Dementia patients in the South East are set to benefit from a more holistic approach to their healthcare as Medway NHS Foundation Trust becomes the first acute trust in the UK to introduce Namaste care.
Namaste care, an alternative treatment path for either advanced dementia or end of life (EOL) patients, takes a compassionate approach to a range of physical, sensory and emotional activities – all in a bid give those being cared for a calmer and more comforting environment.
The move comes after a successful pilot of the model on the trust’s Tennyson Ward in 2020, which was led by the EOL Care Team and Emily Brown who has been appointed as the first Namaste Care Practitioner at Medway Maritime Hospital.
Emily explained: “Every Thursday, over a six month period, I would see all the patients on Tennyson Ward that had dementia or were on an EOL care plan and I would assess them before and after a Namaste care session.
“In 98% of the patients assessed, their mood, pain and overall wellbeing had improved. They were calmer and less likely to wander which meant fewer falls. They ate and drank better meaning their fluid and food intake was good. They were also happy to take their medication.”
To deliver the Namaste care, Emily could play a patient’s favourite song, spray their preferred perfume or just give them a drink they enjoy. Emily says Namaste care is about “honouring the spirit within” with the ultimate purpose of stimulating patients’ senses and surrounding them in a familiar environment.
Medway NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Executive, Jayne Black, added: “We are incredibly proud to be introducing this new model of care in a hospital setting. While our clinical staff ensure our dementia patients and end of life patients get the very best care, Emily is helping us to go one step further in providing holistic care during a very emotional time for both the patient and their family.”
“I truly hope it will inspire other Trusts to look at introducing Namaste care so other patients across the country can benefit too,” she concluded.
