Validation Method Offers Significant Benefits to People With Alzheimer's Disease and Their CaregiversAlzheimer's Association Until recently, it was common for most caregivers to try to stop the person with Alzheimer's disease who constantly pounds his hand into his fist or to correct the individual who insists that it's 1939 and Roosevelt is president. But, two experts reported today at World Alzheimer Congress 2000 that there are significant benefits to allowing these types of behaviors to continue and instead, looking to them as methods of communication. Referred to as the "validation method," this concept, which was pioneered by Naomi Feil, M.S.W., A.C.S.W. more than 20 years ago, is experiencing a surge in popularity across the country.  According to Rita Altman, RN, of Country Meadows Retirement Communities in Hershey, Pa., traditionally caregivers attempted to redirect or distract unconventional behavior. "It was much easier to put a Band-Aid on the problem," said Altman. "In the past, if a person repeatedly asked to see his mother who has been deceased for thirty years, we may have tried to change the subject or tell him that his mother is running an errand and will be back soon. But, everyone has an inner wisdom. Even those in advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease know when someone is lying to them," she explained. "Through validation, Feil has taught us that the caregiver might instead encourage the person with Alzheimer's disease to talk about his mother. By listening and interacting with empathy, the caregiver can validate the person's feelings and help him express the feelings he may be having trouble communicating," Altman said. The validation method links behaviors with unmet human needs. "All human beings have three basic needs: to express themselves, to be loved or feel secure and the need to be productive or useful. People with Alzheimer's disease often must look to untraditional means to express and fulfill these needs. The man who constantly pounds his fists into his hand may have been a successful carpenter earlier in life. Validation helps us understand that he is reliving that work behavior and finding a purpose," said Altman. "Validation can be a useful communications tool for family caregivers and health care professionals alike," said Sam Fazio, director of education and training for the Alzheimer's Association (U.S.A.). "When done correctly and with compassion, this method can be a very positive and rewarding experience for all involved." According to Altman, there are significant benefits to both caregivers and patients through the use of validation. People with whom the validation method is used: - Display more social controls For caregivers, the validation method helps reduce frustration and burnout, and in healthcare facilities, there has been a decrease in employee turnover rate when validation therapy is utilized.
For more information, or to contact Alzheimer's Association, see their website at: www.alz.org |
 |
Email Article To A Friend |  |
Link to us! |
