The University of Tasmania in partnership with Southern Cross Care (Tasmania) Inc has been awarded an ARIIA grant for their project ‘Bringing Namaste Care to people with dementia at end of life in residential aged care services’.
This project will implement a model of care using the Namaste Care program for people living (and dying) with advanced dementia in Residential Aged Care Services (RACS).
Namaste Care is a psychosocial intervention focused on enhancing quality of life in the end stages of dementia and can be provided until the end of life. The program provides structured, personalised, multi-sensory care in a dedicated, peaceful and comfort-orientated space. Namaste care is provided by RACS staff in partnership with family caregivers and volunteers. The project will establish the Namaste Care program in 3 RACS in Tasmania supported by a Namaste Care Community of Care.
The project will be the first Australian study to evaluate Namaste Care on eligible residents’ quality of life, aged care workforce satisfaction with care provision and experiences of delivering the program and family carers experiences of care.
Evaluation of the project will assess for effectiveness of the intervention and implementation effectiveness. The project aims to show the Namaste Care program intervention is a feasible and acceptable intervention for residents living with advanced dementia, aged care staff and volunteers in RACS, and family carers.