Birchwood Terrace Introduces Namaste Care and Spa Program
By James Bessette, Nurse Manager
We have implemented two very exciting and life-enriching programs for our residents: our Namaste Care Program and our Spa Program.
Namaste care means "to honor the spirit wthin." We use this program for residents with chronic pain, Alzheimer’s, behavioral issues and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Namaste care is done in a very quiet, low-light room, by an LNA. Aromatherapy, brain wave music or spa music is used. During Namaste care the LNA provides gentle massage to neck, face, hands and feet with aromatherapy lotion. Then they focus on hydration by giving fluids and having residents suck on orange slices. Then, they give the resident pleasure foods like pudding, Jello, etc.
The program provides meaningful ADLs in a quiet, unhurried and personal environment. During Namaste care there is a focus on hydration, good skin care, nail care and oral care. Once a week a harp player comes and plays for the Namaste care residents. This program was developed by MSW Joyce Simard.
For our Spa Program, we discovered a whirlpool tub that was not being fully utilized. So we added aromatherapy, live plants, some household furniture, dimmed the light over the tub and added spa music. Now residents have a spa and not a "bath." When they get out of the tub, they are wrapped in a blanket, massaged with lotion and nail care is done while the resident enjoys the aromatherapy and music.
