they’re so upset about or why,” Stacy says. “I’m just helping them get those emotions out. I try to not ask yes or no questions, and never to ask why — why they’re so upset or why they miss their mom. They don’t know why, they just know they’re feeling something. By helping them work through those feelings, they’re able to express their thoughts and get out that frustration, which in turn helps decrease emotional outbursts that are so common with those with dementia.” Validation therapy also can help decrease residents’ agitation, improve their social controls and limit the need for physical and chemical restraints. Stacy completed the certified


validation worker course in 2010, making her one of approximately 225 people in the country with this certification. Soon after, she completed the second level of validation training, the certified validation group practitioner course. This level involved six months of coursework and facilitating weekly validation groups. There are currently only about 30 group practitioners in the world. Stacy says she’ll start informal


training with other staff members at her center to introduce them to the concepts of validation therapy. She hopes to educate more people about the concept so more centers in the region incorporate it as part of their approach to caregiving. Next fall, she’ll begin the final level of validation training, to become a certified validation teacher. “When you work with people with


dementia, it’s helpful to have a tool belt of different things that might help in interacting with them,” says Stacy. “Validation therapy won’t always work. But it’s another tool you have to communicate. It gives you another way to look at things and help create a connection with someone.” V


Susan Cardillo prepares to interview Good Samaritan Society – Daytona residents Jack Frost (center) and Bert Amkeney for her documentary.


rD ocumentary features G


ood Samaritan Society residents in Daytona Beach, Fla., have


become the stars of a film, while a local teacher has become a student and an interviewer in her pursuit of a master’s degree. Susan Cardillo is in the final stages


of completing a master of science in interactive communication. For her master’s thesis, she is putting together a documentary about elders, and she asked the Good Samaritan Society – Daytona community to assist her. Susan’s documentary focuses on


changing perceptions of seniors’ lives and their influence on younger generations. She interviewed several campus residents at Good Samaritan Society – Daytona and other seniors in the community about these topics. Susan asked each person about his or her childhood, family, hobbies,


esidents’ life stories, advice


talents and careers. Resident Bert Amkeney said his favorite games were croquet and badminton. Resident Ellie Lancaster said her favorite time in her life was her working years; she drove a semi most of her life and loved riding motorcycles. Resident Audrey Dilkes shared memories of raising her family and traveling throughout the country. When asked what electronic


devices the residents own, three out of the four people Susan talked to at the Daytona campus said they have a cell phone, and only one has a computer. Susan asked what advice the


residents would give about getting older. “Live your life the way you want to live it!” said resident Jack Frost. “Take every day as it comes,” said


resident Bert Amkeney. “Enjoy it to the fullest.” V


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