Validation therapy

The validation is both a method and an attitude in dealing with people with dementia, which is to be found especially in the elderly, but also in social work.

Methodology

Validation or Validation is an appreciative attitude that has been developed for monitoring and care of people with dementia. It is based in particular on the basic attitudes of the client-centered leadership of Carl Rogers, and has the goal of the behavior of people with dementia as valid for them to accept ( " validate ").

The method of validation itself was developed by Naomi Feil. It assumes that old disoriented people strive even work up the unfinished business of their lives. The users of the validation according to filings make it their mission to help people. Nicole Richard changed from the method of validation and calls its method Integrative Validation. Their approach does not consider it as a task to accompany people with dementia in the " unfinished business " but to accept them in their current existence and their current feelings and accompany. The changes are being accepted due to organic brain disease and the current conditions. The validation takes place in fields of elderly care in geriatrics, palliative care and geriatric psychiatry their place. Gerontology is concerned among other things with the research of the effects validating intercourse.

In the more recent development is moving away from you committing to one or the other approach, the method has also found expression in other gerontopsychiatric concepts such as Maieutics. Although still efficacy studies are lacking, is also recommended by the scientific side of which apply " Validate" as helpful dealing in particular with dementia changed people with challenging behavior, such as those developed by the German Federal Ministry of Health by an expert group " frame recommendations for handling challenging behavior in people with dementia in nursing homes " show.

Principles of validation according to Feil

Apply here as the 10 Principles of Validation:

  • All people are unique and must be treated as individuals.
  • All people are valuable, no matter to what extent they are confused.
  • There is a reason for the behavior of confused, very old people.
  • Behavior in very old age is not only a consequence of anatomical changes in the brain, but the result of a combination of physical, social and psychological changes that have taken place over the course of a life.
  • Very old people can not force them to change their behavior. A man changes his behavior only if he wants it.
  • Very old people have to accept without judging them.
  • At every stage of life include specific tasks. If you do not create these challenges in each stage of life, which can lead to mental health problems.
  • If short-term memory becomes low, try older adults to bring their lives back into balance, by resorting to past memories. If the prescription wears off, they see with the " mind's eye ". If their hearing diminishes more and more, they hear sounds from the past.
  • Painful feelings that are expressed, acknowledged and validated by a trusted caregiver, become weaker. Painful feelings that are ignored and suppressed, become stronger.
  • Empathy / compassion leads to confidence, reduces anxiety and provides the dignity restored.

Training

Training of validation according to Feil found in the purpose by the European Validation Association, a European umbrella organization dedicated to the dissemination of method authorized institutions instead. It includes four levels build on each other: user, group leader, teacher and master. The training is free of charge, the term validation is copyrighted.

Criticism

The method of validation according to Feil is accused of a lack of theoretical foundation. So far there is not enough evidence from randomized studies that allow a statement on the effectiveness of validation. Also at the business acumen and the self- representational occurrence Feils there was criticism.

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