A feasibility trial to improve the quality of dying for people with advanced dementia living in care homes

Welcome to the archived web pages of the NAMASTE Trial

Why was this trial needed?

Many people with advanced dementia live and die in nursing care homes. The quality of life, care and dying experienced by residents can vary. Namaste Care is an approach to care that could provide high quality care for patients with dementia. The initial research suggests Namaste Care provides comfort for people with advanced dementia and increases staff and family satisfaction with care. Further research is still required to see how the benefits of Namaste Care compare with other approaches to care for people with advanced dementia.

Namaste Care is an approach that focuses on engaging with each individual person’s senses through sound, touch, smell, taste and sight.

This two-year Namaste Care Trial programme aimed to make a difference to the care of people dying with advanced dementia in care homes by personalising care. This personalised approach included sensory activities like hand massage, tasty treats and drinks, and handling items relevant to the person’s previous interests like balls of wool if they enjoyed knitting.

A structured approach to care, provided by the usual staff, engages the individual’s senses, offering meaningful activities that reflect their interests.

Lead researcher Professor Katherine Froggatt said: “Depending on the individual, they may benefit from calming and relaxing activities or interaction that provides stimulation. It’s very much about seeing what works for each person.”

Katherine Froggatt discusses the Namaste Care Trial in the following video: