Table 3 Summary of included studies
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Yous et al. | 2024 | Canada | To explore the experiences and acceptability of the Namaste Care intervention for persons with advanced dementia in long-term care (LTC) homes from the perspective of family carers, staff, volunteers, and administrators. | Family carers, LTC staff, administrators, and volunteers from 2 Canadian LTC homes | The intervention resulted in statistically significant improvements in residents’ mood and engagement (p < 0.05), with increased smiling and laughing reported. Reduction in agitation and improvements in overall well-being were noted. Enhanced relationships within the LTC community and positive responses from families, volunteers, and staff were observed. |
Yous et al. | 2023 | Canada | To evaluate the feasibility and effects of the Namaste Care intervention for persons with advanced dementia in long-term care (LTC) and their family carers. | 53 residents with advanced dementia and 42 family carers from 2 Canadian LTC homes. | The study used a pre-post test design. Resident outcomes included quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and pain; family carer outcomes included role stress and quality of visits. Significant improvements were found in resident neuropsychiatric symptoms at the 3-month time point (95% CI −9.39, −0.39; p = 0.033) and in family carer role stress at both 3-month (95% CI −37.40, −1.80; p = 0.031) and 6-month (95% CI −48.90, −2.09; p = 0.033) time points. However, not all intervention targets were met, indicating mixed feasibility findings. |
Yous, Boamah et al. | 2023 | Canada | To describe environmental, social, and sensory factors influencing meaningful engagement of persons with advanced dementia during Namaste Care implementation in LTC. | Families, volunteers, staff, and managers at two LTC homes. | Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and interviews. Key findings include the importance of a dedicated, quiet space and small group settings for engagement, individualised care, and activities that target multiple senses. Specific outcomes included improved resident mood and decreased agitation. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Implemented in private rooms with subdued lighting, soothing music, and the scent of lavender to promote a calming environment. Timing: Planned to be offered 5 days/week, 4 h/day (9:30 − 11:30 am and 1:30 − 3:30 pm); on average, each resident attended 2 sessions/week with a mean length of 111.0 min. Residents per Session: Small groups of 6–8 residents positioned in comfortable reclining chairs with warm blankets. Staff: Each session led by a single Staff Carer (e.g., personal support worker, nurse, or activity aide) with the assistance of 1 volunteer. Training: Staff Carers provided with written resources and a 2-hour training session; ongoing coaching by research assistants through weekly outreach visits. LCT Home Characteristics: Implemented at 2 not-for-profit homes in a midsize metropolitan area; one large residential LTC home (approx. 300 beds) and one medium-sized LTC home (approx. 120 beds). Both homes predominantly serve residents with moderate to severe dementia. | |||||
Author | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Karacsony et al. | 2024 | Australia | To evaluate education outcomes about the dementia illness trajectory and Namaste Care program on aged care staff’s knowledge, attitudes, self-perceived skills, and competence. | 35 nurses and aged care staff from a large non-profit residential aged care facility in Northern Tasmania, Australia. | Mixed methods study with quantitative pre- and post-intervention surveys and qualitative interviews. Quantitative findings showed significant improvements in knowledge of and attitudes towards palliative care for advanced dementia (p < 0.01) and in self-reported care skills (p < 0.05). Qualitative findings revealed three themes: dementia-related education and knowledge changes, recognising benefits of the Namaste Care program, and importance of changing practice. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Home-like rooms with soft music, pleasant scents, and without external distractions. Timing: Not applicable. The paper focuses on staff training. Residents per Session: Not applicable. The paper focuses on staff training. Staff: 35 staff members, including registered nurses, enrolled nurses, personal care assistants, and allied health workers. Training: Intensive 2-hour training sessions over 3 days focusing on dementia care, palliative care, and Namaste Care program principles. LCT Home Characteristics: A large non-profit residential aged care facility in Northern Tasmania, focusing on providing palliative care to residents with advanced dementia. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Smaling et al. | 2023 | Netherlands | To examine the perspectives of staff and family caregivers on the impact of the Namaste Care Family program on nursing home residents with dementia, staff, and family caregivers. | 12 family caregivers and 31 staff members from 10 nursing homes. | Thematic analysis of qualitative data collected through interviews. Key findings include perceived improvements in residents’ well-being, more engagement, enhanced interactions, changes in energy level, and weight gain. Family caregivers reported a more positive view of people with dementia and changes in family visits. Staff experienced diverse work experiences, a shift to more person-centred care, and developing relationships with residents and colleagues. