Experiences of Families, Staff, Volunteers, and Administrators With Namaste Care for Persons With Advanced Dementia in Canadian Long-Term Care Homes

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the experiences of the Namaste Care intervention for persons with advanced dementia (ie, moderate and late-stage) in long-term care (LTC). DesignA qualitative descriptive design was used. Staff Carers (eg, personal support worker, nurse, or activity aide) delivered Namaste Care with the support of volunteers in a small group. Activities provided during the Namaste Care sessions to enhance quality of life included massages, aromatherapy, music, and snacks/beverages. Setting and ParticipantsFamily carers of residents with advanced dementia, LTC staff, administrators, and volunteers from 2 Canadian LTC homes, located in a midsize metropolitan area, were included. MethodsExperiences and acceptability of Namaste Care was assessed through semistructured interviews ranging from 30 to 60 minutes following the 6-month study duration period with family carers, LTC staff, administrators, and volunteers. Thematic analysis was used for interview transcripts. ResultsA total of 16 family carers and 21 LTC staff, administrators, and volunteers participated in the study. Namaste Care was found to be acceptable and successful in enhancing the quality of life of residents due to collaborative efforts of all group of participants. Families, volunteers, and staff noted positive responses in residents, such as smiling and laughing. The program environment supported the development of relationships within the LTC community, which included families, residents, staff, and volunteers. Conclusions and ImplicationsNamaste Care was perceived by the LTC community as an acceptable intervention for persons with advanced dementia. It was perceived as offering multiple benefits for residents with advanced dementia such as improved communication and mood.