Developmental transformations with Alzheimer's patients in a residential care facility

Developmental transformations (DVT) is presented as an effective therapeutic modality for individual and group work with Alzheimer's patients. Effectiveness is defined for this population and validation therapy is outlined as an established paradigm for working with demented individuals. DVT is presented, including basic premises and previous literature on its effectiveness with non-demented elderly. Theoretical connections between validation therapy and DVT are explored, as are areas in which DVT moves beyond validation to access areas of remaining competency for the demented and to elicit the symbolic expression of psychological and existential issues. Adaptations for using this method specifically with Alzheimer's patients are described, limitations are acknowledged and areas for further exploration are proposed. Case material is presented throughout.