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Home-like rooms with soft music, pleasant scents, and without external distractions. Timing: Ideally, 2-hour sessions offered twice a day. Residents per Session: Not specified. Staff: Sessions led by staff members who received a 2-hour training, with the assistance of family caregivers. Training: Staff received a 2-hour training on the principles, purpose, and benefits of Namaste Care. Family caregivers received a leaflet and were invited to an information meeting. LCT Home Characteristics: Ten nursing homes participating in the study, with a focus on person-centred care and palliative care for residents with advanced dementia. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Li et al. | 2023 | Canada | To describe the perspectives of LTC home staff on the implementation facilitators and barriers of Namaste Care as a program to support the social inclusion of residents living with advanced dementia. | 46 LTC staff from two LTC homes in Southern Ontario, Canada | Qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Key findings included the recognition of residents’ unique needs, meaningful connections facilitated between families and residents, and fostered care partnerships between staff and families. Staff perceived numerous facilitators (e.g., dedicated staff time, volunteer and family participation) and barriers (e.g., need for extra staff, timing issues). |
Intervention Details: Environment: Dedicated rooms with soft lighting, music, and lavender scent. Timing: Planned to run 5–7 days/week, 2–4 h/day in the morning and afternoon; actual attendance was lower than the target. Residents per Session: Small groups, with each resident attending an average of two sessions per week. Staff: Facilitated by a staff carer (e.g., personal support worker, nurse, or activity aide) with volunteer support. Training: Staff received written resources and a 2-hour training session. LCT Home Characteristics: Two non-profit LTC homes in urban areas of Southern Ontario; site one had 127 beds, and site two had 210 beds. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Karacsony et al. | 2022 | Australia | To evaluate the effects of education and training about the dementia trajectory, person-centred care, and the Namaste Care programme on staff’s dementia knowledge, attitudes, perceived skills, and competence in end-of-life dementia care. | Staff (n = 35) in one residential aged care facility (RACF) in Northern Tasmania. | Survey instruments (qPAD, PANA_Skills, SCIDS). Interviews and focus groups. Key findings include significant increases in knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Improved recognition of residents’ needs and meaningful connections. Facilitators: dedicated staff time, volunteer and family participation. Barriers: need for extra staff, timing issues. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Not specified in detail. Timing: Intensive four-hour workshop sessions conducted over three days. Residents per Session: Not specified. Staff: Residential aged care staff. Training: Education workshop on the dementia trajectory, person-centred care, and the Namaste Care program. LCT Home Characteristics: One residential aged care facility in Northern Tasmania. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Karacsony & Abela | 2022 | Australia | To examine the potential for involuntary sense memories to be activated by sensory stimulation, focusing on the effects of the Namaste Care programme. | People living with advanced dementia in care homes are observed and reported by nurses and family caregivers. | Primary focus: Effects of sensory stimulation on mood, pleasure, happiness, and comfort for people with advanced dementia. Results: Enhanced mood: Described as revitalised, relaxed, more engaged, cooperative, and content. Pleasure: Observed through smiles, enjoyment, and liking the activities. Happiness: Manifested as visible happiness and laughter. Comfort: Demonstrated through secure feelings, holding comforting items, and reduced pain and agitation. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Calm, therapeutic environment designed to stimulate all six senses: tactile, olfactory, visual, gustatory, auditory, and kinesthetic. Timing: Not specified. Residents per Session: Group setting with individual attention. Staff: Nurses and caregivers. Training: Not specified. LCT Home Characteristics: Various care home environments in Australia. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Tasseron-Dries et al. | 2021 | Netherlands | To examine the experiences of family caregivers, staff, and volunteers with family caregiver participation in the Namaste Care Family program for individuals with advanced dementia. | Ten family caregivers, 31 staff members, and two volunteers from 10 nursing homes. | Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews. Key findings include positive experiences of family caregivers with meaningful connections to their relatives, practical involvement challenges, and varying participation preferences. Three main themes were identified: activities, communication, and personal circumstances. Specific outcomes include enhanced interactions, increased confidence among family caregivers, and improved quality of life for residents. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Quiet and homely rooms with pleasant smells, soft music, and no outside distractions. Timing: Two daily group sessions of two hours each. Participants per Session: Ideally, 8 to 10 residents per group. Staff: Sessions facilitated by staff with the involvement of family caregivers and volunteers. Training: Information meetings (30–60 min) held to inform family caregivers and volunteers about the program. LCT Home Characteristics: Ten nursing homes in the Netherlands participating in a cluster-randomized controlled trial. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Outcomes |
