You’re helping Mr. Henderson get dressed for the day when he becomes agitated, insisting he needs to leave immediately to catch the school bus. You know he is 82 years old, but arguing with him (“Mr. Henderson, you haven’t been to school in 70 years”) only upsets him further. Instead, you use validation therapy to ease his anxiety and build trust.
What is Validation Therapy?
Validation therapy is a holistic therapy and communication method used to connect with older adults experiencing dementia or cognitive decline. Instead of correcting a confused resident’s reality or trying to orient them to the present time, you acknowledge and validate their feelings and personal truth. The goal is to reduce stress by stepping into their world rather than forcing them into ours.
Why Validation Therapy Matters in Your Daily Care
Arguing with a resident who is confused often leads to agitation, aggression, or withdrawal. When you use validation, you show the resident that you hear them and that their feelings matter. This preserves their dignity and emotional well-being. It is a crucial tool for preventing behavioral escalations and making your care routines smoother and safer for both you and the resident.
What You’ll See During Your Shift
You will encounter residents who are living in the past, looking for deceased parents, or believing they are in a different location. They may express fear, urgency, or sadness based on these false beliefs.
“I can see you are really worried about missing the bus, Mr. Henderson. It sounds like you have a big day at school. Tell me, what is your favorite class?”
By validating the emotion (worry) rather than correcting the fact (the bus), you de-escalate the situation.
Common Pitfall & Pro Tip
⚠️ Pitfall: Trying to “orient” the resident to reality to make them see the truth. This often feels like a confrontation to the person with dementia and can make them more combative.
Pro Tip: Focus on the underlying emotion. Ask yourself, “Are they scared? Lonely? Looking for security?” Address that feeling first. Often, the specific “delusion” fades away once the emotion is soothed.
Memory Aid for Validation Therapy
Think “Feelings Over Facts.”
When a resident says something untrue, remember: Don’t correct the fact, connect with the feeling. This reminds you to prioritize empathy over accuracy.
State Test Connection
Appears on CNA exams under Communication and Emotional Needs. You will likely be asked how to respond to a confused resident, and the correct answer is almost always to validate their feelings rather than argue or reason with them.
Related Care Concepts
Validation therapy is closely linked to Alzheimer’s and dementia care, therapeutic communication, and reminiscence therapy. It also pairs well with person-centered care, as it requires you to tailor your response to the individual’s specific emotional history and needs.
Quick Reference
✓ Key goal: Reduce stress and build trust by accepting the resident’s reality ✓ When to use: When a resident is confused, disoriented, or living in the past ✓ Care reminders: • Never argue, reason, or contradict the resident’s “reality” • Use a calm, low voice and open body language • Identify the emotion (fear, anger, sadness) and validate it • Ask open-ended questions to encourage sharing
Bottom line: Validation therapy isn’t about “lying” to a resident; it’s about showing them respect and meeting them where they are. It turns a difficult moment into a connection.