World Renowned Naomi Feil, Validation, and Aging GreatFULLy!
Validation began in the 1970s as the personal practice of a brilliant individual, Naomi Feil. Born in Munich, Naomi and her family escaped Nazi Germany and moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Her father became the administrator of The Montefiore Home for the Aged and they lived in 5 rooms alongside the elderly residents. This is where the roots of Validation began.
Feil originated the concept of what is now known as ‘person-centered care’. She built Validation on an empathetic attitude and a holistic view of individuals with dementia. She said, “When you ‘step into the shoes’ of another human being and ‘see through their eyes’, you step into the world of disoriented very old people and suddenly understand the meaning of their sometimes bizarre behavior.”
With the help of a few supporters she created the Validation Training Institute (VTI), a 501 (c) not-for-profit organization, as a vehicle for spreading information, and training practitioners.
Over the past 40 years, Naomi has singlehandedly changed what is considered 'good practice' in the field of psychogeriatrics.
Naomi and VTI have created and delivered constantly evolving training programs in 23 countries, published 4 books in 12 languages, created films and built an international network of affiliated organizations. There are over 350 certified Validation teachers and a growing number of Master teachers to mentor and support them.
