If someone is waiting for a mother who died decades ago, validation responds to the longing rather than announcing the death again. The aim is to reduce distress, not to deceive.
It sits alongside redirection and is the basis of most dementia communication training.
Why it matters
It gives families permission to stop correcting, which is usually a relief to everyone.
Sources
Where to check this, and where to read more. All external and all authoritative.
- Alzheimer's Association: Communication and Alzheimer's
- National Institute on Aging: Changes in communication skills
Validation where you live
The local guide on this, for each city we cover.
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Buffalo, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Columbus, OH
- Dallas, TX
- Denver, CO
- Detroit, MI
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Memphis, TN
- Milwaukee, WI
- New York, NY
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Tucson, AZ