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

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.

". . . a convincing book that is practice-oriented, yet warm and engaging."-- (01/01/2001) "[The author] is committed and dedicated to those who can not speak for themselves ... she presents an approach that every health care person should and will adopt if he or she reads this book.... this publication should be a MUST read and do by every health care facility."-- (01/01/2001) "A wonderful resource that presents an alternative for practitioners and caregivers caring for dementia patients. . .The method is very common sense and easy-to-implement in almost any setting. . . a hands-on approach to care and its simple suggestions are priceless."-- (01/01/2001) "Give[s] the reader a step-by-step guide to implementing this amazing program without incurring high labor cost or capital expense. The results of the Namaste program at EPOCH buildings have been nothing short of heartwarming and wonderful for all who are touched by it."-- (01/01/2001) "Joyce Simard shows us how to embrace one of the most challenging care situations with grace, compassion, respect, and a dash of humor. The End-of-Life Namaste Care Program for People with Dementia is both inspiring and filled with practical suggestions for how to develop a Namaste Care program to ease the anxiety, pain and confusion that is, unfortunately, still all too common during the last stages of dementia ... a must-read for anyone involved in dementia care."-- (01/01/2001) "Joyce Simard's Namaste Program is a significant contribution to the field of non-pharmacologic Alzheimer's treatment ... the underlying message can be heard clearly: everyone living with a dementia, no matter for how long, needs a compassionate partner willing to nurture their spirit. We are afraid to talk about end of life care--about dying--not Joyce Simard! She does so with grace, information, enthusiasm, and spirit."-- (01/01/2001) "People with advanced dementia have often become the 'forgotten souls' in our long-term care system. Now, Joyce Simard provides us with a practical way to enhance comfort and quality of life, while honoring the spirit of each person during these final months of life. Administrative and clinical professionals alike will be inspired... no long term care residential setting should be without Namaste Care"-- (01/01/2001)