Bray et al. | 2021 | UK | To assess the quality of research evidence for the different activity components of the Namaste Care intervention for care home residents with advanced dementia. | Studies reporting on individuals with advanced dementia receiving Namaste Care. | Content analysis of 127 peer-reviewed articles, including 42 systematic reviews. Key findings include strong evidence supporting the use of various Namaste Care activities such as aromas, sensory stimulation, music, and touch, all showing positive impacts on mood, engagement, and reduction of agitation. For example, lavender aroma decreased agitation (p < 0.05), music therapy improved mood and social interaction (p < 0.01), and massage reduced anxiety (p < 0.05). |
Intervention Details: Environment: Quiet, homely rooms with soft lighting, pleasant aromas, and soothing music. Timing: Structured two-hour sessions in the morning and afternoon every day. Participants per Session: Up to 8 residents per session. Staff: Trained Namaste Care workers. Training: Training includes the use of aromas, music, sensory items, touch, and engaging activities. LCT Home Characteristics: Nursing homes in the UK adopting Namaste Care with a focus on person-centred care for residents with advanced dementia. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Bray et al. | 2021 | UK | To populate a theoretical cost model with real-world data, calculating staffing, resource, and consumable costs of delivering Namaste Care Intervention UK (NCI-UK) sessions versus “usual care” for care home residents with advanced dementia. | Residents with advanced dementia in five care homes implementing NCI-UK sessions. | Quantitative analysis of session costs and outcomes. NCI-UK had a positive impact on residents’ physical, social, and emotional well-being. An average NCI-UK group session cost £220.53, 22% more than usual care, with the cost per resident per session at £38.01. Staff costs were higher for NCI-UK due to higher staff-resident ratios. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Implemented in dedicated rooms with appropriate sensory stimuli (e.g., soft music, pleasant scents). Timing: 1.5–2 h per day for 4–9 residents per session. Participants per Session: 4–9 residents per session. Staff: No additional staff employed, but higher staff-resident ratios during sessions. Training: Not specified in detail; assumed to involve initial and ongoing training for staff. LCT Home Characteristics: Five care homes with varying characteristics, but all providing care for residents with advanced dementia. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Amrollah et al. | 2021 | Iran | To investigate the effects of a Namaste Care program on the quality of life of women with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease in an Iranian nursing facility. | 25 women with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease living in a nursing facility in Tehran, Iran. | The Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia (QUALID) scale was used. Significant improvement in quality of life was observed: mean QUALID score decreased from 24.67 ± 1.62 at baseline to 17.79 ± 1.10 at the end of the trial (P = 0.01), indicating improved quality of life. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Large room with comfortable chairs, dim lighting, pleasant scents, and relaxing instrumental music. Timing: Two-hour sessions, four days per week, for six months. Participants per Session: All 25 women participated in each session. Staff: Sessions were led by a research team member with assistance from a geriatric nurse. Training: Not specified in detail, but the program was developed by a multidisciplinary team and validated by nursing experts. LCT Home Characteristics: Tohid nursing facility, Tehran, Iran, providing round-the-clock care, medical services, nursing, rehabilitation, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Walshe et al. | 2020 | UK | To establish the feasibility and acceptability, to staff and informal carers, of carrying out a cluster randomised controlled trial of the Namaste Care intervention for people with advanced dementia in nursing homes. | Residents with advanced dementia (FAST score 6–7), their informal carers, and nursing home staff in 8 nursing homes (4 intervention and two control sites completed the study). | Primary outcomes: Quality of dying (CAD-EOLD) and quality of life (QUALID). Secondary outcomes: Sleep/activity (actigraphy), neuropsychiatric symptoms, agitation, pain, and satisfaction with care at the end of life. Recruitment was feasible; 32 residents (intervention n = 18; control n = 14), 12 informal carers (intervention n = 5; control n = 7) and 97 staff (intervention n = 75; control n = 22) were recruited. Primary outcome completion was high (100% at baseline; 96.8% at four weeks), with QUALID being more responsive to change over 24 weeks. |
