In May 2025, the first care community in the world was awarded AMI Montessori for Dementia, Disability and Ageing (MDDA) Global Accreditation. It was inspiring to experience a model that so closely followed the MDDA standards.

Day Service Poppy is a day service for people living with dementia, located in Hamura City, Tokyo, Japan.  Poppy operates 6 days per week with each day providing care and support for 12 people living with dementia. The day centre is next to a Montessori school and this enables daily connections between the children and the elders.  Intergenerational activities and experiences bring pleasure to both young and old. Witnessing an older person and a child working happily together on a puzzle was such a beautiful example of intergenerational activity.

The clients at Poppy are transported to and from the centre by staff or family.  A person can attend 2-3 times a week if needed.  Personal care can be provided if required with this being a much-needed intervention when family are unable to achieve bathing at home or when people live alone.

Whilst at the centre, the elders engage in a range of Montessori activities ranging from those activities that maintain fine motor skills to activities that bring pleasure such as colouring, puzzles or matching activities. The elders also participate in meal preparation and other daily chores such as ironing, sweeping, gardening.

Many of the staff working at Poppy have completed the AMI MDDA certification. There is a registered nurse who administers any medication and liaises with other care services and family.  A daily journal is provided to family to inform them of activities their loved one has been engaged in during the day. Any concerns are also raised which enable early interventions for changed behaviours or physical abilities.

Poppy's commitment to the MDDA Principles was obvious.  They have been able to apply the MDDA Montessori Principles to create a prepared environment that supports independence, meaningful engagement and choice.  The clients attending the centre were relaxed and happy, evidence of a centre that honours, respects and acknowledges the clients who attend.

Being the first Care Community to be accredited under the AMI Global Accreditation Program, Poppy has set a high standard for future care communities applying for accreditation.