News About Kindred People and Places
Here are some current happenings at Kindred facilities across the country.
Aurora's Validation Program Shows Impressive Results with Alzheimer's Residents
Aurora, CO --- Since last November, Aurora Care Center has been offering
weekly validation group therapy to residents of our Reflections unit and
others as a way of caring for and connecting with those who have dementia.
The technique is widely used in Europe and throughout the world and is
becoming more widely known in the U.S.
Validation therapy involves empathetic listening, and requires the caregiver
to actually enter the world of the resident rather than trying to orient
them to our "reality." They are encouraged to express emotions and to
continue resolving life issues. Through validation, residents enjoy a
better quality of life, and families and staff can experience less stress
and improved communication. Validation was developed by Naomi Feil, MSW,
who grew up in a nursing home in Cleveland where her father was the administrator
and her mother the social worker. She earned her degree at Columbia University,
and then went back to work in Cleveland.
In group, which residents nick-named the Silver and Gold Club, residents
carry out roles that may be an extension of things they did successfully
earlier in life. There's a designated chairman, a greeter, a song leader,
a prayer leader, a hostess who passes out refreshments, and an activities
leader. All roles are designed to build residents' self-esteem. Discussion
topics give residents the opportunity to express emotions and share ways
of coping with serious life issues, such as losing a loved one, what to
do when you need help and no one comes, what to do if you feel lost, what
was it like during the war, etc. Bringing out feelings on universal issues
gives people the opportunity to access coping skills that have served
them all their lives, and to work on unfinished emotional business.
Residents have enjoyed participation, and families and staff are pleased
with the results. A husband of a group member said, "My wife always wants
to spend time with me when I visit, but now she also wants to go and see
her friends in the common room. She never did that before. I'm glad she's
making friends!" Staff members have also noticed improvement in some residents.
"Since Mr. Smith has been in the group, he is initiating conversations
and having a lot more to do with other residents," the staffer said. "I
understand he's chairman in the group. I never knew he had it in him."
Leading the group is Cheryl Williams, M.A., Certified Validation Practitioner,
who is completing practicum requirements to be a Certified Group Leader
with the Validation Training Institute. Cheryl offers a class on Validation
Therapy for the Alzheimer's Association Learning Institute and offers
informational presentations to staff and families. For more information,
read "The Validation Breakthrough" or "Validations - The Feil Method"
both by Naomi Feil.
Yolande Wilson, CCO
Jennielee Corlis, RN/ICU
Kindred Hospital New Orleans
Kindred Hospital New Orleans would like to congratulate two of our nurses for achieving the honor of being one of the "Great 100 Nurses" in Louisiana. The award winners are CCO Yolande Wilson (right) and ICU/RN Jennielee Corlis (far right). Yolande is a great leader who wants to make our hospital a great place to work. Jennielee exemplifies exceptional skills raising the bar in our ICU and provides quality care that exceeds expectations.
Yolande started working at Kindred Hospital New Orleans in 1997 as a receptionist, and has worked her way up through the ranks. She has received her RN, BSN and MBA all while working for Kindred.
Jennielee joined our Kindred family in 1999 as a PRN staff nurse. Since then she has transitioned into our ICU as a team leader, takes charge on the floors, and is a relief Clinical Coordinator. Again, we congratulate these two hard-working members of our team.
Coshocton Program Spans Generation Gap
Coshocton, OH --- The National Honor Society from the local
high school visited the Coshocton Health and Rehabilitation Center recently
to assist our residents and staff with several activities.
The students helped spring clean our front porch, wrote letters and had
chats with our residents, helped with pet therapy, and helped serve trays
at lunchtime. The residents really enjoyed the students and always look
forward to young people who visit and span the generation gap.
