Stacy Johnson, director of therapeutic recreation at Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea, recently completed the last level of validation therapy training to become a certified validation presenter/teacher. Johnson has been pursuing validation education for the past four years and is now one of approximately 25 validation teachers in the country.

Validation therapy is a method of communication used to help people with dementia express their emotions and alleviate their frustrations and anxiety. When used on a regular basis with residents experiencing the effects of memory loss, they may display more social controls, increased verbal ability, less need for physical and chemical restraints, and fewer unwanted behaviors. Validation therapy is quickly becoming a recognized and successful intervention used with residents as their dementia progresses.

Johnson believes that, like many other interventions, validation therapy does not always work. But it is another approach to help form a relationship with residents who have lost the ability to express their feelings.

Johnson plans to educate the frontline staff at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea and introduce techniques they can use when working with residents.

Studies have shown that staff members who practice validation find their work more enjoyable, experience less burnout and are better equipped to meet the needs of those they serve.

Johnson continues to spread the word about validation therapy and practices it every day.

Call 373-0683 for more information.