Have You Heard Of Namaste Care?

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Many of you know that I’m taking an online course called “Understanding Dementia” through the University of Tasmania. This week’s module talks about various models of care that help us enhance our residents’ quality of life.

I’m familiar with all the programs they describe except for one. Have you ever heard of Namaste Care?

These are the words of Joyce Simard, the founder of this unique approach to dementia care:

“The Namaste Care™ program is an extension of my efforts to educate family and professional care partners so that they can help people LIVE – not just exist – with irreversible dementia like Alzheimer’s disease. I do not think that keeping a person clean, fed, and groomed is living; this is merely existing. People need to be engaged in meaningful activities, they need to feel wanted, loved, need to feel as if they still can contribute.”

What I appreciate most about Namaste Care is the fact that it focusses on residents living in the later stages of dementia. So often, I see people in the earlier stages receiving most of the staff’s attention.

To some degree, this is understandable. It’s more fun to do activities with higher functioning residents. And sometimes it’s discouraging when a resident no longer responds to us. But, it’s crucial to remember that all of our residents deserve love and attention.

With its beginnings in a single nursing home in Vermont, Namaste Care is now spreading throughout the world. The word “Namaste” reflects the importance of honoring our residents.

The goal of the program is to provide an environment that stimulates the senses and brings pleasure. Ideally, you’ll offer Namaste services to residents 7 days a week. Studies show that adding Namaste care doesn’t require the addition of extra staff, and costs for supplies are minimal.

Many facilities have a special Namaste room set up much like a spa. The room features soft lighting, calming music, and comfortable seating.

Residents generally come to this room twice a day for care that includes hand & shoulder massages, foot soaks, aromatherapy, gentle range of motion exercises, and hair brushing. They also receive snacks and beverages throughout the day.

It all sounds so basic. Yet, how often do we provide these special types of care to our residents in the later stages of dementia?

There are many more details to the Namaste Care program, and I think it’s best learned through the words of Joyce Simard herself. So, I hope you’ll check out Joyce’s book:

Have you ever experienced Namaste Care? Please share your thoughts in the comment section!