Practicing Validation Training Institute Principles in Northwest Louisiana
By: Paulette Freeman, Executive Director, The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center
It is an honor to announce a partnership between The Bridge Alzheimer’s Dementia Resource Center (The Bridge) and the Validation Training Institute (VTI) while we are also announcing The Bridge’s 4th Annual Education Conference on Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Eric Portnoff, Certified Validation Teacher (CVT) is our distinguished keynote speaker for this year’s education conference. This is the fourth consecutive year that we have brought in a Certified Validation Teacher to our conference.
Through this new and unique partnership between our two organizations, we will share each other’s stories, news, and social media posts to raise awareness about each other’s organizations and the importance of Validation Training. Our goal is to highlight the profound impact of VTI techniques and the essential philosophy of “Connecting Heart to Heart with Older Adults.”
It may be interesting to know how The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA, became associated with the international teachings of VTI founder, Naomi Feil. How did Shreveport become a training ground for Validation Training?
Shreveport, Louisiana is perched on the banks of the historic Red River. Situated in what is considered Northwest Louisiana (NWLA) are 9 parishes, with Shreveport being the largest metropolitan area by population. In this small geographic area of the state, 7 of the 9 parishes have Alzheimer’s prevalence rates higher than the state average of 12.4%. Nationwide the average is 10.9%. (Source: Dhana et al., Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 2023.
For several years, Shreveport resident, Stacey Hand, a Certified Validation Teacher since 2018, has been instrumental in promoting Validation techniques within the Northwest Louisiana community. Her unwavering dedication to this training has helped establish The Bridge as a critical resource in the region. Hand has demonstrated that utilizing Validation Training as a communication tool can significantly strengthen relationships and create meaningful connections with individuals living with dementia. The techniques have been found to reduce stress, anxiety, and aggression. By embracing the concept of “playing detective” in order to learn more about those we care for, we can genuinely engage with them on a more personal level.
At our inaugural conference in 2021, the principles of Validation Training were first introduced by Hand. She shared more Validation applications for dementia care at our conference in 2022 and continues to do so through other numerous educational opportunities we provide. We were privileged to host VTI’s communication director and Certified Validation Teacher, Nancy Brown, as our keynote speaker in 2023. Brown made the journey from Jerusalem, Israel to Shreveport to provide a hands-on approach with Validation training. This year, we eagerly look forward to learning from Portnoff, who will come from Monterey, California.
The conference aims to equip family members, caregivers, and professionals with engagement and empowerment tools to support individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. By fostering meaningful interactions, we hope to alleviate the negative impacts of social isolation for both caregivers and those they care for. For more information about our conference scheduled for Friday, November 8, 2024, in Shreveport, please visit our website at www.alzbridge.org.
Recently, five staff members of The Bridge completed the Beginning Validation course offered by VTI. The diverse backgrounds, education, and experiences of these individuals have led to insightful discussions, empowering each of us to approach our roles—whether as an intern or executive director—with a new perspective on caring for older adults, especially those with cognitive challenges, using Validation training. Notably, three of our board members engaged in the course, reflecting our commitment to fostering knowledge at all organizational levels.
While I reflect on my personal experience caring for my father, who was diagnosed with dementia over 20 years ago, I recognize the importance of the knowledge that VTI offers. At that time, I lacked the proper resources and guidance needed to navigate the difficult challenges of dementia care. The lessons learned from VTI could have transformed those days of frustration and misunderstanding into opportunities for connection and honor. With our partnership with VTI, The Bridge can ensure that individuals in Northwest Louisiana benefit from this invaluable training.
More About The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center: The mission of The Bridge is to provide resources, education, and support services for those individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, including their caregivers and family members, and to create community awareness. Our programs encompass a wide range of services, including monthly educational workshops for caregivers, art and music activities for individuals with dementia, caregiver support groups, a resource directory, memory screenings, individual and family counseling, community forums, grandchildren workshops, and training for healthcare professionals and first responders—all provided free of charge. Recently, we launched a grief support group for those who have lost a family member or friend to dementia.
Our vision is “Creating a community where no one affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia makes the journey alone.”
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center is dedicated to maintaining local support; all funds raised are invested back into the Northwest Louisiana community. Together with VTI, we are confident that we can foster greater awareness and cultivate a supportive environment for individuals affected by dementia.