Namaste Care is a therapeutic approach to caring for those living with advanced dementia, focused on improving their quality of life through a simple, soothing and rewarding process. This step-by-step guide is for anyone looking to translate the principles of the Namaste Care approach successfully and professionally into a home or care setting, with an emphasis on the value of volunteers in the community in implementing this.
The Namaste Care approach is focussed on giving comfort and pleasure to people with advanced dementia through sensory stimulation, especially the use of touch, and this book provides extensive guidance on every stage of the process, including harnessing community interest, recruiting and training volunteers, and managing pain and discomfort. In a time of ever-growing strain on healthcare resources, this practical guide is a timely reminder of the power and value of informal care and compassionate communities in helping to care better for people with dementia, and is essential reading for carers, professionals and family members.
Foreword by Joyce Simard
1. Introduction (including a case study contribution from Dr Trish Winter, family carer)
2. What is Namaste Care?
3. Admiral Nursing and the origins of the Namaste Care Project at St Cuthbert's Hospice - Sharron Tolman (Consultant Admiral Nurse, Dementia UK)
4. Advanced dementia and assessment - Lisa Howarth (Admiral Nurse, St Cuthbert's Hospice, UK)
5. Harnessing community kindness (With a contribution from Ann White MBE, Dementia Friends Champion, UK)
6. Volunteers with heart - Barbara Edwards (Namaste Volunteer)
7. Responding to Referrals - the initial visit assessment
8. Life Stories
9. Psychological needs of people with advanced dementia
10. The Needs Led Model of Dementia Care - Julie Young (Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust, UK)
11. Carer needs
12. Sensory Stimulation
13. Loving touch
14. Communication
15. Planning Namaste Care sessions
16. Key learning themes (including a case study contribution by Chris Hayday, Occupational Therapist and Volunteer at St Cuthbert's Hospice)
17. End of Life - Joanne Atkinson (Head of Health Continuing Workforce Development, Northumbria University, UK) and Dr Caroline Jeffery (GP and Senior Lecturer, Northumbria University, UK)
18. Conclusion
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