Meridian Senior Living Communities Celebrate GivingTuesday by Supporting Validation Training Institute


Naomi Feil using Validation

Through VTI’s work worldwide more and more people have better personal interactions with people with dementia.

In celebration of GivingTuesday on December 3, 2019, Meridian Senior Living’s more than 70 communities collectively will participate in increasing awareness and raising donations for the Validation Training Institute (VTI) and its work to train and educate people on effective communication techniques with dementia residents. Leading up to GivingTuesday, Meridian communities will spread enthusiasm about the VTI fundraiser by posting social media communications and running a grassroots effort in their different markets.

GivingTuesday is a “Global Generosity Movement” that encourages people and organizations to donate time, funds, or offer a voice about an important cause in their local community to make a positive impact. In 2012, GivingTuesday started as a simple idea of establishing one day for people to give back. Today, it has grown into a global undertaking encompassing hundreds of millions of participants inspired to celebrate generosity. Meridian Senior Living has chosen VTI after years of seeing it benefit its residents.

“I have personally watched thousands of people’s lives affected in a positive way when they use the Validation Techniques,” expresses Kevin Carlin, Owner, Meridian Senior Living and Volunteer Board Member for VTI. “Through VTI’s work worldwide more and more people have better personal interactions with people with dementia.”

Founded by Executive Director Naomi Feil in 1983, VTI is a U.S.-based, not-for-profit organization that offers progressively developed certification levels and training programs in addition to a network of national and regional Validation organizations to disseminate information, train interested individuals, and maintain the Validation Method, a distinct way of communicating with those with dementia. VTI’s ultimate objective is to “nurture respect, dignity and well-being in the lives of older adults experiencing age related decline and their caregivers.”

Validation is a method of communicating with and helping cognitively impaired seniors. It helps

reduce stress, enhances dignity and promotes happiness. Built on an empathetic and holistic approach,

Validation asks caregivers to ‘step into the shoes’ of those with dementia and ‘see through their eyes’ to

understand the meaning of their often-complex behaviors. This method allows seniors the opportunity

to express, both verbal and non-verbal, their often-suppressed feelings and needs.

To make a donation to support VTI’s mission to advance knowledge, values, education and research in the Validation method, visit https://vfvalidation.org/. For more information about Meridian Senior Living, visit meridiansenior.com.

About Meridian Senior Living:

Meridian Senior Living, a privately held company based in Bethesda, Maryland, owns and operates seniors housing communities across the country and provides operational consulting to 24 communities in China. With more than 70 communities in 21 states and more in development, Meridian is one of the largest seniors housing operators in the U.S. The company prides itself on providing the highest quality care, exceptional lifestyle programming and a distinctive dining experience for its residents. For more information on Meridian Senior Living, visit meridiansenior.com.

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