Namaste Care

What is it?

Namaste Care is a program that was created in 2003 by Professor Joyce Simard in the United States. Joyce saw a need for a program for people living with advanced dementia that valued their unique needs and abilities. The program has now been used worldwide in long-term care, hospitals, and at home. It has also been adapted to different stages of dementia and culturally diverse populations. Namaste Care targets the quality of life of people with dementia by stimulating the five basic senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste. The main principles of Namaste Care are a comfortable environment and a loving touch. Namaste Care provides practical skills for families, friends, and healthcare providers to meaningfully engage people living with dementia in activities. These activities are based on the interests and life stories of people living with dementia. Examples of activities used in Namaste Care are music, dance, massages, slow-paced and personalized conversations, reading out loud, aromatherapy, pet therapy (e.g., live or robotic pets), and snacks.

What Happens During Namaste Care?

Namaste Care sessions are delivered in a quiet room with low lighting and no distractions. These sessions are offered daily in a small group setting or individually. People living with dementia are welcomed into a room where relaxing music is being played and scents are found (e.g., lavender, seasonal scents). Namaste Care uses principles of touch to provide stimulation for persons living with dementia through hand massages, applying moisturizing cream, hair brushing/styling, applying nail polish for women, and shaving for men. Family members, friends, and healthcare providers talk to the person receiving care throughout the session. People living with dementia are provided with a personalized Namaste Care box that has favorite items such as lotions, perfumes, shaving cream, dolls, plush animals, and photo albums. Families can be involved in creating photo albums. Activities as well as items are tailored to the cultural context of persons living with dementia and caregivers with regards to choice of music, games, language used in conducting sessions, and snacks and beverages offered.

What Does the Research Say About Namaste Care?

Namaste Care improves the quality of life of people living with dementia based on calmness, relaxed appearance, and better mood. It improves relationships between family members and people living with dementia. It helps families form connections and communicate with one another. Namaste Care reduces the use of antianxiety and psychotropic medications, pain symptoms, and responsive behaviours. Responsive behaviours are expressed by people with dementia who experience difficulties with language and communication. They are defined as words, sounds, behaviours, or actions used to make their needs or concerns known to others (e.g., yelling, hitting, repetitive questioning).

The Adapted Namaste Care Program Training Guide for Caregivers

A training guide was developed in collaboration with caregivers to be delivered in the community for persons living with moderate to advanced dementia. Modifications have been made to include persons with early stages of dementia as well as those living in long-term care.

Sample Pages

Namaste Care for Early Stages of Dementia

People in the early stages of dementia retain many of their abilities. They may be aware of changes that are happening to them including symptoms such as forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating, learning new tasks, and communicating. Caregivers and persons in the early stages of dementia experience many mixed emotions related to these changes such as grief. It is important to provide meaningful activities through Namaste Care to focus on strengths of persons living with dementia and caregivers and maintain relationships. Namaste Care activities can be based on hobbies such as gardening, taking walks, and baking. Caregivers should offer support when needed using a collaborative approach. In the early stages of dementia maintaining the independence of persons living with dementia is important. An example of a Namaste Care session could be reading recipes, baking cookies, and enjoying cookies afterwards with a favorite song playing in the background.

Tailoring Namaste Care for Different Stages of Dementia

Namaste Care for Moderate Stages of Dementia

People in the moderate stages of dementia experience increased changes in memory and ability to complete daily tasks. They may still be aware of changes that are happening to them. Caregivers may need to offer more support in decision-making and personal care. Caregivers may seek the help of external services such as personal support workers and adult day programs and family and friends. Namaste Care should be delivered in a way that is enjoyable to both persons in the moderate stages of dementia and caregivers. The program can help provide some downtime amid all of the daily responsibilities. People in the moderate stages of dementia may require more encouragement to take part in activities and support from caregivers. Caregivers should weave Namaste Care into usual routines. For example, if during the afternoons caregivers and persons with dementia have a snack, this could be turned into a Namaste Care session by reminiscing based on family photos. Cheerful music could be playing the background. The session could end with a hand wash and application of hand cream.

Namaste Care for Advanced Stages of Dementia

People in the advanced stages of dementia may require care 24 hours a day. They may be unable to communicate verbally and experience limitations in their mobility. The ultimate goal for persons in the advanced stages of dementia is maintaining comfort and quality of life. Namaste Care was originally designed for this population. In delivering Namaste Care, caregivers will need to take on more of a lead in initiating and maintaining the attention of persons with dementia. It is still important to focus on the interests of persons with dementia in choosing activities, however caregivers are encouraged to try new things. For example, touch is a powerful way to connect with persons in the advanced stages of dementia. Consider planning a session as a spa day with a gentle face wash and application of a favorite face cream. This could be followed with a hand wash and gentle hand massage with scented lotion.

Adaptation Process for the Namaste Care Program

Here is a brief video about the adaptation process. Click the button below to read the full paper.

More About Namaste Care

  • Our paper of research findings of the Adapted Namaste Care Program delivered by caregivers of persons living with moderate to advanced dementia at home can be accessed using the button below: