Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does learning Validation take so long?

Validation Worker certification requires a minimum of 6 months of documented practice. The course is built to support this practical learning. Validation is a practical method, meaning it is more important to be able to practice it, than to know or understand the theory. Most people who study Validation need to make significant changes in the way they treat older people. This requires a change of behavior and a change in the way one automatically reacts. Any new, learned behavior must be practiced until it is fully integrated and becomes an automatic response. This is what takes time. We have found that most people need about 6 months of consistent practice to do this. Some people need more time and others, less.

2. Is Validation a therapy?

The word therapy has different meanings in different countries and languages. Validation is NOT a therapy in the sense that it does not heal the client or 'make them better'. In Validation, the person is accepted just as he or she is in the moment. In some cultures the word 'therapy' is used more freely and is associated with any method that has benefits for the 'user'. Validation was begun in the United States and for many years Validation was known as a 'therapy'. We prefer to use the title, Validation method.

3. Couldn't it be that Validation Workers push feelings by using open questions?

If the Validation Worker is not experienced and falls into the mistake of using open questions like therapy or an interview, clients could feel pushed. However, experienced and trained Validation Workers never push or dig in any way. When using empathy as a starting point, open questions are simply a way of inviting the other person to express what they wish to express.

4. Why is Validation a method for very old persons with Dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, and not for young persons with early onset Alzheimer’s?

With Validation, we try to help disoriented very old people to express unfinished life tasks, unfulfilled needs and unexpressed emotions. Disoriented very old people are in their last stage of life and often feel the need to express things that were never expressed earlier in life. Younger persons with some form of dementia are not necessarily in this last stage of life and the need to express old issues and emotions may not be pressing. While Validation will not hurt them and in fact may be quite pleasant, younger people will not gain the full benefits of Validation. Validation Workers will need to adapt the goals of Validation in order to work with younger people with dementia.

5. What educational or medical background do I need to become a Validation Worker (e.g. nurse, family care member)?

Students of Validation do not need any sort of medical or paramedical training. What is needed is genuine interest in very old people, openness for new experiences and the willingness to develop yourself.

6. Do you organize a place to practice Validation during Training?

The Pacific Coast Validation Organization may assist to find a place for students to practice during training. Most students, who are not already working with disoriented elderly, easily find a place to practice.

7. Does the certification Validation Worker qualify like any similar profession?

Validation certification is recognized by some organizations in Europe, but is not a well known certification in the United States. Some employers may recognize the certification as an added level of skill. It is not comparable to a nursing degree of any kind. It is a worthwhile addition to both professionals and laymen who wish to communicate better with disoriented elderly.