clinical focus
A loving touch
Sensory care program
for people with dementia
has benefits for all.
By Sara Karacsony
M
ore than half of older people living in residential
aged care facilities experience dementia. Those people
with advanced dementia who can no longer participate
in the traditional engagement programs offered within facilities
are often socially isolated and without any meaningful daily
activities to enjoy.
Namaste Care is a sensory program for people living with
advanced dementia in various settings. Developed in 2003 by
Joyce Simard, a geriatric social worker and consultant in the
US, this holistic, person-centred care program, which is gaining
international momentum, improves quality of life for the person
with dementia and provides meaningful connections (activities)
for the older person in the presence of others.
Adopted from the Indian greeting namaste, which means to
‘honour the spirit in you’, the Namaste Care program is offered
every day in a quiet, calming environment. Activities of daily living
tailored to the individual are provided with a loving touch and
include gentle washing and moisturising of the face (makeup for
the ladies, if they’re accustomed to wearing it), shaving (the ‘old
fashioned’ way), hair care, hand and foot washing and massage,
and nourishment (as tolerated). The scent of lavender as well as
those that reflect different seasons, music and other sensory and
tactile objects are features of the program.
As many residents involved in Namaste Care have lost the ability
to exercise or move freely, range-of-motion exercises provide
touch, help to prevent contractures and improve blood supply.
International evidence is emerging about the benefits of the
Namaste Care program, showing that it reduces behavioural and
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psychological symptoms of dementia, including rejection of care,
and reduces pain and improves communication and engagement.
The Namaste Care program also impacts positively on staff,
increasing job satisfaction, and creates more enjoyable visits for
family carers and volunteers.
At least two Australian residential aged care facilities have
implemented this program as an option for end-of-life dementia
care. Recruited for a research study led by Professor Esther Chang
from Western Sydney University in 2010 to evaluate the benefits
of Namaste Care, Opal (formerly Principal) Shoalhaven received a
Better Practice Award in 2011 for resident lifestyle.
Minchinbury Manor in Sydney’s western suburbs is the
longest running Namaste Care program outside of the US. Both
facilities see Namaste Care as having a very positive result and
benefiting everyone.
Lynn Mowbray, executive manager of Minchinbury Manor, says
that families are happy to have their loved one in the program
and appreciate the non-clinical and ‘cosy’ atmosphere of the
dedicated Namaste Care space. Staff experience fewer demands
on their time and are confident that the residents are secure,
with their needs being taken care of within the program. Lynn is
unequivocal that the residents receiving Namaste Care are more
settled and that this reduces the need for antipsychotics.
Namaste carers, or care companions as they are known at
Minchinbury Manor, have been providing this approach to care
since the beginning the program, reflecting the satisfaction that
this type of ‘slow’ and ‘loving’ care can provide in care work.
Lynn says “there is a lot of personal giving by staff”, who
generally self-select for Namaste Care, and managers are aware
of who would be good to deliver this type of care. With up to 10
residents a day receiving Namaste Care, this dedicated program
for end-of-life dementia care has benefits not only for residents
and their families, but the whole care team. ■
Dr Sara Karacsony is Australian champion for Namaste
Care International and lecturer in nursing at the University
of Tasmania.