The validation technique - with Vicki de Klerk, Executive Director of the Validation Training Institute

The Care & Dementia Podcast

Welcome to the Care and Dementia Podcast! I’m your host, Gemma Clay. Today, we’re diving into a topic that touches the hearts of many caregivers: navigating the daily challenges of supporting a loved one with dementia or cognitive decline.

Caring for someone with dementia can often leave you feeling uncertain, especially when it comes to correcting them during daily activities. This can lead to confusion and distress for both the caregiver and the individual. That’s where the Validation Method comes in—a compassionate approach that invites caregivers to meet those with dementia in their reality, providing empathy and understanding.

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Vicki de Klerk, Executive Director of the Validation Training Institute.

Vicki will share her insights on this transformative technique, which was originally introduced by her mother, Naomi Feil, in the 1970s. Naomi’s pioneering work emphasised stepping into the world of those who are disoriented, recognizing that there is always a reason behind their behaviour.

Vicki has dedicated her career to continuing this legacy, teaching the Validation Method with the same passion that her mother brought to the field over 60 years ago. She’ll not only discuss the principles of validation but also share her personal experiences caring for her own mother as part of a family team.

Find out more about the Validation Training Institute:
Twitter/X: @validationhelps
Linkedin: @ValidationTrainingInstitute
Facebook: ValidationHelps
Web: https://vfvalidation.org/
Find out more about SweetPea Care:
Web: sweetpea.care
Instagram:@care_sweetpea
Twitter/X: @Care_SweetPea
Facebook:@Sweet-Pea-Care
YouTube: @care_sweetpea
Linkedin: @Sweet-Pea-Care