Is Using Validation for Dementia Calming or Condescending?

People with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia often come to live in an altered reality that doesn’t mesh with ours. As an older adult’s memory loss and cognitive impairment worsen, they may struggle to maintain their senses of time and place. The disease process within the brain may even result in hallucinations and/or delusions that do not make any sense to us. However, the person’s perceptions are very real to them and can be downright frightening at times.

Dealing with this stark contrast can be frustrating for family caregivers and older adults alike, but there are ways of coping. Determining what is behind a loved one’s feelings and joining them in their world is often the kindest, most respectful way to handle the beliefs and perceptions that their broken brain creates.

Reality orientation vs. validation: Sadly, this is a tough concept to absorb. Most people initially react to off-the-wall remarks by repeatedly refuting or correcting dementia patients. Years ago, this approach called “reality orientation” was widely accepted, but the problem is that a person’s cognitive abilities, such as rational thinking and short-term memory, must still be somewhat intact for reorientation to be successful. Otherwise, they aren’t capable of understanding and/or retaining facts about their surroundings.

Continue reading about the value of validating older adults or others living with dementia:

Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.   “I hold onto your book as a life preserver and am reading it slowly on purpose…I don’t want it to end.” …Craig William Dayton, Film Composer

Discover the Difference. EGOSAN: The premium incontinence brand caregivers love  –  Now Available on Amazon.