Froggatt et al. | 2020 | UK | To establish the feasibility and acceptability to staff and family of conducting a cluster randomised controlled trial of the Namaste Care intervention for people with advanced dementia in nursing homes. | Residents with advanced dementia (assessed as having a Functional Assessment Staging Test score of 6 or 7), their informal carers, and nursing home staff in 8 nursing homes in England. | Primary outcomes: Quality of dying (CAD-EOLD) and quality of life (QUALID). Secondary outcomes: Sleep/activity (actigraphy), neuropsychiatric symptoms, agitation, pain, and satisfaction with care at the end of life. Recruitment was feasible; 32 residents (intervention n = 18; control n = 14), 12 informal carers (intervention n = 5; control n = 7), and 97 staff (intervention n = 75; control n = 22) were recruited. High completion rates for primary outcome questionnaires at baseline (100%) and at 4 weeks (96.8%). Intervention was acceptable with increased social engagement and greater calmness reported for residents. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Dedicated space focusing on sensory engagement, comfort management, and physical environment enhancements. Timing: Varied, reflecting the staffing and physical environment of each home. Residents per Session: Not specified. Staff: Nursing home staff. Training: Developed a user-friendly 16-page booklet with flow charts, graphics, and color-coded information; supplemented by infographics and a training package. LCT Home Characteristics: 8 nursing homes in England (4 intervention and 2 control sites completed the study). | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Latham et al. | 2020 | UK | To evaluate the implementation and impact of the Namaste Care Intervention UK (NCI-UK) on residents, staff, and families in UK care homes for people living with advanced dementia. | Residents with advanced dementia in six UK care homes. | The study used QUALID for quality of life and CMAI for agitation. Significant improvements were found in quality of life (t = 2.92, p = 0.01) and reduction in agitation (t = 3.31, p = 0.002). Staff reported positive impacts on their well-being and sense of purpose. Family members noted improved relationships and communication. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Dedicated Namaste Care rooms with sensory stimuli like soft music and pleasant scents. Timing: 1–2 h per day, with some homes attempting twice daily sessions. Participants per Session: Varies, usually around 7–9 residents per session. Staff: Regular care staff facilitated sessions. Training: Two days of training provided to all staff and visitors, plus a guidance manual. LCT Home Characteristics: Varied care homes in the UK, including large for-profit and small charity-run homes. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Kaasalainen et al. | 2020 | Canada | To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of the Namaste Care program in long-term care settings in Canada. | 31 residents with advanced dementia in two LTC homes in southern Ontario and Saskatchewan, Canada. | Feasibility: Participation rate was 88.6%, with residents attending 71.8% of sessions. 90.3% of residents completed at least 3 months of Namaste Care. Quality of Life: Mean QUALID score decreased from 26.4 ± 8.9 to 24.7 ± 10.3, not statistically significant (p = 0.40). Pain: Mean PACSLAC-II score decreased from 6.0 ± 5.0 to 5.3 ± 3.8, not statistically significant (p = 0.42). Medication Costs: Slight decrease in costs from baseline to post-intervention. Antidepressant Use: Statistically significant decrease in use (p = 0.05). Acceptability: Positive feedback from families and staff, improved mood and engagement of residents noted. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Quiet, calming rooms with soft music, pleasant scents, and comfortable lighting. Timing: Two 2-hour sessions per day, 5 days per week, reduced to 1.5 h per session due to staffing constraints. Participants per Session: Varied, depending on the home. Staff: Personal support workers, recreation staff, housekeeping, and dietary staff were involved. Training: Comprehensive training, including initial training by Joyce Simard and ongoing support through coaching, posters, newsletters, and monthly site meetings. LCT Home Characteristics: Two not-for-profit LTC homes, one in southern Ontario with 127 beds and one in Saskatchewan with 60 beds. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
El Alili et al. | 2020 | Netherlands | To assess the societal cost-effectiveness of the Namaste Care Family program in comparison with usual care in nursing home residents with advanced dementia. | 231 residents with advanced dementia and their family caregivers in 19 nursing homes. | QUALID: Improvement in quality of life (QUALID mean difference: −0.062, 95% CI: −0.40 to 0.28) QALY: Small increase (QALY mean difference: 0.0017, 95% CI: −0.059 to 0.063) GAIN: Positive impact on family caregivers (GAIN mean difference: 0.075, 95% CI: −0.20 to 0.35) Cost: Total societal costs were lower for the Namaste Care Family program (−552 €, 95% CI: −2920 to 1903) |
