Naomi Feil, a social worker for the elderly, developed her own methods for caring, assisting and supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease. She developed Validation Therapy in the 1960s and 1970s, this therapy focuses on empathy and listening. Learn more about how to incorporate these caregiving techniques which show you how to listen and understand their feelings, making them feel acknowledged and supported.
Example Scenario: Mrs. Smith frequently expresses wanting to go home even though she is already in her own home.
Validation Therapy approach: Rather than insisting that Mrs. Smith is already home, you could acknowledge her feelings and reassure her that you understand her desire to go home. You might say, “It sounds like you’re missing your old home. It must have been a special place for you. What do you remember most about it?”
