Namaste Care Family for people with dementia and family−a randomized controlled trial.

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.