The Namaste Care programme can reduce behavioural symptoms in care home residents with advanced dementia

Abstract

Where there are strong leadership, adequate staffing, and good nursing and medical care, the Namaste Care programme can improve quality of life for people with advanced dementia in care homes by decreasing behavioural symptoms. Namaste is not a substitute for good clinical care.

Using the ecological framework to identify barriers and enablers to implementing Namaste Care in Canada’s long-term care system

“…Continuous hydration and soft, sweet foods are offered to stimulate appetite and raise caloric intake (15). These aspects of Namaste Care align well with recommendations for palliative dementia care, including patient-centred care, continuity of care, optimal symptom management (14,(16)(17), and psychosocial and spiritual support (16,17). Simard suggests the program also promotes family involvement (15), communication (16), and assessment (17).…”

“…These perceptions align well with staff perceptions of Namaste Care in other settings (17,20), and initial reports of outcomes associated with Namaste Care. In particular, the program appears to contribute to a number of positive psychosocial outcomes, including improved quality of life and relationships (15), as well as reductions in the need for psychotropic medications, lower rates of psychiatric symptoms, and improved communication (16). On the basis of early research findings and the response to Namaste Care from LTC staff and families, there may be considerable potential to increase use of Namaste Care in the Canadian LTC system.…”

Case 1-2017

“…When the patient was 77 years of age, she had decreased interest in food and increased difficulty with swallowing, and hospice services were engaged. She was enrolled in a Namaste Care program (i.e., a program for persons with advanced-stage dementia), 22 which provided her with calming, supportive end-of-life care, and she passed away peacefully 1 day before her 78th birthday. A limited autopsy was performed.…”

Loving Touch: Treatment for Rejection of Care

“…The loving touch approach is provided as a hand or foot massage, application of a familiar scented lotion to the face, and massage of the scalp. This program resulted in improved quality of life [8] and decreased behavioral symptoms of dementia [9]. It also led to the discontinuation of antipsychotic and hypnotic medications [10].…”