Honoring the journey of those with memory loss.
Our Memory Care associates are trained to use validation therapy as a communication technique, meaning that we relate to our memory care residents by joining them in their reality rather than trying to establish or introduce different facts. We validate residents’ feelings and emotions and approach them from their perspective on their journey with memory loss.
What is validation therapy?
We use validation therapy to better relate to our memory care residents and connect with them wherever they are on their life’s journey. For example, if a resident sees themselves as a 35-year-old working professional, then the caregiver joins the resident in their reality. This is accomplished by accepting the values and beliefs of the resident without confrontation. Trying to reorient a resident to “facts” is often confusing and unsuccessful for the resident. Instead, our caregivers are trained to put themselves in the shoes of the resident in order to validate their feelings and emotions.
How does it work?
For example, a resident does not want to go to dinner as she states she is waiting on her husband to join her. The caregiver knows that her husband is deceased. If the caregiver tells the resident that her husband is not coming because he has died, it can often confuse and confound the resident who may believe that her spouse has just died. This can cause the resident to grieve her loss all over again.
A better approach using validation might be:
Resident: I don’t want to go yet. I am waiting on Charlie to come.
Caregiver: Charlie can’t come to dinner tonight, but I would love it if you joined me for dinner. I would like to hear more about Charlie, he sounds like a wonderful guy.
Resident: Oh yes, he was a wonderful husband! What are we having for dinner?
