Description

Course Outline

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a proven, simple, effective therapy. It is recommended by NICE for people with mild to moderate dementia. The therapy provides a meaningful group activity that can be easily adapted and offered to new and existing residents.

People with dementia can easily become isolated, even in a care home. Communication difficulties sometimes mean that the person simply gives up. However by using Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) effectively, you can help people to re-engage and enjoy life again.

CST encourages friendship groups to form and eases the transition to life in a residential home. There is clinical evidence that people receiving Cognitive Stimulation Therapy may experience improved cognitive abilities. These improvements are similar to those evidenced by drug therapies – but without the side-effects of drugs. Group members also demonstrate improved social skills and enhanced wellbeing.

What happens on the course?

You will begin by learning how to choose suitable members for your Cognitive Stimulation Therapy group. After this each attendee gets the opportunity to facilitate a simulated session. This also gives you the chance to experience being in a group when it’s not your turn to facilitate. The simulated sessions are usually lively experiences with lots of fun and laughter. Finally you will get the chance to familiarise yourself with the documentation which is used to record the outcomes of each session. At the end of the course, you will have gained the skills and confidence to start your first Cognitive Stimulation Therapy group.

On completion delegates will be able to:

Explain how and why CST was developed

Briefly describe the research studies and their conclusions

Assess the suitability of clients for CST

Recognise when CST would not be suitable for a client

Choose an appropriate setting and environment for CST sessions

Structure the sessions and content

Use basic facilitation skills and manage difficult situations

Assess and document progress of clients