I recently co-presented at the California Assisted Living Association (CALA) conference in Palm Springs, California, which was held November 6 – 8, 2023.
The conference session: Artful Empathy – Enhancing Care Through Validation and Creative Expression demonstrated how combining Validation and Art can be an effective way for adults living with memory loss to communicate thoughts and feelings that have been suppressed and can replace words that might not be expressed otherwise. Artwork is an effective tool in facilitating the healing process by allowing emotions to be conveyed, creating opportunities for empathic dialogue and care using Validation techniques.
The California Assisted Living Association (CALA) conference audience is comprised of senior-level staff and corporate leadership from Assisted Living, Memory Care and CCRC providers throughout the state. This audience included small independent operated communities to large corporate organizations, representing providers that specialize in caring for residents with dementia.
Krissy Wuerdeman is the Founder and Managing Director of That Place You Know, LLC a social adult day program in New Hampshire that specializes in a holistic approach to memory care. She is a Certified Validation Teacher, Dementia Practitioner, and Montessori Dementia Care Professional. She believes every person has a unique story to tell that leads them back to a place of unconditional acceptance without fear. Krissy has hosted several local art exhibitions featuring art created by her clients that raises community awareness and de-stigmatizes adults living with memory loss. In addition to her program’s work with clients, she teaches Validation workshops and leads caregiver retreats that focus on empathy and respect to build trusting relationships with adults living with memory loss using the Validation Method.