Introduction

Few evidence-based psychosocial interventions target people with advanced dementia.

Methods

Namaste Care Family is a daily multi-dimensional care program to improve quality of life (QoL) of people with dementia and their family caregivers. In this cluster-randomized controlled trial, adjusted linear mixed models were used to analyze effects at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up. Ten nursing homes implemented the program (n = 116) while nine nursing homes provided care as usual (n = 115).

Results

The intervention group showed less discomfort (-1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.88 to -0.23) and fewer sentinel events (-0.40; 95% CI = -0.64 to -0.16), specifically pneumonia (-0.08; 95% CI = -0.14, -0.02). There were no differences in residents’ QoL, challenging behavior, and medication use. There was no effect on positive caregiving experiences, caregiver burden or guilt, whereas conflict with staff was lower at 12 months (-2.04; 95% CI = -4.07 to -0.01).

Discussion

Namaste Care Family has some beneficial effects on residents with dementia and family caregivers.

Clinical trial registration

This trial was registered with the CCMO Research with human participants (old ID 5692/new ID 5570).

Highlights

Namaste Care Family involves family in a daily program for residents with dementia. Residents’ quality of life did not improve (primary outcome) due to the program. Also, family’s positive caregiving experiences did not improve (primary outcome). Namaste Care Family reduced discomfort and sentinel events in people with dementia. Family caregivers’ conflict with staff over caregiving decreased due to the program.

© 2025 The Author(s). Alzheimer’s & Dementia published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Alzheimer’s Association.