable #80 paper
Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"; 12 pages of text (verso); 12 pages of illustration (recto)

To add new points of interest and extend conversation, Companion Activities are available for each story. These Three-Part Card sets can also be used independently as a reference for storytelling and reminiscing, and to help older adults maintain language skills.

See our blog post: Three-Part Cards for Older Adults to learn more about this beneficial tool for memory care.

Stories for Older Adults™ are written in collaboration with Jennifer Brush, M.A., CCC/SLP, an international speaker, consultant, researcher and author in the area of dementia care. Using the Montessori philosophy, Jennifer is creating environments where people with dementia can flourish. Learn more about her work at www.brushdevelopment.com

Stories Companion Activities/Three-part Cards Show All

A Day on the Wind Seeker

Emma has dreamed of sailing since her childhood. She and her grandfather, Papa Jack, worked hard to restore an old sloop. Now the day has come for a first sail. Will Emma be ready to sail the Wind Seeker?

A Sidewalk Garden

Everyone in the neighborhood has noticed that something is different. Flowers are growing everywhere – even under the city’s “No Planting” sign. But who is planting the seeds? This is the delightful story of a grandmother who loves “the good Earth,” the gardening wisdom she shares with her granddaughter, and the comical antics of her pet dog.

Adventure in a Hot-Air Balloon

“Cookie was always in search of adventure, and Doug was always by her side.” Their latest adventure finds the two sharing an exciting ride aboard a hot-air balloon. Daring moments, a little romance, and a surprise encounter make this a memorable ride.

Meadow Wildflowers

Large-print three-part cards with bold, full-color illustrations of 6 meadow wildflowers. Non-glare lamination for easy viewing.

Garden Vegetables

Large-print three-part cards with bold, full-color illustrations of 10 garden vegetables. Non-glare lamination for easy viewing.

Woodworking Tools

Large-print three-part cards with bold, full-color illustrations of 8 woodworking tools. Non-glare lamination for easy viewing.

Shore and Water Birds

Large-print three-part cards with bold, full-color illustrations of 6 shore and water birds. Non-glare lamination for easy viewing.

Around The Farm

Large-print three-part cards with bold, full-color illustrations of animals, buildings and equipment around the farm. Non-glare lamination for easy viewing.

Backyard Birds

Large-print three-part cards with bold, full-color illustrations of 6 backyard birds. Non-glare lamination for easy viewing.

Classic Cars

Large-print, three-part cards with bold, full-color illustrations of 8 Classic cars from the 50’s and 60’s. Non-glare lamination for easy viewing.

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Suggested Uses

Small group read alouds
A person with dementia can read the story to a small group of peers and present the question at the end of each page for group discussion.
One-on-one reading & conversation
A family member or care partner can read the story aloud to a person with dementia and use the questions to reminisce or inspire discussion.
Intergenerational reading
A person with dementia can read the story with family members, including children, using turn taking to read pages aloud.
Independent reading
A person with dementia can read the story alone, either silently or aloud. Most enjoy reading aloud.