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Validation Makes Us Better Humans
August 16, 2023

Considering the current challenges in senior living staffing, investing in, developing, and retaining the workforce becomes crucial. The senior living…
Validation: Un Percorso Di Condivisione, In Evoluzione
August 16, 2023

Se ripenso a tutto quello che ho indicato, non mi resta che constatare quanto Validation abbia arricchito la mia vita…
Almaya and VTI: Empowering Caregivers Together
August 16, 2023

Almaya, a unique app, is here to help preserve memories and stories securely, today and forever. With more than 500…
Report from Pittsburgh by Vicki de Klerk-Rubin
August 16, 2023

Research shows that using compassion takes only 40 seconds. This particular study blows apart the myth that connecting and communicating…
Validation: A Sharing Path In Development
August 16, 2023

As I look back on all that I have experienced, I can only see how much Validation has enriched my…
Tribut to Hilegard
August 16, 2023

Hildegard´s Weg zur Validation führte über Ihre Tätigkeit als Fachsozialarbieterin Altenarbeit (Berufsbezeichnung in Österreich) in einem Seniorenheim In Lasberg/OÖ. Ihre…
Tribute to Hildegard
August 16, 2023

Hildegard’s path to Validation started when she worked as a social worker for older adults in a retirement home in…
Four Decades of Involvement with Validation
June 15, 2023

My involvement with Validation goes back to the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. As a life-span developmental psychologist, I was…
Validation and Reflexology in Canada
June 15, 2023

I had the privilege of speaking at the RAC International Reflexology Conference in Ottawa, Canada in May where I was…
The Center for Innovation is proud to work alongside the Validation Training Institute
June 7, 2023

The Center for Innovation is proud to work alongside the Validation Training Institute to achieve our mutual goal of creating…
NCCAP and VTI: Partners in Memory Care
May 15, 2023

In 2020, NCCAP (National Certification Council of Activity Professionals) and VTI co-developed a unique, specialized curriculum for Activity Professionals that…
Meridian Senior Living—a Long-Time Partner—Becomes an AVO
April 18, 2023

It gives me great pleasure to announce that after many years of using Validation in our communities we are now…
New AVO in Southern Germany: AVA Demenz gGmbH (Academy for Validation and Dementia)
April 18, 2023

Since March 1, there is a new Authorized Validation Organization (AVO) in Neuffen, about 40 km from Stuttgart: AVA Demenz…
Neue AVO in Süddeutschland: AVA Demenz gGmbH (Akademie für Validation und Demenz)
April 18, 2023

Seit 1. März gibt es in Neuffen, ca. 40 km von Stuttgart entfernt, eine neue autorisierte Validationsorganisation: AVA Demenz gGmbH.
VTI is proud to announce two new partners: Center for Applied Research in Dementia and accessiBe
April 18, 2023

The Center for Applied Research in Dementia (CARD) works with the Montessori method for people living with dementia. Cameron Camp…
東京 品川区 昭和大学認定看護師教育センター
April 18, 2023

私は昭和大学 認定認知症看護師の授業でバリデーションの講義をしました。 参加者は認定認知症看護師の生徒７名 手術部、腎不全３８名 合計４５名の看護師です。  参加者は医療、介護の現場で働いています。 
Session 3: Person-Centered Care Methods – Validation World Congress 2023
March 15, 2023

Montessori Method for People with Dementia: Dr. Cameron Camp explained that the Montessori method not only teaches empathy, mindfulness, common…
Session 2: Caregiver Self-Care – Validation World Congress 2023
March 15, 2023

Hende Bauer, a Dutch Mindfulness Trainer and Psychologist, helps participants find more self-compassion. Caring for others can sometimes be draining.…
Session 1: The Need to Be Useful – Validation World Congress 2023
March 15, 2023

Naomi Feil’s Validation method emphasizes the importance of examining the possible needs of an individual with cognitive change, recognizing that…
Almaya: An app for recording and safekeeping life stories today, and forever.
March 6, 2023

Life is full of precious moments that we wish could last forever, especially when someone we love is struggling with…
How I Started Validation by Naomi Feil
March 6, 2023

In 1956, I was 24 years old, graduated, Cum Laude, specializing in “Psychiatric Group Work” from Columbia University, in New…
The Netflix of dementia care
February 15, 2023

Like a growing number of families and care facilities, you may have heard about Memory Lane TV.  This behavioral intervention…
Prendersi cura degli stati emotivi degli anziani e dei professionisti per garantire il valore del rispetto
January 25, 2023

