The End-of-Life Namaste Care program for people with Dementia
The End-of-Life Namaste Care program for people with Dementia describes an enlightened program that has been successfully implemented in nursing homes, assisted living communities and hospice organizations. Namaste Care strives to maintain the highest quality of life possible for individuals with advanced dementia.
It is my hope that publication of this book will stimulate many more nursing homes and hospices to pay greater attention to individuals with advanced and terminal dementia. The End-of-Life Namaste Care Program for People with Dementia may serve as an important road map in this effort because it describes in detail how the program can be implemented, how the Namaste Care team is established, how an appropriate Namaste care environment is created, and what the day’s activities could be. In addition, the book discusses decision making at the end of life and what is meant by "comfort care." An understanding of death and dying and the need for care after death are also provided. Appendixes present templates of useful documents needed for establishing a Namaste Care program.
Namaste Care, as described in this book, provides residents and their families with quality care that addresses not only physical but also emotional and spiritual needs. It reminds us that individuals with advanced dementia should not be isolated in their rooms, but need to live their last days in a pleasant environment receiving loving care from all staff and families.
Ladislav Volicer, M.D., PhD., F.A.A.N., F.G.S.A
Retired Clinical Director
Geriatric research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC)
Veterans Administration Hospital
Bedford, Massachusetts
NEW REVIEW -- SIMARD / The End-of-Life Namaste Care Program for People with
Dementia.
Health Professions Press, 2007, $28.95.
[REVIEWER'S EXPERT OPINION]
Helen Martin, FNP(Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center)
**Description**
This book is a wonderful resource that presents an alternative for practitioners
and caregivers caring for dementia patients. I had heard of the Namaste method
and was glad to see a book about it. The method is very common sense and easy
to implement in almost any setting. I have shared the book with one of my long
term care facilities which is looking at the model to implement in its
Alzheimer's disease (AD) unit and to use in employee education.
**Purpose**
The purpose of implementing the Namaste care program is to provide better care
to our AD patients. It is important to stress, as the author does, that we not
isolate our AD patients, but instead enhance the environment around them to
make their lives more meaningful. This affects not just the patients, but
families and caregivers as well. The objective is to explain this method of care.
**Audience**
This book was written for and can be used by anyone in any setting.
**Features**
The explanation of Namaste (honoring the spirit within) captures what this
program is all about. Cost is always a factor in any setting and this book
emphasizes that care can be improved at little to no cost. Creative planning
and people to implement it is all that it takes. The quality of life of this
population has suffered for years and alternatives for care are long overdue.
**Assessment**
This book provides a hands-on approach to care and its simple suggestions are
priceless. The vignettes are helpful, as are the added resources in the appendix.
Weighted Numerical Score: 100 - 5 Stars!
To Purchase Book
To purchase The End-of-Life Namaste Care Program for people with Dementia book, please use the following links: