In response, East Grampians Health Service has embarked on a new approach to aged care.

The health service has been implementing the Montessori model of care at 70 Lowe Street.

Director of Clinical Services, Peter Armstrong, said the health service is adapting the model to be used in aged care services for residents regardless of their diagnosis or disability.

"This new model of care will provide the framework to fulfil the vision of independence, high self-esteem and a promising future for people living in aged care," he said.

As demand for aged care services increases across the region, Mr Armstrong said the adapted model focuses on individuals' capabilities.

"The Montessori principles connect people to their environment through individualised activities aimed at increasing engagement and the cognitive function of older people," he said.

"Physical changes to the living environment at Lowe Street are designed to provide a more attractive place for people to live and to support the intended outcomes of the project."

Mr Armstrong said the health service will be the first organisation to roll out the model of care across a whole service stream, not confining it to a dementia specific wing.

"It is developing an inclusive, non-judgemental and non-discriminatory community where all residents can benefit from the use of Montessori.

"Meaning and purpose are part of each person's daily routine, including roles and activities. Emphasis is placed on a supportive environment.

"It is also focused on what a person can do, rather than what they can't do.

"It is a person centred approach focusing on the person's capabilities, capturing their interest and showing them respect."

Mr Armstrong said there should be noticeable changes in the behaviour of residents.

"Improvements will be seen in the reduction of mood disorders (depression and anxiety), reduction in the need for pharmacological interventions and greatly improved self-esteem."

To begin the implementation process of the Montessori model, the health service held two training days at 70 Lowe Street.

The training was conducted by Montesssori Ageing Support Services specialist Anne Kelly and attended by nursing, kitchen and cleaning staff. It was held to enable all involved in the new model of care to understand the overall environment and focus of the program.

Mrs Kelly said the Montessori Model could be as simple as every person at the aged care facility wearing a name badge for all staff and residents.

"This would enable conversation to begin without embarrassment for residents who have forgotten names," she said.

"It could also be quite complex as well, where alterations to the physical environment are improved on, so that areas where residents move about in can help and aid their day-to-day activities."

Rural Northwest Health Chief Executive Catherine Morley made a presentation at the heath service and outlined the success they had achieved through adopting the Montessori principles.

Ms Morley said developing the ABLE Model, which has been implemented at Wattle Crescent, the memory support unit and across Yarriambiack Lodge, had resulted in outcomes for all residents and families including improved quality of life and a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

"Our rehabilitation therapy program develops meaningful activities and roles with residents that reflect the residents capabilities, their interests and supports them to feel valued and socially connected to all people that they come into contact with.

"I congratulate the health service on this initiative and their vision for aged care in Ararat," Ms Morley said.

The Montessori model was first developed by Doctor Maria Montessori in 1893 to help children who were perceived to be mentally impaired.

Dr Montessori later realised the model also worked with mainstream children and a connection with older adults living with cognitive and/or physical impairments including dementia was made in 1985.