Modelling the comparative costs of Namaste Care: results from the namaste care intervention UK study
Authors: Bray, J., Brooker, D., Latham, I. and Baines, D.
Journal: Working with Older People
Volume: 25
Issue: 2
Pages: 131-140
eISSN: 2042-8790
ISSN: 1366-3666
DOI: 10.1108/WWOP-11-2020-0056
Abstract:Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to populate a theoretical cost model with real-world data, calculating staffing, resource and consumable costs of delivering Namaste Care Intervention UK (NCI-UK) sessions versus “usual care” for care home residents with advanced dementia. Design/methodology/approach: Data from five care homes delivering NCI-UK sessions populated the cost model to generate session- and resident-level costs. Comparator usual care costs were calculated based on expert opinion and observational data. Outcome data for residents assessed the impact of NCI-UK sessions and aligned with the resident-level costs of NCI-UK. Findings: NCI-UK had a positive impact on residents’ physical, social and emotional well-being. An average NCI-UK group session cost £220.53, 22% more than usual care, and ran for 1.5–2 h per day for 4–9 residents. No additional staff were employed to deliver NCI-UK, but staff-resident ratios were higher during Namaste Care. Usual care costs were calculated for the same time period when no group activity was organised. The average cost per resident, per NCI-UK session was £38.01, £7.24 more than usual care. In reality, costs were offset by consumables and resources being available from stock within a home. Originality/value: Activity costs are rarely calculated as the focus tends to be on impact and outcomes. This paper shows that, although not cost neutral as previously thought, NCI-UK is a low-cost way of improving the lives of people living with advanced dementia in care homes.
Source: Scopus