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I have to take a moment to honor the passing of a pioneer in the field memory caregiving, Naomi Feil, whose groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on compassionate dementia care. Her remarkable approach, Validation Therapy, inspired many to change the way they caregive and it is something we put in practice every day at our residence homes, Marama and the Clear Mind Center.
Understanding Validation Therapy
Validation Therapy is an empathetic approach to communicating with older adults experiencing dementia, designed to validate their feelings, needs, and reality. In essence, it acknowledges and accepts the person’s emotions and thoughts, fostering a connection that transcends the challenges posed by cognitive decline.
Benefits for Older Adults with Dementia
A review of research underscores the positive impact of Validation Therapy on individuals with dementia in behavior and reduced depression. By providing emotional support and acknowledging their reality, this approach can enhance well-being, reduce stress, and promote a sense of dignity and self-worth.
Execution in Dementia Care
In practical terms, Validation Therapy involves actively listening, empathizing, and responding to the emotions expressed by the individual. For example, if a person reminisces about a past event, the caregiver engages in the conversation, validating their feelings rather than correcting inaccuracies. Here’s a great example from Teepa Snow showing how to reflect and validate in conversation.
Strategies Employed in Validation Therapy
Various strategies are employed, such as mirroring the person’s emotions, using soothing tones, and embracing non-verbal communication. These techniques aim to create a safe and trusting environment, fostering a deep connection between the caregiver and the individual with dementia.
Training for Caregivers
While an innate sense of empathy is invaluable, formal training in Validation Therapy can significantly enhance a caregiver’s ability to apply these principles effectively. Understanding the nuances of non-verbal cues, active listening, and validation techniques empowers caregivers to navigate the complexities of dementia care with grace and compassion. The Validation Training Institute is a non-profit that offers online education courses and other free resources.
Validation Therapy at Marama
We use Validation therapy daily at Marama. It’s always best to listen with our ears first and really absorb what the resident is trying to verbalize, sometimes this is expressed more with emotion than words. A resident may be upset because they feel their loved one has not called them in a long time but the reality is they can’t remember they spoke to their loved one that morning. Even though as the caregiver we know they spoke to their loved one, we agree with the emotion and express our concern with agreement. We then propose a solution like “let’s go try and call them now” or “let’s go for a walk and burn off some of that frustration and when we come back inside we can try to give them a call.” We might recommend that we journal every time they speak to their loved one so they can see in their own handwriting that they noted they spoke to their loved one on a specific day. When they can’t remember we refer them to the journal and it helps relieve the upset emotions. Leaders like Naomi Feil and Teepa Snow have provided us with great techniques to use here in our staff training at Marama!
As we reflect on Naomi Feil’s legacy, let us embrace the wisdom she leaves behind and strive to incorporate Validation Therapy into our caregiving practices. By acknowledging the emotions and realities of those we care for, we can create a more compassionate and enriching environment for individuals facing dementia.
Warmly,
Dr. Heather Sandison
P.S. – If you are considering staying or having your loved one stay at Marama or the Clear Mind Center, I encourage you to apply today. Once you submit your application, you’ll be able to have an in-depth conversation with our staff to see if this is the right fit. Because these are low-capacity homes with personalized care, our rooms regularly fill up and it is good to be on our waiting list for when a space becomes available.
P.P.S. – Watch your inbox this week for an exciting announcement regarding my upcoming book, Reversing Alzheimer’s.
