Namaste Care programme helps Edinburgh care home 'honour spirit within'
Cluny Lodge nursing home has implemented a Namaste Care programme, founded by Joyce Simard in the USA and named after the Hindu greeting.
The principles of the Namaste Care programme include creating a calm and comfortable environment, providing all activities and interactions with an unhurried, loving touch approach, and using other elements to engage the senses. This all leads to creating an environment and atmosphere to allow space for positive and meaningful connection.
Initiated by a previous member of staff, the way in which the programme was first implemented was not working for the residents. In an effort to turn things around, the home decided to go ahead with training from NEAR, Namaste Education and Resources, a small charity who are keen to develop the use of Namaste Care in care homes. The initial training session was part of the NEAR pilot programme and there were 15 people present.
Having the time to establish the programme was a huge factor but two of the homes experienced team leaders took on the project and were given protected time to develop it. With this support they created a therapy room which residents can enjoy, and they also have mobile trollies for those wishing or needing to stay in their own rooms.
There were 'try it and see' sessions, which helped some of the more sceptical staff better understand the programme and the positives. The more staff see the benefits, the more they want to know.
Marcela Patriche, care home manager said: “We have seen so many changes in those attending, from improved concentration to recognition of their environment. Many people have been more alert and often have a better and more upright seating position, lasting well beyond the session. We also see smaller movements, such as moving forward to allow access to massage a neck. It’s small, but very significant as this lady would not move at all previously. One lady in particular has a real sense of purpose, and she now helps others by handing out snacks. Many people who have had Namaste Care have been talking more too. We are seeing great results at end of life, a real sense of calmness and peace for the person themselves and their family.”
The two team leaders who have been leading this project, Linda Hill and Sarah Hastie said: “I have shared Namaste Care information with others in a hospital setting and other care homes. It gives you a different perspective of the people we care for. It’s a privilege to have time with the individual, not just while washing etc. it’s very rewarding. One lady who has been to Namaste Care has been telling everyone about us. We feel we have a new lease of work-life.”
 Photos of the therapy room in Cluny Lodge.
Findings from consultation with family carers of people who live in care homes
The consultation was carried out with family carers of people experiencing care in adult and older people’s care homes in Scotland to help ensure we are hearing their voices and to widen knowledge of their experiences and views.
Responses emphasised the importance to family and friends carers of being able to visit freely, feel welcome, be included, and be able to raise concerns confidently.
Read the full report here.
Survey on the size and layout of care homes
We are seeking views from people who live in care homes and their families and friends about the size and layout of care homes, to help us understand people’s experiences of how different sizes of care home affect daily life. We would really appreciate if you could complete our form. The form will close on 28 February 2025.
Volunteer with us
Our work is improved by involving people who use services and their carers. We have many innovative ways that people can get involved with us and can influence our work.
If you have personal experience of using a service or you have cared for someone close who has used a service there are many ways you can get involved with us. You do not have to have any qualifications. Your personal experience gives you a unique insight.
You can apply to become an inspection volunteer by completing our application form:
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online (Microsoft Forms)
- by printing a paper copy (PDF) and posting it Participation and Equalities Team, Care Inspectorate, Compass House, 11 Riverside Drive, Dundee, DD1 4NY
- or we can support you to complete your application.
If you would like to find out more about becoming an inspection volunteer, need help to complete the application form or would like us to post you an application form, please email us at get.involved@careinspectorate.gov.scot
New quality improvement plan
The Quality Improvement Plan for 2025-26 is now available. This plan demonstrates our whole systems commitment, to working with our Assurance and Improvement colleagues and likeminded agencies, to provide quality improvement in the right places at the right time. There is continued focus on targeted Quality Improvement programmes and supporting clusters of services to make the improvements needed. We will continue to build improvement capacity and capability across the lifespan.
Working together to support people living at home with neurological conditions
The Care Inspectorate and NHS Ayrshire and Arran have worked together on this project, which brought people living with a neurological condition into the heart of a new network, working together with the care and health professionals who support them to live at home. The approach reinforces the importance of cooperation and communication between those providing a care or health service and those receiving it. Read the report here.
Piloting a self-evaluation methodology
Between October 2023 and June 2024, the Care Inspectorate worked with providers of adult care services to develop their skills around self-evaluation. This included holding three webinars, which were attended by more than 800 people, two face-to-face workshops with over 90 attendees, and a session with managers from a large provider. At these events, we provided practical support and advice to help services understand the process as well as providing information on how we would be testing and validating their self-evaluations. Read more here.
New guide to promote employment of 16 and 17-year olds in social care
The Care Inspectorate in partnership with Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), Scottish Care, the Coalition of Care Providers Scotland (CCPS) and Skills Development Scotland is proud to announce the release a new guide designed to support and encourage the employment of 16 and 17-year-olds in the social care sector.
This comprehensive resource provides employers with practical advice and best practices for recruiting, onboarding, and supporting young people in the workplace. It addresses key considerations such as legal requirements, safeguarding, training, and mentorship, ensuring a safe and positive experience for both the young employees and the individuals they care for.
By highlighting the valuable contributions that young people can make to the sector, this guidance aims to create opportunities for them to develop essential skills, gain valuable experience, and embark on fulfilling careers in health and social care.
Key benefits of employing 16 and 17-year-olds
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fresh perspectives and ideas: young people bring enthusiasm, innovation, and a unique understanding of contemporary issues
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increased diversity: employing individuals from different age groups enriches the workplace and fosters a more inclusive environment
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talent pipeline: providing early opportunities in social care helps develop a skilled workforce for the future
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positive impact: young employees can make a real difference in the lives of those they care for, bringing energy and compassion to their roles
We encourage social care providers to utilise this guidance and embrace the potential of young people in the sector. Together, we can create a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers the next generation of care professionals.
Annual returns deadline approaching
We would like to remind services that you must submit your annual return to us by no later than Sunday, 2 March 2025. All services must complete this electronically on our eForms system. You can access this here. Remember - even if your service is inactive, you must submit an annual return.
Our contact centre will still be open Monday to Friday 09:00-16:00. However, please remember they will be extremely busy as we approach the deadline.
Recent publications
Webinars and events
- We're holding engagement sessions for the ELC sector on the new quality improvement framework. We have added evening sessions, plus two online sessions. Register your place here.
Stay up to date with all our webinars and events on The Hub. You can watch recordings of our webinars on YouTube.
Featured publication
Our Me, my family and my childcare setting practice note and guide for families emphasises the critical importance of meaningful relationships and strong connections beginning with families accessing their childcare setting. Both are designed to highlight the importance of families being physically present in their child’s setting as part of their daily experiences.
Sharing good practice
Visit The Hub to find good practice stories from care services across Scotland.
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