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What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?
Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an evidence based group therapy programme for people with dementia.
It was designed following extensive evaluation of research evidence and is recommended by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Department of Health (DoH) for people with mild to moderate dementia.
How can Cognitive Stimulation Therapy help me?
Research has shown that people can benefit from improvements in their memory, thinking skills and quality of life, as well as the social advantages of being part of a group.
How long does the group programme last?
The group programme is twice per week for seven weeks. Each session lasts two hours with a break half way through. Light refreshments are provided and are free of charge.
What will the group involve?
It is delivered by skilled occupational therapists and support staff who specialise in dementia, and consists of 14 sessions of themed activities:
- Physical games
- Sounds
- Childhood
- Food
- Current affairs
- Faces or scenes
- Word association
- Being creative
- Categorising objects
- Orientation
- Using money
- Number games
- Word games
- Team quiz
Each session involves singing the group’s chosen song, a warm up activity, orientating tasks and a main themed activity.
The groups are relaxed, light hearted and fun. Everybody is encouraged to participate and nobody is put on the spot. Important aspects of the group are socialising, sharing experiences and supporting each other to cope with memory loss.
Groups consist of a maximum of eight people. The programme is specifically for people to attend independently, without carers.
Our patients matter
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member
of staff or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team.
Telephone: 0151 471 2377 or 0800 328 2941
Email: palsandcomplaints
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
V7 Building
Kings Business Park
Prescot
L34 1PJ
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