'Namaste’ (nah-mah-stay) is a Hindu greeting which means ‘to honour the spirit within’.
Namaste Arts
Well-being Through Self-expression
Namaste Sensory Arts
'Namaste’ (nah-mah-stay) is a Hindu greeting which means ‘to honour the spirit within’,
'Namaste Care changes the focus and structure of care given to residents at the later stages of their dementia....
The manner of care is described as ‘holistic’ because it is incorporated into all aspects of daily life and involves a range of physical, sensory and emotional approaches.
These approaches support residents with advanced dementia in many activities, for example managing pain, making sure they are getting enough to eat and drink and use of music to manage anxiety and stress.'
This is an extract from an article on the Alzheimer's Society website. Here is a link if you wish to read more about the research done into the effects of Namaste care.
I have developed specially adapted sensory arts sessions which reflect the Namaste Care Values.
People who come to the group will have the opportunity to be creative and to connect through gentle hand massage using fragranced hand lotion, they will experience smells of an essential oil diffuser, sensory objects such as flowers and seasonal fruit and vegetables and relaxing music, instruments, singing or a CD to create a scene such as sounds of the sea.
There is generally a theme for each session and each sensory element will reflect the theme.
The groups are usually small with four or five people with complex needs, other more able people are welcome to join the group to paint or draw, but the main focus of attention will be on the people with higher needs, people often in the later stages of dementia.
I have found these groups to be a wonderful way to give people who may not be able to join in with other groups a chance to express themselves and connect in a loving and joyful way.