The End-of-Life Namaste Care Program for People with Dementia [Paperback]

Joyce Simard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2007 | ISBN-10: 1932529349 | ISBN-13: 978-1932529340 | Edition: 1

The innovative Namaste Care program helps facilities provide gentle end-of-life care, especially for residents with advanced dementia. Because of their profound losses, these individuals are often isolated with limited human contact during the final stages of their lives. This new program reveals simple and practical ways for direct care staff to provide holistic, person-centered care that maintains a human connection.

Blending nursing care and meaningful activities, the program promotes peaceful and relaxing end-of-life experiences for older adults. Sensory-based practices including placement in comfortable armchairs, soothing music, and gentle massage emphasize comfort and pleasure.

Developed by a geriatric social worker and dementia specialist, the program stresses dignity and respect at this vulnerable stage of life. Namaste Care will benefit facilities by improving residents quality of life
providing programming that meets current regulations for meaningful activities
supporting culture change initiatives
enhancing opportunities for family involvement
strengthening staff morale

Using this practical manual, nursing facilities can easily implement a Namaste Care program with minimal resources and training. Step-by-step advice for staffing, budgeting, and marketing a program is included. Detailed information for creating a Namaste Care room is provided, as well as alternative options for facilities with limited space. Plus, real-life vignettes illustrate the program in practice.

Recognizing the spirit within each person, this unique approach is valuable for all settings providing end-of-life care, especially skilled nursing facilities, assisted living settings, and hospices.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joyce Simard, M.S.W., provides consulting services to skilled nursing centers and assisted living communities. She earned her bachelor of arts in sociology/social work at Ithaca College in New York and her master s of social work at the University of Minnesota.

In addition to Namaste Care, she developed The Memory Enhancement Program (MEP), a unique program for individuals experiencing memory loss above and beyond what is normal for their age and education. Residents in nursing centers, assisted living, and independent living communities who do not need a secured Alzheimer's unit benefit from this program.

An internationally recognized speaker, Joyce have given seminars, such as Understanding Alzheimer s Disease, Finding Joy in the Caregiving Experience, and Staff Participation in Meaningful Activities, to families of people with dementia and health care professionals in the United States, Australia, and several cities in Asia. She also provides in-service training on a variety of subjects, including hospice, bereavement, comfort care, and activity programs for people with dementia. Joyce is known for bringing humor and a light touch to serious subjects. She teaches through stories of real experiences from her more than 20 years in health care.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Health Professions Pr; 1 edition (August 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932529349
• ISBN-13: 978-1932529340
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #463,172 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #52 in Books > Medical Books > Nursing > Gerontology
  • #81 in Books > Medical Books > Nursing > Nursing Home Care

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars IT'S ALL HERE!, September 13, 2011

By 

Pat G - See all my reviews

This review is from: The End-of-Life Namaste Care Program for People with Dementia (Paperback)

A must have for everyone!!

Namaste is a wonderful inspiring book that gives you the knowledge and tools needed to make a difference in End of Life care for people with dementia as well as ideas and support that families need to enable them to remain connected to their loved ones during the last stages of their journey. The book chronicles setting up a end of life dementia area in a residential facility, but can easily be adapted to guide families in their own home.

Even if you are not struggling in your own family with this issue, you will meet neighbors and friends who are and this book will allow you to guide them with the help they need.

5.0 out of 5 stars What every dementia care provider should know, August 29, 2011

By 

G. Heppe (Brookfield, WI 53005) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The End-of-Life Namaste Care Program for People with Dementia (Paperback)

This book was great. I had to prepare a presentation on end of life for people unable to express their wishes and this gave a great deal of common sense information that every care facility should incorporate in their programming and employee training. Very basic information, but some good suggestions for those of us in the field for a long time!

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional!, January 25, 2010

By 

Touch of Joy "Joy Golliver" (Tucson) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The End-of-Life Namaste Care Program for People with Dementia (Paperback)

This is the book for end of life issues. It gives you ways to provide comfort for your loved one and for you.