title: Namaste Care™: A Person-Centered Care Approach for Alzheimer's and Advanced Dementia.
abstract: New methods of care are required to meet the needs of people with dementia and their caregivers. The Namaste Care™ program provides a person-centered approach through meaningful activities and loving touch. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of residents, staff, and family involved in the Namaste Care™ program at a long-term care facility in the United States. A descriptive approach was used to interview 14 staff members. The findings revealed six themes: peaceful sanctuary, relating their way, transforming experiences, connections and community, positive moments, and awakened to the possibilities. Results suggest that Namaste Care™ may be useful for individuals no longer able to participate in traditional long-term care setting activities. Further studies are indicated to confirm the impact on hospital readmissions, therapy enhancement, and medication use in relationship to Namaste Care™ program participation.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI, USA.
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McNiel
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI, USA.
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Westphal
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care; D019124:Therapeutic Touch; D014481:United States
keywords: Namaste Care™; dementia therapy; end-of-life; person-centered care; qualitative research