Author: Silvia Grandi Insegnante Validation® Mentre chiudo la porta di casa cerco di ripercorrere con la mente le azioni che…
Taking care of the emotional wellbeing of elderly people and care workers to protect the value of respect
January 25, 2023

Author: Silvia Grandi  Validation Teacher   As I’m closing the front door I try to retrace the steps of my…
Jenny, her daughter Miriam and Reverend John: How Validation training can help by Naomi Feil
January 13, 2023

 Jenny’s voice trembled: “Reverend John, I’m at my wits end.  That man with the hairy chest watches me all the…
How do we keep the happy moments? An app for caregivers and their loved ones.
April 20, 2022

By Santina Piazzese Spratte, Research and Product Strategist at Almaya In life, and more so when a relative is experiencing…
An Example of How the Validation Method supports Compassion Touch®
February 1, 2022

Compassionate Touch was initially created in 1991 out of the experience of massage therapist Dawn Nelson. She became aware of…
20 Years of Being an Authorized Validation Organization- A Love Story
December 4, 2021

This year the “Authorized Center for Validation, Diakonissen Speyer” turned 20 years old. This means that my colleagues and I…
The Broad Impact of Basic Human Skills
November 18, 2021

The first time I heard about Validation, I did not automatically understand what was meant with that word. I thought…
Validation in My Life
October 26, 2021

Being a son of Naomi Feil, it’s not a surprise that I was raised with older adults always in my…
Is Your Community Truly ‘Person-Centered’?
September 27, 2021

Many residential care and memory care communities for older adults say that they work in a ‘person-centered’ way. But how…
Maintaining Pedagogic Excellence in Family Carer Training Using Online Learning
August 9, 2021

Validation is a way of connecting and communicating with older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. While the…
Time to Say Goodbye
July 21, 2021

Have you heard of The Human Library (HLO)? This nonprofit organization was created by a Dane named Ronni Abergel in…
You Can’t Change Others, Only Yourself!
July 19, 2021

One of the things I’ve learned from psychologists and from life experience – I can’t change other people no matter…
The Value of Storytelling
July 9, 2021

I recently read a most instructive opinion article in the New York Times called, “We Need to Process What We’ve…
Separation Anxiety
June 20, 2021

I read recently that there is a sharp rise in demand for services by pet trainers to help COVID puppies…
Validation Strengthens Personal Relationships
June 14, 2021

Throughout my life, I have always enjoyed the company of older people. I’ve enjoyed learning about their lives and history…
Going with the Flow
June 5, 2021

Do you start your day with a little less bounce in your step and coast along half concentrating through the…
Family Heirlooms
May 24, 2021

Those of us who have downsized in the last few years have a shared experience: we had been holding on…
Reflections on How to Reconnect after being Apart
May 17, 2021

After over a year of experiencing the isolation and separation that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, for many families and…
Looking Back and Forward
May 10, 2021

I am sitting at my home computer creating my 35th  blog for the Validation Training Institute and noting that it…
Compassionate Care
April 26, 2021

If you can, read an excellent article written by journalist Katie Engelhart for the February 21, 2020 edition of The…
Combating Social Isolation with Help from Validation
April 19, 2021

As the global coronavirus pandemic unfolded over the past year, each passing month meant more time isolated from family and…
Living With Purpose
April 12, 2021

I was recently stunned to see a CDC finding cited in a Washington Post article that 4 out of 10…
Get Some Sleep!
March 26, 2021

Some of you have been on high alert caring for others during a full year of pandemic worries. You have…
Connecting Heart to Heart with Older Adults
March 22, 2021

In the fall of 1997, I read about Validation  for the first time in a “Basics of Gerontology” course. I…
Human Being as a Verb
March 15, 2021

Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., offers this insight in her 1994 book entitled Kitchen Table Wisdom: “ ‘Human Being’ is more…
Pet Therapy
March 1, 2021

So many people have sought emotional support during the pandemic. Many are living alone or sheltering in place with children…
What Does it Mean to ‘Validate’ Someone?
February 23, 2021

To validate, according to dictionary.com, means to confirm or substantiate; documents can be validated by a stamp, emotions can be…
Family Sharing
February 14, 2021

A few months ago I wrote about the value of intergenerational activities and mentioned an anecdote about a young teen…
Getting in Sync
February 1, 2021

I read a short article in the NY Times Magazine  November 29, 2020 by Malia Wollan called “How to Get…
Brain Games
January 18, 2021

