Last Friday morning, I joined a group of eldercare professionals to hear about a “new” technique for communicating with those with dementia. The 3 speakers (one of whom had traveled from Oregon) were incredibly passionate about sharing the wonderful technique with us.
The Validation technique was created by Naomi Feil 30 years ago. It is a tested method of communication with disoriented elderly that helps reduce stress, and enhance dignity and happiness. It’s all about accepting the feelings of another person and reaching out to them with empathy.
There is extensive training for those who wish to become certified. But, in our seminar, we only received an overview. I’ll share what I learned and provide a link to one of Naomi Feil’s books that family members/caregivers may find useful.
Naomi Feil says there are 4 stages in final life. It’s important to understand what stage the person is in to know how to apply the Validation technique.
- Mal-oriented. The person is unhappily oriented to reality.
- Time confused. The person has lost cognitive capability and clock time. He/she is still verbal.
- Repetitive motion. The person uses repetitive motion to replace lost speech.
- Vegetation. The person has retreated inward.
How does the technique work? We were taught 3 key concepts.
- Centering exercise. Before working with a person with dementia, use this centering exercise to prepare. Think of a color and breathe deeply. It really helps you clear your head and be able to focus on the other person.
- Mirror the other person’s facial expression, tone of voice or beat of repetitive motion. They showed us a video of Naomi doing this. It’s quite powerful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrZXz10FcVM
- Use anchored touch and music. We learned about the various touches: touch associated with mother, father, friend, partner or child. For example, if a person with dementia keeps wanting their deceased mother, the ‘mother touch’ could be used. We tried it. As we used the ‘mother touch’ on another person, we looked straight into their eyes and sang “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”. The touch and the music helps the person feel like they did when they were with their mother and helps them feel at peace.
Our presenters shared that when they decided to implement this program at a nursing home that had serious problems, they had to also show benefits, including cost benefits.
- In 2007, the average number of meds per patient was 18. In 2010, the average number was down to 5.
- There was a reduced number of psychotropic meds and number of falls.
- There was a sizeable increase in staff retention and ROI.
- Census is consistently at 100% after implementing Validation.
Their mission is now “to create an environment where moments of joy, independence and wellness are the focus of each and every day.”
The biggest take-away for me was that if this technique is consistently used, no one will have to face the vegetative state.
Here is a book written by Naomi Feil, describing Validation techniques for family caregivers: Validation Techniques for Dementia Care: The Family Caregiver’s Guide to Improving Communication
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OMG is that YouTube video powerful. I’m sitting here just sobbing at the connection that Naomi made with Gladys. Thank you so much for sharing this post. Everyone who works with Alzheimers’ patients should see this. Thank you. God bless Naomi and her fellow professionals.
How great to see a blog about Validation! The assisted living company I work for has been learning, teaching, and implementing the Validation method for over 11 years — with dramatic benefits to residents and staff. We were the first of what is now five Authorized Validation Organizations across the country, using and sharing Validation with senior care professionals and family caregivers. The book mentioned is a tremendous help for family members and friends (and incidentally was written by Naomi Feil’s daughter, Vicki de Klerk, the European Validation Manager.) For information about where you can attend a workshop led by Naomi, or enroll in an in-depth course about practicing Validation, go to the Validation Training Institute website — http://www.vfvalidation.org.
- Steve Klotz, Validation Education Director, Country Meadows Retirement Communities, Hershey PA
Stephen,
Thank you for writing and sharing about your work and company. I have received a lot of interest on my blogpost, so thank you also for sharing the Training Institute website.
I’m fortunate enough to be attending a one-day session here in Indiana led by Naomi Feil on May 12th.
I so hope the training and technique spreads rapidly across our country.
Dale, I am so glad that the workshop was of benefit to you! Jill, Carrie and I are so excited to get the word out about the amazing work of Naomi Feil. You are in for a treat when you see Naomi for yourself on May 12th in Indiana. Thanks to you and all of the others who attended the workshop, for your interest and passion to connect with our elders!
What do you do when the person cannot hear well and was never into music?
What do you do when the person is stuck in a loop, asking the same question over and over. “When did Dad die? Why didn’t anyone tell me?”
How do we break through that? We answer the questions, but it doesn’t matter. They just repeat.
That must be awful frustrating for the person and you.
I am going to be at Validation training on May 12th. I will ask Naomi Feil your questions and get back to you.