Namaste Care: A Person-Centered Care Approach for Alzheimer's and Advanced Dementia

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.