Preface / by Vicki de Klerk-Rubin -- Prologue. Florence Trew 1872-1963 : "I died" / by Naomi Feil -- Aging, development, and Alzheimer's disease -- The concept and techniques of validation -- Using validation with people who are mostly oriented in phase one -- Using validation with people who are in phase two -- Using validation with people who are in phase three -- Using validation with people who are in phase four -- Using validation with young-old people living with Alzheimer's disease -- Who benefits from validation? -- How validation differs from other methods used with old-old people -- Communicating with people who are mostly oriented in phase one -- Communicating with people who are living in a personal reality -- Communicating with people who express themselves mostly through movements and sounds -- Communicating with disoriented people living in the community -- Validating family members -- Group validation -- Case studies from different care settings

"Validation is a successful way of communicating with older adults with Alzheimer's-type dementia and responding to their challenging behaviors. The Validation method helps reduce stress, enhance dignity, and increase happiness for both the elder and the caregiver. Since its inception in 1989, Validation has helped thousands of professional and family caregivers improve their relationships with residents and loved ones with dementia by acknowledging older adults' expressed feelings rather than focusing on disorientation and confusion. Professionals learn how to: build relationships with residents based on empathy and compassion; understand and deal with challenging behaviors ; interpret nonverbal cues to promote better communication; and implement Validation in your own care setting through the experiences shared by Authorized Validation Organizations around the world. The Validation method is easy to learn, and positive results can be seen in both residents and caregivers. Residents express less anger and anxiety, decreasing the need for chemical and physical restraints. Residents communicate more freely and more often. Residents often move better and experience an improved sense of self-worth. Staff members express a greater sense of fulfillment at work and feel better prepared for handling difficult situations. Families visit more often. The Validation Breakthrough is an essential resource for professionals in all settings serving adults who may be confused and disoriented, including assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, home health care, adult day services, and family care settings"--