2026 Validation World Congress

Wellness and prevention in an aging world
Elevating older adults, empowering caregivers, and operationalizing change

The 4th Validation World Congress—hosted by LifeLoop—brings together global leaders, practitioners, caregivers, and innovators to explore how wellness and prevention can transform aging for older adults, families, and care teams. Through storytelling, lived experiences, evidence-based practice, and technology-enabled strategies, this half-day virtual gathering highlights practical pathways to support cognitive well-being, reduce burnout, strengthen relationships, and embed wellness into everyday operations.

Participants will learn from world-renowned Validation experts, observe real Validation sessions in action, hear firsthand stories from caregivers and executives, and discover how organizations are scaling wellness and prevention through culture, training, and technology.

In this free virtual event, we’ll explore:

Understand how Validation, communication techniques, and emotional attunement support wellness and prevention for older adults with cognitive change.
Identify practical strategies that improve caregiver well-being and reduce burnout.
Explore how organizations operationalize wellness—from staff engagement to technology—to create measurable outcomes.

Whether you're in the field or in the C-suite, this conversation will offer valuable insight into where we go from here, plus earn up to 3 FREE CEUs. Register now to secure your spot, and see below to learn more about the sessions and speakers. NAB, NCCAP, NCCDP, NCTRC, and NZSDRT CEU approved.

Session 1
Wellness and prevention for older adults living with cognitive decline

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET / 9:00 - 10:00 AM PT

In this panel, we will explore what ‘wellness’ means for older adults living with “oldheimer’s.” Naomi Feil described this final stage of life as a struggle to die in peace. She called it the Resolution versus Withdrawal stage of life. What do older adults, diagnosed with dementia, say about this? Further, we will explore ways to prevent withdrawal inward.

Learning objectives:

Learn what constitutes ‘wellness’ for an older adult living with cognitive decline.
Experience how to prevent withdrawal inward and support the resolution process.
Practice two communication tools that help build connection.

Session 1 speakers

Vicki de Klerk Validation Master Teacher Validation Training Institute

Nancy Brown Deputy Director of Communications Validation Training Institute

Session 2
“Caring for the carers”: How validation strengthens well-being and resilience

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM ET / 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM PT

Caregivers experience rising levels of burnout and emotional fatigue. This session demonstrates how Validation equips caregivers with tools that reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and foster meaningful relationships. Speakers will share stories from communities where Validation strengthened purpose and contributed to staff retention.

Learning objectives:

Examine how Validation reduces stress and improves communication.
Identify indicators of caregiver burnout.
Evaluate the impact of caregiver well-being on workforce stability.

Session 2 speakers

Rita Altman Advisor, Memory Care & Program Services Sunrise Senior Living

Bryan Rife Director of Quality Assurance NCCAP

Cole Smith Corporate Director of Care and Cognitive Wellness Brightview Senior Living

Heather Easterling Senior Director of Resident Engagement Sunrise Senior Living

Session 3
From philosophy to practice: Scaling wellness and prevention across organizations

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM PT

This session focuses on how leaders embed wellness and prevention into training pathways, staff culture, and organizational systems. Speakers will highlight the ROI of staff wellness programs, the REI of Validation, and the operational impact of integrating technology.

Learning objectives:

Understand frameworks for operationalizing wellness.
Analyze ROI and REI of wellness investments.
Explore technology-enabled approaches that enhance accountability and preventive care.

Session 3 speakers

Tamorra Sims Executive Director Validation Training Institute

Charles de Vilmorin SVP, Resident Engagement LifeLoop

Hedwig Neu

Sevi Petras CEO Priority Life Care