What is Namaste Care?

We’re always looking for new ways to enhance the wellbeing of our residents, especially those living with dementia. One of the approaches we’re excited to introduce is Namaste Care, a person-centered program designed to provide comfort, connection, and a sense of peace to residents.

Namaste Care is a holistic, sensory-based approach to care that focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with advanced dementia or those nearing the end of life developed by Professor Joyce Simard. Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves love, dignity, and attention, Namaste Care blends therapeutic touch, sensory stimulation, and personal connection to create moments of joy and relaxation.

The word "Namaste" itself means “to honor the spirit within,” and that’s exactly what this care model does—it recognizes the unique person behind the condition, offering gentle activities that nurture both mind and body.

Professor Simard recognised that people living in these advanced stages of cognitive degeneration were often unable to communicate verbally, to walk, eat or drink independently or attend to their personal needs while being restricted from being in involved in mainstream activities in care homes (Simard 2018) 

How Does Namaste Care Work?

The Namaste Care program is typically delivered in a calm, quiet environment, often a specially prepared space within the care home. Residents are invited to participate in soothing activities like:

• Gentle hand massages using scented lotions to stimulate the senses.
• Music therapy, playing soft, familiar tunes that bring comfort.
• Aromatherapy to create a peaceful atmosphere.
• Visual stimulation, using calming lighting or showing personal photos.
• Meaningful conversation and connection to make residents feel valued.

Each session is tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences, ensuring they feel respected and understood.

We find that our residents often feel more relaxed and less anxious after Namaste sessions, even those with severe communication challenges respond positively through facial expressions, eye contact, or body language. Many residents also seem to be less restlessness, and more comfortable in their surroundings.

Why We're Using Namaste Care at Deeside Care Home

We believe in delivering the highest standard of care, especially for our most vulnerable residents. By introducing Namaste Care, we’re taking an important step in enriching the lives of those with advanced dementia and other conditions. Our team has undergone specialized training to ensure each Namaste session is a comforting, dignified, and personalised experience.

Namaste is delivered in a small group session to promote social connection; however, can be provided on a one-to-one basis. Namaste is a holistic approach to care and provides interventions which involves the five senses of touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight.       

Family members are also invited to participate in Namaste sessions, creating shared moments of closeness. This approach not only benefits the residents but offers reassurance to loved ones, knowing that their family member is receiving compassionate care.

Namaste Care is just one of the many ways we’re making a positive difference in the lives of our residents. We’re proud to introduce this program and look forward to seeing the joy and peace it brings to our care home community.

Knowing your resident’s life story, interests and what is of meaning to then will guide you to the type of intervention you will provide to residents during Namaste.   

Residents will be invited into a room which will have been specially prepared to offer a calm and relaxing atmosphere. During a Namaste session a resident will receive a therapeutic intervention (as tolerated) which include a focus on comforting touch.                                                                                                   

Residents are supported to have snacks and drinks off their choice and will embark on a stimulated activity of meaning such as listening to music, poetry, short stories, photographs of family, musical instruments, or tactile & sensory objects to support interest & cognitive stimulation.

The Purpose of Namaste

Namaste promotes social connection, stimulation, quality of life, reduce anxiety, episodes of stress & distress, aid relaxation and increase nutrition and hydration (Stacpoole et al, 2017). Evidence based research has also identified that staff have found being involved in Namaste Care has provided a sense of empowerment, achievement in their role and has helped to reduce stress in care workers (Reid & Irvine, 2010-22).

About Deeside Care Home

Deeside Care Home is a luxury care home nestled in the suburbs of Cults, Aberdeenshire. The home offers exceptional Residential, Nursing, Dementia, Respite and Palliative Care for up to 62 residents in a warm and welcoming environment. With a focus on person-centred care and a strong sense of community, Deeside is dedicated to providing a rich, fulfilling, and meaningful life for all its residents.

If you'd like to find out more about our care home or our specialist dementia care, you can book a tour.