Abstract

Namaste Care is a small group program for residents in a nursing home or assisted living who can no longer participate in traditional activities.  Often residents were kept clean, fed, changed and placed in front of a television.  Residents were exisitng not living.  The Namaste Care program provides qulaity of life for residents especially those with advanced dementia.

Namaste care can be offered as a small group program or can be brought to wherever the person is living.  Two principles of The room or space where Namaste Care is offered as a small group is as free from distractions as posssible.  Residents are taken there after breakfast for the morning session.  They are greeted inidvidually and assessed for pain.  A soft blanket is tucked around them and they are offered a beverage.  Morning activities include gentle washing of the face and moisturizing of the face, hands, arms and legs.  Their hair may be combed or scalps massaged.  All of these activities are offered with a slow loving touch approach with the carer softly talking to them.  They leave the room for lunch and return for the afternoon activities that may include bringing seasonal items to them, feet soaking, nail care and fun activities such as blowing bubbles.   Beverages are offered on a continous basis for both the morning and afternoon sessions.  Namaste Care can be brought to the persons bedside and offered by trained staff or volunteers.  Supplies are not expensive and no additional staff has to be hired.