The Perceived Impact of the Namaste Care Family Program on Nursing Home Residents with Dementia, Staff, and Family Caregivers: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective(s): To examine the perspectives of staff, and family caregivers (i.e., family, friends, and volunteers) on the impact of the Namaste Care Family program on all involved. The Namaste Care Family program is a structured program for people with advanced dementia based on a palliative care approach in which family caregivers provide daily sessions together with staff with the aim to increase residents’ quality of life. Methods: In this descriptive qualitative study, we interviewed 12 family caregivers, and 31 staff members from 10 nursing homes. Data was analyzed thematically. Results: A perceived impact of the program was identified for the residents, staff, and family caregivers. For residents, this included well-being, more engagement, enhanced interactions, changes in energy level, and weight gain. The impact on family caregivers included a more positive view of people with dementia, changes in family visits, mixed feelings during sessions, and mixed changes in relations with all involved. For staff, this included diverse work experiences, shift to more person-centered care (more time and attention for residents, and more awareness), and developing relationships with residents and colleagues. Conclusions: The Namaste Care Family program was valued for its observed benefits and shift towards a person-centered care culture.

‘There's something they can do’: Educating aged care staff about the trajectory of dementia, palliative care and the Namaste Care™ program: A mixed methods study

“…Participants also demonstrated positive attitudes towards the importance of quality of life for residents and in their ability to better relate to residents through the Namaste Care™ activities which supports other studies that evaluated staff perceptions and experiences of the program 26 . A shift to a more person‐centred approach to care and the opportunity to spend quality time is important to improve their overall work experience 16 . Our findings also show that staff want to provide ‘better’ care for residents, that is slower, focussed on comfort and quality (the nice things), instead of feeling rushed and ‘ticking off’ tasks.…”

“…26 A shift to a more person-centred approach to care and the opportunity to spend quality time is important to improve their overall work experience. 16 Our findings also show that staff want to provide 'better' care for residents, that is slower, focussed on comfort and quality (the nice things), instead of feeling rushed and 'ticking off' tasks. They described the difference between task-focussed care and quality care and suggested the Namaste Care™ Program-the creation of the calm environment and the meaningful activitiesmight enable them to do this.…”

“…Assessment of pain and continuous offerings of refreshment are important to promote comfort. Family carers are invited to be involved in activities with their family member 16 …”

“…Family carers are invited to be involved in activities with their family member. 16 To date, there has been little research conducted in the Australian context on workforce education and training to assess Namaste Care™ in improving staff's capacity to provide quality dementia care within a palliative approach. Enhancing the capability and confidence of staff in caring for people with advanced dementia aligns with the principles of the Australian National Palliative Care Strategy 17 and is also mandated by Aged Care Quality Standards.…”

What are best practices for involving family caregivers in interventions aimed at responsive behaviour stemming from unmet needs of people with dementia in nursing homes: a scoping review

“…Various techniques for managing the behaviour were used, for example, educating family or family participating in one-on-one activities with the resident 40. The interventions all aimed at collaboration and creating a partnership between family caregivers and staff,41–59 such as ongoing monitoring of case management, interaction and socialisation 40 45 46 48 50 52–56 59. Twelve of these studies involved interventions of family participation in preventing or reducing responsive behaviour 43 45 46 48 50 52 54–56 58 59.…”