The Validation Breakthrough: Simple Techniques for Communicating with People with Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

Validation is a practical way of communicating with and managing problem behavior in older adults with Alzheimer's-type dementia. It helps reduce stress, enhance dignity, and increase happiness. Since its inception in 1989, Validation has helped thousands of professional and family caregivers improve their relationships with residents and loved ones with dementia. Caregivers who use these techniques validate older adults' expressed feelings, rather than focusing on disorientation and confusion. In this Anniversary Edition of The Validation Breakthrough, you'll learn how to re-create relationships between confused older adults and their caregivers. be caring and non-judgmental understand and handle challenging behaviors interpret non-verbal cues in a way that promotes communication implement Validation in your own care setting through the experiences of Authorized Validation Organizations around the world The Validation method is easy to learn and positive results can be seen in both caregivers and residents. Residents express less anger and anxiety, decreasing the need for chemical and physical restraints. Residents communicate more and exhibit an increased sense of humor Residents often move better and experience an improved sense of self-worth. Staff members express a greater sense of fulfillment at work and feel better prepared for handling difficult situations. Staff members demonstrate a higher level of camaraderie Families visit more often. The Validation Breakthrough is an essential resource for all settings providing dementia care including assisted living facilities, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, home health care, adult day services, family care settings, and more. Join the 10,000+ agencies in over 16 countries that are successfully implementing Validation in their organizations and start changing how you care for individuals with dementia today.

Naomi Feil, M.S.W., A.C.S.W., is the Executive Director of the Validation Training Institute, in Cleveland, Ohio. She is the creator of Validation, currently recognized throughout the world as a state-of-the-art therapy for older people diagnosed as having Alzheimerâ??s dementia or related disorders. Ms. Feil earned her masterâ??s degree of social work from Columbia University and studied at the New School for Social Research, Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Michigan. In 1963, she became dissatisfied with traditional therapies for older people with dementia and began to develop her own methods for helping older people cope with the disorientation that is sometimes part of the aging process. In addition to her earlier book on Validation, Ms. Feil has published numerous journal articles and has produced nine award-winning films on Validation. The first edition of The Validation Breakthrough: Simple Techniques for Communicating with People with â??Alzheimerâ??s Type Dementiaâ? has sold 40,000 copies. She is internationally recognized for her work with older people and is one of the most sought-after trainers in the field. More than 30,000 facilities in the United States of America, Canada, Europe, and Australia have adopted Validation, and nearly 90,000 professional and family caregivers have attended her workshops in North America, Australia, and Europe. There are 16 Validation centers that teach Validation certification courses in 11 countries. In Switzerland, every agency that serves older people uses Validation.