Our care home in Leigh-on-Sea, rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, has been recognised as a Namaste Centre of Excellence.
Residents, relatives, team members and the Mayor Councillor Kevin Robinson were invited to celebrate the achievement which took two years for Admiral Court Care Home to achieve and supports those living with dementia with tailored sensory activities to improve wellbeing.
In order to be recognised as a centre of excellence, 12 team members at the dementia and nursing home had to undertake training hosted by Namaste pioneers; Joyce Simard and Min Stacpoole, they created a Namaste room and started to deliver daily Namaste sessions.
These consisted of a hand massage, sensory reminiscence activities, and food and drink treats, and the positive impact of this on residents was measured throughout.
The outcome of the Namaste programme has seen residents weight increase, drink more, and have more conversations and interactions with other residents and their loved ones.
As part of the celebratory event, guests enjoyed speeches from the dementia team, a champagne toast and the Mayor and Madam Mayoress were treated to a hand massage in the Namaste room.
Head of Dementia Care and Wellbeing, April Dobson said: “It was a real privilege to visit Admiral Court to see how they have embedded the Namaste programme for people living with dementia. The whole team should be extremely proud of their achievements, and the positive impact they have on people’s lives. The love for those they care for, and the will to enhance quality of life, shines through everything they do. I am delighted that we now have a centre of excellence for Namaste at Hallmark and can’t thank the team enough for their hard work and dedication.”
Dementia Care Manager at Admiral Court, Jess Davies said: “I am so proud of the dedicated Namaste team at Admiral Court. They have worked hard to establish a caring holistic routine. Namaste Care aims to enable team to cater to the personal needs of residents with advanced dementia, focusing on the person and honouring the spirit within. Providing gentle interventions to include experiencing aromatherapy, nature sounds, hand and foot massage, exploring tactile shapes and hydrating snacks.”
The Worshipful Mayor Kevin Robinson said: ‘As a Mental Health Nurse, myself, I can really relate to what a positive impact the Namaste room and imbedded culture has on the community.”
Regional Dementia Manager, Lisa Ruffell said: “Having had the honour to be part of the Namaste journey at Admiral Court has been truly rewarding. The implementation of Namaste Care hasn’t always been straightforward, it has taken nearly two years to develop and make Namaste Care the success that is seen today. I am immensely proud to have been able to support the team and be part of creating and capturing the positive impact for residents who have taken part. Namaste has been positively welcomed by residents and their families, who have all been so grateful, noticing the benefits and positive impact for those who have attended.”
Managing Director at Admiral Court, Aneurin Brown said: “It was an honour to take part in this Namaste celebration, the team have done an amazing job in creating a meaningful sensory experience and space for our residents, collectively sharing their skills to provide holistic care to help improve the wellbeing of our residents within our dementia community.”