Namaste Care is a therapeutic approach to caring for those living with advanced dementia, focused on improving their quality of life through a simple, soothing and rewarding process. This step-by-step guide is for anyone looking to translate the principles of the Namaste Care approach successfully and professionally into a home or care setting, with an emphasis on the value of volunteers in the community in implementing this.

The Namaste Care approach is focussed on giving comfort and pleasure to people with advanced dementia through sensory stimulation, especially the use of touch, and this book provides extensive guidance on every stage of the process, including harnessing community interest, recruiting and training volunteers, and managing pain and discomfort. In a time of ever-growing strain on healthcare resources, this practical guide is a timely reminder of the power and value of informal care and compassionate communities in helping to care better for people with dementia, and is essential reading for carers, professionals and family members.

Professional guide to implementing the Namaste Care approach to dementia in a home or care setting

About the Author
Nicola Kendall is a qualified psychotherapist, complementary therapist and mindfulness teacher, as well as the Namaste Lead at St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham. She is responsible for setting up a community project involving trained volunteers delivering Namaste Care to people living with advanced dementia at home.

Reviews
Namaste Care seeks to engage people with advanced dementia through sensory input, especially touch, and to enrich their quality of life and is becoming well established in the care home sector in the UK. This exciting book by Nicola Kendall offers a strong and passionate template for how Namaste can be delivered to people with advanced dementia living in their own home by engaging volunteers and family members in its delivery. This book not only details their experiences and the compassion that has been a driver for the service but is also one that helps the reader to deliver Namaste Care themselves. This is a book I would recommend for family carers as well as services who wish to embrace this sensitive and innovative care approach. -- Dr Karen Harrison Dening, Head of Research & Publications, Dementia UK
This informative and thought-provoking book is packed with helpful guidance in supporting people to live well with advanced dementia. It is a must read for those who are working in care services and for those who are caring for individuals at home. -- Jackie Pool, Director of Memory Care, Sunrise Senior Living UK
More than a practical guide, this is a brilliant resource on Namaste Care - well written, insightful, providing a wealth of information. I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone interested in Namaste Care. A timely publication given the rise in dementia and the need to harness compassion in our communities. -- Colette O'Driscoll, Namaste Care Manager, St Joseph's Hospice
At a time when funding in health and social care is drastically reduced and the numbers of people living longer with dementia are increasing, this is an informed and inspiring handbook on how to address some of these issues. Training and building resilient communities is the key to allaying the fears around communicating with people with dementia and supporting carers who have often fallen through the net of care. I know this approach works, through St Joseph's Hospice I set up the first Namaste Care Service in the UK which involved home visits - it's difficult, a balance of risk but one of the most rewarding projects I have worked on. If you are interested in setting up a similar service, this book will give you the impetus, confidence and insight and leave a lasting impact on you and your community. -- Lourdes Colclough, Former Namaste Care Manager, St Joseph's Hospice, now Macmillan Engagement Manager
A thorough and accessible guide. The subject is brought to life throughout with personal stories of how people living with advanced dementia can be supported to engage with the world and experience joy. -- Isabelle Latham, Senior Lecturer, Association for Dementia Studies, University of Worcester
Always deeply respectful, often poignant and at times humorous, it sparkles with joyful moments and celebrations of life. To quote the author, "Embrace this (book) with gentle curiosity and enjoy the ride." I, for one, would like to go round again. -- Danuta Lipinska, Specialist in Ageing & Dementia Care, Training Consultant, Counsellor, Supervisor, 'My Home Life' Action Learning Facilitator
This book is full of hope, humility and insight. Contributors draw from a rich and diverse range of theory, research and professional experience to share the practical wisdom of namaste care. -- Luke Tanner, Body psychotherapist & Dementia Care Trainer and Consultant



Book Information
ISBN 9781785928345
Author Nicola Kendall
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publisher Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Weight(grams) 296g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 152mm * 16mm