January is here. The snow is falling while the virus is still rising. More of us are confined largely to…
Life Transitions
January 2, 2021

In the United States we have been transfixed by a sitting President who refuses to accept the results of an…
The Importance of Truth
December 5, 2020

Wherever you live today, you cannot escape online disinformation and trolling. Such efforts to persuade and provoke are based on…
Giving Thanks
November 22, 2020

We are beginning the season of Thanksgiving, which may be bitter sweet for many people this year. The toll of…
Intergenerational Connections
November 8, 2020

During this summer we had the opportunity to drive six hours each way to spend time with our daughter, son-in-law,…
Carpe Diem!
October 24, 2020

I am writing this blog on a Tuesday in mid-October. Outside my window the trees are full of vibrant colors…
Innovative Learning and Growth
October 10, 2020

One thing we have learned from this current pandemic is there are many ways to learn and grow. While some…
The Power of Listening
September 26, 2020

Sometimes we feel like no one is really listening to us; no one is taking our concerns seriously. Ask any…
Awkward Situations
September 13, 2020

All of us have experienced the discomfort and embarrassment caused by socially awkward situations. You run into your old boyfriend…
Cancel Cultures
August 30, 2020

If you are like me and my family, you have experienced repeatedly the disappointment associated with cancelling big events, travel…
New Blood Test Breakthrough to Diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease
August 24, 2020

I read recently about a new low cost blood test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease which could be available for clinical…
Being In the Moment
August 3, 2020

The phrase “in the moment” is thrown around in many different contexts and elicits opposing reactions from me.  I hear…
Today’s Dilemmas
July 20, 2020

Every day we are faced with new dilemmas imposed on us by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even what seemed like simple…
Back to School
July 13, 2020

Although I am writing this blog in late June and much of the summer still lies ahead, a great deal…
Wishing and Hoping
July 6, 2020

Where is the first place you wish you could go when it is safe to do so? What do you…
Traveling In Place
June 28, 2020

Like many of you, I look back with disappointment at  the canceled trips we had planned to take in the…
The Wanderer
June 21, 2020

I recently followed a long thread of comments on a Facebook neighborhood group about a turtle found wandering along a…
Developing Empathy
June 15, 2020

The words “empathy,” “compassion,” and “sympathy” are often used interchangeably, but are they the same? Yes and no. Empathy is…
Growing Agitation
June 8, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed many other evils in the world, much like the mythical box which Pandora opened. Some…
Self-Care for Caregivers
May 31, 2020

There are millions of adult caregivers in the world who dedicate much of their time and strength to others. Whether…
What Is Next For Validation?
May 25, 2020

Like all non-profit organizations, the Validation Training Institute has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and challenged in many…
Moving Forward Slowly and with Hope
May 17, 2020

The world news is dominated by a huge dilemma: When will it be safe to reopen the stricken economy? Denmark…
The Inspiring Work of Everyday Heroes
May 8, 2020

We are surrounded by heroes every day, ordinary people doing extraordinary work to help others, especially now in the midst…
The Importance of Time and Place
April 29, 2020

The ability to discern time and place is a bedrock of civilized life, anchoring us to reality. When we say:…
Faith and Validation
April 23, 2020

I hear the word “ faith” used around me more than ever these days: “I don’t have faith in our…
Validation as a Unifying Force
April 16, 2020

I have been thinking how different cultural norms affect societal behavior as the world is trying to cope with the …
Insights from VTI President Fran Bulloff
April 10, 2020

It is April 10 and Good Friday for those who practice Catholicism; Passover for the Jewish people. It is a…
Tips from VTI for caregivers of people living with dementia
March 31, 2020

At this strange time, filled with great difficulties for many people, it’s important to remember CENTERING Centering will help you…
Reflections of Gratitude
December 31, 2019

As I look back at 2019, I am amazed by all the new developments and the incredible work put in…
Fall Fundraiser 2019 – 12 Days of Giving with Purpose
November 27, 2019

Today, the Validation Training Institute is kicking off its 2019 Fall Fundraiser! This year our theme is “12 Days of…
Meet New VTI Board Member Molly Balunek
October 29, 2019

Editor’s Note: The VTI would not be where it is today without the support of our hardworking supporters who contribute…
A Book and a Publication out of Italy
September 27, 2019

Il 4 e 5 aprile 2019 Cinzia Siviero, del gruppo AGAPE AVO, e le colleghe Rita D’Alfonso e Manuela Graziani,…
VTI prides itself on having Platinum level transparency
August 30, 2019

