How can sensory help those with advanced Dementia?
It is important that we help people living with advanced Dementia live and not just exist.
Keeping a person clean, fed and groomed is not living, this is merely existing. People need to be engaged in meaningful activities, feel wanted, loved and need to feel as if they still can contribute.
This is where sensory can help…
In recent years a lot of research has gone into this subject and you may have come across the terminology ‘Namaste Care’. Namaste Care is a program designed to improve the quality of life for people with advanced Dementia. Namaste, is a Hindu term meaning “to honour the spirit within” and was selected for this program as the main purpose is to bring honour to people who can no longer tell us who they are or who they were or care for themselves without assistance.
Soothing the Senses
Namaste Care takes place in a designated space that helps to create a safe and comforting environment for those who enter. This approach soothes the senses, using sound, touch, smell and taste.
What is a Namaste Room?
The room incorporates a number of sensory solutions to relax and provide sensory stimulation, including smells, projection of calming scenes (countryside, on holiday or reminiscence) and relaxing music.
Residents with advance dementia using the room are greeted, groomed, massaged and stroked. They are also sometimes offered tasty food and drinks to keep their mouths moist and to encourage appetite.
This really is an amazing way for Dementia sufferers to get in touch with their senses and to live with dignity.
