European
Validation Association
European
Validation Association
1. What is the difference between "Feil-Validation" and "Integrative Validation"?
History
Feil: Began by Naomi Feil in the mid-1970's. First published in 1982.
IV: Developed by Nicole Richard in the mid-1990's. Ms Richard did not study or train with Mrs. Feil, nor was she trained in Validation.
Population
Feil: Specific for 'disoriented very old people', often diagnosed
with Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type or late-onset Alzheimer's.
Differentiates 4 phases of resolution: Maloriented, Time Confused, Repetitive
Motion and Vegetation.
IV: Not specified for any particular population outside of 'demented patients'.
Theory
Feil: Validation theory builds upon Erikson's developmental life tasks. Feil developed a final life stage which she calls "Resolution versus Vegetation". Feil says that disoriented very old people are trying to resolve unfinished issues before they die, in order to die in peace.
IV: IV is partially built upon Validation theory however does not agree with the Resolution stage. It is primarily interested in helping caregivers find an easier way to communicate with demented patients.
Method
Feil: Uses specific verbal and non-verbal techniques that are
appropriate to each phase of resolution. The caregiver must validate according
to the needs of the client, to explore the personal reality of the client.
One must first center, observe the client and find the appropriate distance. Non-verbal
techniques include: mirroring, using music, dancing, matching the emotion with
emotion, ambiguity, linking the behavior to the underlying need and specific
types of touching. Verbal techniques include: asking open questions, re-phrasing,
use the preferred sense, ask the extreme, imagine the opposite and reminiscing.
Validation can be practiced both individually and in groups. Group Validation
consists of a group leader and 4-8 disoriented elderly who meet once a week for
approximately one hour. There is a set agenda, group members have roles and a
fixed seating order.
IV: Begins a 'session' by orienting on the feelings that lie behind the disoriented behavior. Techniques include: repeating the feelings behind the behavior, describe the situation with your own words, speak to the individual, using his or her name and if possible make a statement about his or her history that supports the feelings that are being expressed, use sayings or mottos to describe the emotional situation of the client. One makes statements rather than asks questions. An additional technique is mirroring the movements.
Attitude of caregiver
Feil: The caregiver strives to have respect, be non-judgmental and have empathy with the disoriented elderly.
IV: The caregiver strives to be non-judgmental and accepting of demented elderly.
2. Why does learning Validation take so long?
Validation Worker certification requires a minimum of 6 months of documented practice. The course is built to support this practical learning. Validation is a practical method, meaning it is more important to be able to practice it, than to know or understand the theory. Most people who study Validation need to make significant changes in the way they treat older people. This requires a change of behavior and a change in the way one automatically reacts. Any new, learned behavior must be practiced until it is fully integrated and becomes an automatic response. This is what takes time. We have found that most people need about 6 months of consistent practice to do this. Some people need more time and others, less.
3. Is Validation a therapy?
The word therapy has different meanings in different countries and languages. Validation is not a therapy in the sense that it does not heal the client or 'make them better'. In Validation, the person is accepted just as he or she is in the moment. In some cultures the word 'therapy' is used more freely and is associated with any method that has benefits for the 'user'. Validation was begun in the United States where this is true and for many years Validation was known as a 'therapy'. In Europe we prefer to use the title, Validation method, because it fits better with the culture.
4. Couldn't it be, that Validation Workers push feelings by using open questions?
If the Validation Worker is not experienced and falls into the mistake of using open questions like therapy or an interview, clients could feel pushed. However, experienced and trained Validation Workers never push or dig in any way. When using empathy as a starting point, open questions are simply a way of inviting the other person to express what they wish to express.
5. Why is Validation a method for very old persons with DAT and not for young persons with DAT?
With Validation, we try to help disoriented very old people to express unfinished life tasks, unfulfilled needs and unexpressed emotions. Disoriented very old people are in their last stage of life and often feel the need to express things that were never expressed earlier in life. Younger persons with some form of dementia are not necessarily in this last stage of life and the need to express old issues and emotions may not be pressing. While Validation will not hurt them and in fact may be quite pleasant, younger people will not gain the full benefits of Validation. Validation Workers will need to adapt the goals of Validation in order to work with younger people with dementia.
6. What do I need to become a Validation Worker (e.g. nurse, family care member)?
Students of Validation do not need any sort of medical or paramedical training. What is needed is genuine interest in very old people, openness for new experiences and the willingness to develop yourself.
7. Do you organize a place to practice Validation during Training?
The European Validation Association does not organize a place for students to practice during training. Some Authorized Validation Organizations (AVOs) who offer Validation training courses do help students to find a place to practice. Most students who are not already working with disoriented elderly, easily find a place to practice.
8. Does the certification Validation Worker qualify like any similar profession?
Validation certification is recognized by some organizations in Europe and by some governments as an added level of skill. It is not comparable to a nursing degree of any kind. It is a worthwhile addition to both professionals and laymen who wish to communicate better with disoriented elderly.
© EVA