Kendal~Crosslands Communities provides high-quality healthcare services and programs rooted in core values. These values create an environment where residents and staff feel like they are among friends and foster a sense of belonging and support. When the Crosslands Health Center embarked on a journey to enhance the dementia care offerings for residents, the Naomi Feil Validation method immediately became the pathway to embody their values.
Crosslands’ journey began with Jeri Iacono, Director of Life Enrichment at Crosslands, researching and investigating Validation as the preferred method to care for residents with cognitive challenges. Collaborating with the Validation Training Institute (VTI) for guidance and information to move forward, she methodically knew Crosslands would need a Validation instructor to teach classes, do presentations, and be the liaison between the community and the Validation Institute. In February of 2022, a Validation Master came to Crosslands and provided two days of presentations for the Health Services staff. The presentations were to educate staff about Validation and seek potential students interested in becoming certified as Validation workers. In April 2022, the first class for Validation Certified Workers began. In 2023, a second class was held, and the Life Enrichment team took a second class to become certified as Validation Group Practitioners and Certified Validation Workers. Starting in 2024, Cathy Emig, Crosslands Health Center Administrator, and Jeri worked with Vicki de Klerk-Rubin, the Executive Director of VTI, to take next steps and to research possibilities for Crosslands to advance their journey and become an Authorized Validation Organization or AVO. In November, Crosslands became an AVO , joining 28 other organizations in 14 countries.
Jeri has embraced the lead in coordinating the educational efforts for staff members, residents, and families. She furthered her certifications as a Validation Presenter and Teacher. She will be able to teach and certify staff and other potential students. The Crosslands’ third class for staff will start in January 2025; additional presentations and support groups will be forthcoming. Crosslands now has ten Certified Validation Workers and three Certified Group Leaders. It is gratifying to witness staff and families learning more about Validation and discovering they are better equipped to communicate and have enhanced relationships with residents. The Life Enrichment Department provides group validation sessions where residents have a venue to express their thoughts, be themselves, and enjoy each other’s company with purpose and meaning.
As a leader in caring for older adults, Kendal~Crosslands Communities is dedicated to innovation and creativity in delivering services, and the Validation method is one way the Crosslands team embodies our values. Validation fosters a more compassionate environment for residents, proactively supports and empowers them to stay connected to the drivers of meaning and purpose in their lives, enhances their well-being, and improves the caregiving experience.