Naomi Feil Alzhheimers Dementia Tips

Caring for someone with dementia is emotionally taxing. It's very difficult to watch a loved one lose his sense of self and his memories. Many people in this situation find themselves letting their loved one slip away and withdraw from the world. After years of working with the elderly, Naomi Feil developed methods for communicating and caring for older patients with dementia that helps them participate more fully in their lives and care. Her method is called the Validation method and it is based on a few simple principles.

Finding Resolution

• Older people with dementia sometimes say and do things that on the surface may seem strange. They might make accusations that are unfounded or search for people who have long been dead or wander outside.
  According to the Naomi Feil method of Validation, it's important for caregivers to recognize that these seemingly bizarre actions are usually an effort to resolve past issues. With that understanding, caregivers can react with patience and empathy rather than being dismissive.

Listening Without Judgment

• Once Validation caregivers understand that a patient or loved one is working through difficult past issues or emotions, they can begin to listen to the person without judgment. Rather than being made uncomfortable by a patient's strange behaviors, the Validation method teaches caregivers to help the patient explore the source of those behaviors.
  Validation caregivers treat each patient with respect and dignity and as a unique individual with an important past and a meaningful life. They don't lose sight of the humanity that is often masked by dementia.

Asking Deeper Questions

• The Validation caregiver asks questions that help the patient explore the deeper meaning behind strange behaviors. For example, if a loved one suffering from dementia accuses you of refusing to feed her, rather than becoming defensive, try asking questions like "Was there a time when you felt hungry?" or "Do you always feeling starved?" or "What would help you feel full?"
  These questions help the person experience the emotions behind her accusation without feeling judged or shut down. By letting her experience the emotions, you help the intensity of the emotions to subside and that may help bring about resolution to those powerful emotions.