Intervention Details: Environment: Calm, home-like rooms with pleasant scents, nature sounds or soft music. Timing: Two 2-hour sessions per day, 7 days a week. Participants per Session: Not specified. Staff: Nursing home staff and volunteers. Training: Family caregivers were invited to training sessions and involved in Namaste Care. LCT Home Characteristics: 19 Dutch nursing homes with psychogeriatric wards. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Bray et al. | 2020 | UK | To develop a representative full cost model for a UK version of the multi-component, non-pharmacological Namaste Care intervention for care home residents with advanced dementia. | Care home residents with advanced dementia in UK care homes. | Cost Model Development: Comprehensive list of all possible resources expended, divided into three key areas: staff, capital, and consumables. Cost Comparison: Namaste Care Intervention UK costs approximately £8-£10 more per resident per 2-hour session than usual care. Positive Impacts: Potential positive impacts on resident and staff well-being may offset the additional costs. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Dedicated Namaste Care rooms with controlled ambiance, including soft music, pleasant scents, and comfortable seating. Timing: Two-hour sessions, twice daily, over a three-month period (182 sessions). Participants per Sessions: 8 residents per session. Staff: Involves a mix of care staff, including Namaste Care workers, nursing directors, home managers, housekeeping, kitchen, maintenance, and administrative staff. Training: Training not specifically detailed in this paper but assumed to be part of the initial and ongoing implementation process. LCT Home Characteristics: UK care homes with varying characteristics, providing care for residents with advanced dementia. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Walshe et al. | 2019 | UK | To describe the development of an intervention description, guide, and training package to support the implementation of Namaste Care within a feasibility trial for people with advanced dementia. | Nursing care home staff, volunteers, family carers, and PPI panel members involved in the Namaste Care program. | Intervention Description: A 16-page A4 booklet with flow charts, graphics, and color-coded information to support the implementation of Namaste Care. Training Package: Infographics and training materials developed to ensure fidelity and ease of use. Comprehensibility and Utility: Tested with staff unfamiliar with Namaste Care, modified through nominal group techniques with experienced staff and carers, and refined with PPI panel input. |
Intervention details are not specified in this paper. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Smaling et al. | 2019 | Netherlands | To examine the perceived impact of the Namaste Care Family program on nursing home residents with advanced dementia, nursing staff, and family caregivers. | Residents with advanced dementia, family caregivers, volunteers, and nursing staff in 19 nursing homes (10 implementing Namaste Care Family program and 9 providing usual care). | Nursing staff and family caregivers reported decreased behavioural symptoms of dementia, more active engagement in activities, and more verbal interaction with and between residents. Nursing staff experienced a positive effect on their work, giving more time and attention to residents, and providing more person-centred care. Family caregivers reported improved contact with their relatives, other residents, and nursing staff, as well as positive changes in their perception of people with dementia. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Not specified in detail. Timing: Daily program. Residents per Session: Not specified. Staff: Nursing staff and family caregivers. Training: Not specified. LCT Home Characteristics: 19 nursing homes, 10 implementing the Namaste Care Family program and 9 providing usual care. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Kaasalainen et al. | 2019 | Canada | To explore early experiences associated with the implementation of the Namaste Care programme in two Canadian long-term care homes. | 44 LTC staff, 44 family members, and volunteers attended a 2-day training session or public lecture. | Survey: Evaluated the 2-day education program. Participants rated their understanding and the quality of training highly (average rating of 9.2/10). Interviews: Key themes included positive impacts on residents’ mood, engagement, and quality of life, with specific outcomes such as residents becoming more interactive and showing improved mood. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Quiet, homely rooms with soft lighting, pleasant scents, and calming music. Timing: Two 2-hour sessions per day, ideally 7 days a week. Participants per Session: 6–12 residents per session. Staff: Nursing assistants, family members, other staff, and volunteers. Training: 2-day training sessions and public lectures, supplemented with experiential learning sessions and additional resources. LCT Home Characteristics: Two Canadian long-term care homes, one in Ontario and one in Saskatchewan. