Residents living with advanced dementia at Claremont Court are enjoying the benefits of specialist Namaste Care sessions aimed at stimulating their senses and enhancing their lives.
The sessions at the 57-bed home support the sensory, physical and emotional needs of residents, with meaningful activities such as massage, listening to music and enjoying holistic therapies.
The name ‘Namaste’ comes from the Indian greeting, meaning ‘the divine in me honours the divine in you’, which is said to embody kindness and the recognition of each other’s worth.
“Our Namaste Care sessions are designed to stimulate all five senses, creating a holistic and immersive experience for our residents,” said care home manager Karen Byres.
“We are already seeing remarkable benefits to their emotional and physical well-being.
“This structured practice not only brings them peace and comfort but also creates a deeper sense of community and connection in our home.”
The regular sessions offer numerous benefits including connections with the team and loved ones through touch, reduced stress and anxiety as well as improved mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Namaste sessions take place in a special soothing home environment surrounded by calming images, lighting and music and residents take part either as part of a small groups or on a 1-2-1 basis in their bedrooms.
Aromatherapy is used during the sessions, with scents such as lavender and sandalwood filling the room, helping to relax the mind and body.
Residents are also offered drinks and snacks to stimulate taste, enjoyment, nutrition, and hydration, with each participant having a personal Namaste Care bag containing items that are meaningful to them which are used throughout the sessions to enhance meaningful connections.
Karen added: “The holistic nature and structure of Namaste Care creates additional opportunities for our team to ensure our residents not only receive exceptional physical care but also experience person-centred emotional and sensory enrichment which is vital to their ongoing wellbeing.
“It’s an innovative approach that we are really proud to embed in our home as it underscores our commitment to providing the highest standard of care and enhancing the quality of life for all of our treasured residents.”