Last month, the Validation Training Institute earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. VTI is proud to have earned…
Together We Can Make a Difference!
June 28, 2019

From an early age as I used to visit family members who lived in nursing homes, I got the sense…
Announcing the launch of our newly designed Validation Training Institute (VTI) website: June 3rd
June 3, 2019

We are so proud of the collaboration between the design team, Twig Interactive, and VTI staff in creating a website…
Free Beginning Validation Support Group
May 21, 2019

We are happy to announce the formation of a free Beginning Validation Support Group for people who have attended a…
Validation with Middle School Students
April 30, 2019

Editor’s Note: This month Scott Averill, CEO of Brookside Retirement Center and Certified Group Practitioner, is our guest blogger. He…
Spotlight on Supporter Susan Goldstein
March 29, 2019

Editor’s Note: The VTI would not be where it is today without the support of our hardworking supporters who contribute…
Appropriate Touch
January 29, 2019

by Naomi Feil Case One Non-verbal behavior or body language: Jessie H. sits upright in her wheelchair. Her bright blue…
#GivingTuesday Opportunity: Validation Fundraiser 2018
November 27, 2018

We are excited to announce our Reconnect with Older Adults with Dignity and Purpose fundraising campaign.  Starting today on #GivingTuesday…
Are people ‘suffering’ from Alzheimer’s disease’?
November 2, 2018

As a psycho-geriatric nurse specialized in working with people who have #Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, I constantly hear the…
New AVO in Japan
November 2, 2018

New AVO in Japan By Vicki de Klerk-Rubin The editor wishes to thank the Japan AVO for generously submitting the…
Meet VTI Board Member Steve Klotz, CVM
October 30, 2018

Editor’s Note: The Validation Training Institute (VTI) Board is comprised of 12 people. The VTI would not be where it…
VTI’s SWOT Analysis
September 28, 2018

The VTI Board is made up of volunteers who love and support the Validation method and Naomi Feil, its founder.…
Casa San Giorgio Awarded the Validation Certificate of Quality by VTI.
June 29, 2018

Validation was first introduced in 2004 by one of the great pioneers in Validation, Maria Grossenbacher. Since then, certification courses…
“What Should We Do With Jack?”
May 29, 2018

Editor’s note: I’d like to thank Naomi Feil, M.S.W., A.C.S.W., the developer of Validation for writing this months blog. If…
The Power of Empathy
April 27, 2018

By Vicki de Klerk-Rubin I knock on Mrs. Fowler’s apartment door, knowing that she hates me. Well, not me but…
Exemplary Care for People with Dementia
March 30, 2018

The Geriatric Unit in the Evangelical Hospital in Bad Dürkheim (Germany) is the first hospital geriatric unit to receive a…
Meet New Board Members Rudolf and Mariska
February 27, 2018

Editor’s Note: The Validation Training Institute (VTI) Board is comprised of 12 people. The VTI would not be where it…
Exemplary Care for People with Dementia
January 30, 2018

The Geriatric Unit in the Evangelical Hospital in Bad Dürkheim (Germany) is the first hospital geriatric unit to receive a…
A Validation Story – A Peaceful Death
December 29, 2017

Editor’s note: Thanks to Jackie Schoenbaum, CVW for sharing her touching story with us and giving us permission to post…
Fall Fundraising Campaign
November 24, 2017

We are delighted to announce the Validation Training Institute’s fall fundraising campaign! The Validation Training Institute (VTI) was founded in…
Charles de Vilmorin is Passionate About Elders and Validation
September 26, 2017

Editor’s Note: The Validation Training Institute (VTI) Board is comprised of 10 people. The VTI would not be where it…
‘Just shoot me!’ – A Validation Method Short Story
August 22, 2017

Editor’s Note: The following short story was submitted to VTI by Scott Averill, CEO and co-owner of three Kansas-based older…
VTI Launching Monthly (Free) Online Support Group for Beginning Validators
July 25, 2017

The Validation Training Institute will start a free Beginning Validation support group in September. This group will provide support to…
Dear VTI Supporters: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
June 5, 2017

“When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree.” – Vietnamese Proverb What a lovely quote, beautiful…
For VTI, Filmmaking Partnership a Critical Part of Success
May 9, 2017

The long-standing professional partnership between VTI founder Naomi Feil and her husband, retired filmmaker Ed Feil, has led to a…
On the Road with the Validation Method
April 11, 2017

