This innovative care program blends nursing care and meaningful activities to promote peaceful and relaxing end-of-life experiences for older adults with late-stage dementia. The first program created specifically for this hardest-to-serve population, Namaste Care also meets the latest regulatory guidelines for person-centered activity programming. The author has developed the program to be adaptable to individual as well as group settings, from nursing home to bedside at home. With this practical guide, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living settings, memory care communities, and hospices can easily and affordably implement a Namaste Care program not only to improve resident quality of life but also to increase family involvement and strengthen staff morale. New to the revised edition: Detailed descriptions of Namaste Care (NC) Group Program and the NC Individual Program, and instructions for implementing NC in any setting More case studies and stories to illustrate creative uses of Namaste Care and effective results Further international focus, incorporating programs and perspectives from Australia, the U.K., Europe, as well as Singapore and Indonesia. In-depth description of the physical setting and supplies needed for an effective NC program. Completely updated references
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 has 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.
