World Renowned Dementia/Alzheimer's Expert Teams with Meridian Senior Living and The University of Akron to Present Outrageously Successful Workshop

AKRON, Ohio, June 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Meridian Senior Living, LLC is proud to share that their recent educational workshop with world-renowned dementia expert Naomi Feil, Founder of the Validation Training Institute, held Thursday at The University of Akron's Quaker Station, was overwhelmingly successful. Nearly 300 people packed into The University of Akron's Quaker Station located at 135 Broadway Street in Akron, OH from 1:00 – 5:00pm, to hear and learn from this amazing woman. The event was proudly co-sponsored by The University of Akron: Institute for Life-Span Development and Gerontology, Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities, Northeast Ohio Association of Activity Professionals, Senior Living l'Amore, Sunrise Senior Living, Arbor Courts, Concordia Sumner, National Network of Career Nursing Assistants, and Ohio senior living communities: Brooklyn Pointe, Landings of Oregon, Landings of Sidney, Landings of Huber Heights, and Heritage Crossing. Ms. Feil shared with attendees how her validation therapy helps to successfully communicate with and reach cognitively impaired individuals.

"We are proud to use Validation in our Meridian Communities in the US and China," states Kevin Carlin, Principal and Chief Sales Officer at Meridian Senior Living. "Over the years, it's been amazing to see the transformation that happens when our caregivers use the Validation Techniques. Naomi Feil gave a gift to the world and most of the techniques used today have some link to the Validation Method."

"We are thrilled to offer this comprehensive workshop with Ms. Feil to help educate long-term care professionals and caregivers to create a much higher quality of life for those living with Alzheimer's and other types of dementias," says Harvey L. Sterns, Ph.D., The University of Akron.

So why is learning about Alzheimer's and other types of dementia so important? According to the Alzheimer's Association, as of 2015, the number of Americans living with Alzheimer's is growing – and growing fast. Of the 6.5 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's, an estimated 5.2 million people are age 65 and older and approximately 200,000 under the age of 65 are afflicted with younger-onset of the disease. The figures are staggering … one in nine people age 65 and older has Alzheimer's disease. By mid-century, someone in the United States will develop the disease every 33 seconds. With that in mind, all of us will be affected by Alzheimer's in one way or another and understanding and learning about the disease becomes increasingly important for everyone to effectively deal with afflicted family members and loved ones.

Naomi Feil, born in Munich in 1932, grew up in the Montefiore Home for the Aged in Cleveland, Ohio where her father was administrator and her mother was head of Social Services. After graduating with a Master's degree in Social Work from Columbia University, Naomi began her work with the elderly. From 1963 and 1980, Mrs. Feil developed Validation Therapy as a response to her dissatisfaction with traditional methods of working with severely disoriented elderly people.

Validation is a method of communicating with and helping disoriented old people. It is a practical way of communicating that helps reduce stress, enhance dignity and promote happiness. Validation is built on an empathetic approach and holistic view of individuals where you 'step into their shoes' and 'see through their eyes' to understand the meaning of their often-bizarre behaviors. This method allows seniors the opportunity to express, both verbally and non-verbally, their feelings and needs, often having been suppressed for years.

Feil founded the Validation Training Institute (VTI) in 1983 and, as Executive Director of VTI, has traveled the world, including Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, France, Belgium, Italy, Great Britain, Austria, and most recently in China on behalf of Meridian Senior Living, to share her experiences and Validation method with people from all walks of life. VTI, a U.S.-based, not-for-profit organization with a professional Board of Directors, has progressively developed certification levels, training programs, and formed a network of national and regional Validation organizations to disseminate information, train interested individuals, and maintain 'the spirit of Validation.'

About Meridian Senior Living:
Meridian Senior Living, LLC, a privately held company, owns and operates senior housing communities across the United States. With more than 7,000 beds, Meridian is among the largest senior housing operators in the United States. Meridian prides itself on providing the highest quality care and affordable living options to residents in their own communities. For more information on Meridian Senior Living, visit us online at http://www.meridiansenior.com.

SOURCE Meridian Senior Living