The Ridge Pinehurst earns Bronze Montessori certification for memory care

The Ridge Pinehurst has earned a Bronze-Level credential from the Center for Applied Research in Dementia for implementing a Montessori Inspired Lifestyle for residents with memory impairment. The designation puts the Lakewood, Colorado, community among a small number of state senior living communities using the approach and highlights a shift toward more person-centered memory care.

Why it matters: - The Bronze-Level credential recognizes a senior living community built around dignity, independence and purpose for residents living with memory impairment. - The Ridge Pinehurst is one of only two communities in Colorado to earn the certification, making the designation a rare marker in the state. - The Montessori approach is designed to help residents do more for themselves, which can affect daily quality of life, family experience and staff workflow.

What happened: - The Ridge Pinehurst in Lakewood, Colorado, received Bronze-Level certification from the Center for Applied Research in Dementia. - The certification recognizes the community’s Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® for residents with memory impairment. - The announcement was made Aug. 20, 2026. - Staff at The Ridge Pinehurst were trained by CARD guidance to apply Montessori principles of equality, dignity and respect in daily care.

The details: - The Montessori Inspired Lifestyle program was created after Dr. Cameron Camp adapted Dr. Maria Montessori’s principles for older adults with dementia. - The Ridge Pinehurst trained staff to support resident independence by focusing on remaining strengths instead of limitations. - The community uses purposeful activities and meaningful roles to help residents participate and contribute. - Penelope Peery, vice president of clinical services, said the approach is individualized and lets residents choose activities, meals and schedules. - Peery said the model is “wholistic, calming and social.” - Peery said staff and families spend less time on restrictions and more time supporting sensory-based activities and long-term memories. - Bronze-Level organizations are expected to have resident-led committees, multidisciplinary Learning Circles, effective signage and environmental cues, and opportunities for residents to volunteer in purposeful community service activities. - The release says communities that use Montessori principles can see healthier and happier residents, fewer drugs, fewer responsive behaviors, more satisfied families and better staffing and census, citing Witt-Hoblit, Miller, & Camp (2016).

Between the lines: - The certification signals a broader shift in memory care toward environments that are less task-driven and more centered on autonomy and engagement. - The Ridge Pinehurst is using the credential to reinforce a brand identity built around person-centered care and a “Yes, you can” philosophy. - The small number of Colorado communities with this credential suggests the model is still uncommon, which may make it a differentiator for families comparing care options.

What's next: - The Ridge Pinehurst is expected to continue building out its Montessori Inspired Lifestyle practices across daily operations. - The community will likely keep expanding resident-led activities, purposeful roles and environmental supports tied to the Bronze-Level standards. - The Ridge Senior Living is also positioning the certification as part of its broader care model across the Denver and Salt Lake City areas.

The bottom line: - The Ridge Pinehurst has turned a care philosophy into a formal credential, and that could matter to families looking for memory care that emphasizes independence, respect and everyday engagement.