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Kaasalainen et al. | 2019 | Canada | To evaluate the Namaste Care programme’s feasibility, acceptability, and effects to improve end-of-life care for people with advanced dementia. | Residents with advanced dementia in two long-term care (LTC) homes in Canada, family members, and staff. | Primary outcomes: Pain, quality of life, and medication costs assessed before and six months after participating in Namaste Care. The participation rate was 88.6%, but only 71.8% of sessions were attended, and 77.4% stayed in the program for at least three months. Improvements in pain and quality of life and decreased medication costs, though differences were not statistically significant. Positive feedback from family members and staff, noting beneficial changes in residents. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Calm, therapeutic environment in a small group setting. Timing: Two two-hour sessions per day, five days a week. Actual implementation not specified. Residents per Session: Not specified. Staff: Namaste Care staff. Training: Not specified. LCT Home Characteristics: 2 long-term care homes in Canada. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Bray et al. | 2019 | UK | To explore current practice of Namaste Care for people living with dementia in UK care homes and to identify barriers and facilitators to its implementation. | 100 survey respondents, including 43 with direct experience of Namaste Care. 13 participants in follow-up interviews. | Survey: 100 respondents, 43 with direct Namaste Care experience. Positive impact on emotional, physical, and social well-being reported. Interviews: Themes included training, support, environment, and session structure. Improved resident mood, reduced agitation, better skin condition, hydration, weight gain, swallowing, sleep, and pain reduction were reported. Roundtable Discussions: The importance of leadership, team approach, and a clear understanding of Namaste Care principles was emphasised. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Dedicated, protected spaces with low lighting, soft music, and comfortable seating. Timing: Typically less than the prescribed two 2-hour sessions per day. Often delivered once a day, not always 7 days a week. Participants per Session: Varied, but typically fewer than 12 residents. Staff: Ideally a team approach, with a mix of dedicated Namaste Care workers and other care staff. Training: Varied experiences; some received formal training, others learned through observation or reading. The importance of comprehensive training is emphasised. LCT Home Characteristics: Varied settings, including nursing homes, hospices, and NHS continuing care units. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Participants | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
McNiel & Westphal | 2018 | USA | To explore the experiences of residents, staff, and family involved in the Namaste Care program at a long-term care facility. | 14 staff members, including certified nursing assistants, registered nurses, clergy, and therapists. | Themes: Peaceful sanctuary, relating their way, transforming experiences, connections and community, positive moments, awakened to the possibilities. Findings: Positive impacts on residents’ mood, engagement, and quality of life. Staff reported increased job satisfaction and emotional fulfilment. Family members noted improved interactions and relationships. Examples: Residents showed reduced agitation, increased calmness, and more meaningful interactions. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Two dedicated Namaste Care rooms on separate floors, with dim lighting, soft music, aromatherapy, and comfortable seating. Timing: 7 days a week for at least 4 h daily. Participants per Session: Up to 8 residents per room. Staff: Certified nursing assistants, registered nurses, clergy, therapists, and volunteers. Training: Special training provided to all staff involved in Namaste Care rooms. LCT Home Characteristics: A long-term care facility with separate memory care unit and general care areas. | |||||
Article | Year | Country | Aim/Objective | Population | Outcome Measures and Key Findings |
Bunn et al. | 2018 | UK | To develop an explanatory account of how the Namaste Care intervention might work, what outcomes it achieves, and in what circumstances. | People with advanced dementia living in care homes, with a focus on the perspectives of 20 stakeholders, including user/patient representatives, dementia care providers, care home staff, and researchers. | Primary focus: Theoretical explanations of how Namaste Care might work. Identified three context-mechanism-outcome configurations for Namaste Care: structured access to social and physical stimulation, equipping staff to handle complex behaviours, and providing a framework for person-centred care. Key overarching theme: the importance of activities enabling moments of connection for people with advanced dementia. Improved quality of life and dying through structured, regular, and person-centred sensory activities. |
Intervention Details: Environment: Delivered in a communal space dedicated to Namaste Care, emphasising sensory stimulation through touch, sound, and sight. Timing: Twice daily, seven days a week. Residents per Session: Group setting with individual attention. Staff: Care home staff trained to deliver the program. Training: Staff training to understand and deliver person-centred, multisensory interventions. LCT Home Characteristics: Not specified in detail but included various care home environments in the UK. | |||||