Editor’s Note: This month, we hear from two familiar voices: VTI Executive Director Vicki de Klerk-Rubin and her mother, Validation…
Validation an Important Piece of Company’s Unique Approach to Older Adult Care
March 30, 2017

CEO: ‘I truly don’t think I would be working in the field of long-term care…if I had not run across…
VTI Assembling Worldwide Validation Speakers List
March 9, 2017

The nonprofit invites Validation Presenters and Teachers who have maintained continuing education and supervision requirements to join the new list,…
Q&A with New Validation Support Group Leader
February 16, 2017

Editor’s Note: The Validation Training Institute (VTI) will offer a free, monthly online “Validation Support Group” that starts on Feb.…
VTI Launching Monthly (Free) Online Validation Support Group
February 8, 2017

Validation Teacher Olga Lavault is partnering with VTI to offer a monthly support group for Validation practitioners worldwide. Are you…
Board President an Important Part of VTI’s Story
January 5, 2017

For more than 20 years, VTI President Fran Bulloff has contributed a wide variety of professional skills coupled with lots…
Meridian Senior Living: ‘We know Validation Works and We’ve Seen it Change Lives’
December 10, 2016

Older adult care company provides critical support for VTI’s recent ‘I Validate to Connect’ campaign, including a $2,500 donation and…
Tech Company Partners with Validation Training Institute
November 17, 2016

IEQ Technology in Springfield, Ore., steps up to help VTI with technology services. Editor’s note: The Validation Training Institute (VTI)…
Thank You for Supporting ‘I Validate to Connect’!
October 28, 2016

The 2016 “I Validate to Connect” campaign officially ended on Oct. 15. This was VTI’s first fundraising/advocacy campaign, and a…
#IValidate2Connect: Will You Help Us Reach $5,000 Today?
October 14, 2016

DONATE TODAY AT: https://www.generosity.com/medical-fundraising/2016-i-validate-to-connect-campaign–2/x/13057744 Validation makes a difference. Just ask G. Michael Leader, CEO of Country Meadows Retirement Communities. Meridian Senior…
Big News: Your Donation Will Double!
October 5, 2016

The Validation Training Institute will end its first “I Validate to Connect” (#IValidate2Connect) campaign in a little more than 10 days on…
Caregivers: Act Now to Win a Presentation with Naomi Feil!
September 28, 2016

There are just two days left to participate in our “Caregiver Chew & Chat Week,” which started Saturday and runs until this…
‘I Validate to Connect’ Campaign Gets Rollin’; Chew & Chat Week Kicks Off
September 22, 2016

The “I Validate to Connect”(#IValidate2Connect) campaign launched last week, and we are off to a wonderful start thanks to our generous…
Getting to Know…Validation Presenter Stacey Hand
September 16, 2016

UPDATE (Sept. 26, 2016): The ‘Worker’ course mentioned in this article has been re-scheduled from Oct. 3 to a date to…
Validation Training Institute Launches First Fundraising Campaign
September 15, 2016

The ‘I Validate to Connect’ campaign seeks to raise $20,000 to support caregivers and older adults with various forms of…
Caregiver Chew & Chat Week Coming Soon!
September 13, 2016

The Validation Training Institute’s first “Caregiver Chew & Chat Week” runs from Sept. 24-30, 2016. The week is one of…
Getting to Know…Validation Teacher Eric Portnoff
September 9, 2016

UPDATE (Sept. 26, 2016): The ‘Worker’ course mentioned in this article has been re-scheduled from Oct. 3 to a date to…
Special Offer: Free Validation “Teaser” Course this Month
September 7, 2016

If you’ve been considering Validation certification but were not sure what to expect, the Validation Training Institute’s (VTI) free “teaser”…
Validation Continues Growth in China with Historic Milestone
August 11, 2016

The Validation Training Institute (VTI) recently celebrated an historic and important first: the certification of Validation workers in China. (L-R) LUO…
Fall Workshop Presents Opportunity to Promote Validation in Nation’s Capitol
August 4, 2016

Validation Training Institute (VTI) Founder Naomi Feil and VTI Executive Director Vicki de Klerk will present an exclusive workshop in…
A French First: Care Center Earns VTI Certificate of Quality
July 6, 2016

The Validation Training Institute recently named a care center for older adults in Western France as the country’s first recipient…
Stay tuned for updates!
June 7, 2016

Welcome to the Validation Training Institute blog, and thanks for visiting. This may be the only posting for a little…

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