Honour the spirit within your loved one, with specialised end-stage dementia care in an IRT aged care centre
Namaste is a Hindu term for honouring the spirit within. At IRT, we honour the spirit of residents with end-stage dementia or who are nearing their end of life, with a unique sensory-based care experience.
Residents are cared for by trained staff in a purpose-designed room using therapeutic touch, aromatherapy, music and sensory experiences. Activities are tailored for each resident and generally include special mementos from their life.
Family and friends are invited to join in the Namaste experience. This provides opportunities for loving connections at a time when communication is limited. Families who’ve experienced IRT’s Namaste program say it helped them reconnect with their loved one and come to terms with their disease.
IRT’s specialised Namaste program is founded on the power of loving touch. This program is suited to residents with end-stage dementia or who are nearing their end of life. Core services include:
Sensory stimulation
Meaningful activity
Life story and family participation
Group sessions
Comfort care
Pain management and hydration
IRT’s Namaste care experience incorporates stimulation of the five senses (touch, hearing, sight, smell, taste). Music, colour, therapeutic touch and massage, aromatherapy oils and food treats are all part of the multi-sensory environment created in the Namaste room.
Activities are tailored for each resident to create opportunities for loving touch and human connection. Hands and face may be gently washed with a warm flannel, patted dry with a soft towel and moisturising cream applied. Staff use opportunities like this to make eye contact with residents and speak to them with warmth and kindness.
Family and friends are invited to join in the Namaste care experience and share stories from their loved one’s past. We often create a personalised box of special mementos to incorporate into the care experience. Residents are encouraged to hold these items and may be immersed in familiar sounds and smells to promote comfort and wellbeing.
Namaste sessions are delivered by specially-trained staff in small groups. This helps to build community connections, while ensuring every resident experiences the benefits of personalised one-on-one care. Namaste rooms feature soft lighting and engaging design elements, and are equipped for music, aromatherapy and temperature control.
Specially-trained staff ensure that residents are comfortable and well hydrated throughout the session. Blankets and foot socks keep residents warm and cosy in between activities, like foot massages. This helps residents to relax into the sensory-care experience.