People living with Dementia and their families are experiencing significant benefits from the person-centred Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) provided at Torfaen Memory Clinic.
Located within County Hospital’s Ty Siriol Unit in Pontypool, the sessions provide support for participants with mild to moderate dementia, empowering them to maintain their cognitive abilities and interact with others to improve their overall well-being.
The weekly 2-hour CST sessions are part of a 7-week course for each participant cohort, run by Dementia Support Worker, Gail, and Mental Health Practitioner, Keith, with each participant typically referred into the programme by a Psychiatrist or Mental Health Nurse following an annual review or upon a new diagnosis.
In a heart-warming week 5 session, the latest cohort celebrated the season with a Christmas-themed activity afternoon, creating Chris Cringle orange decorations using sense-invigorating fresh oranges and cloves, followed by a festive afternoon tea organised by Dementia Support Worker, Gail.
Gail said: “We’re trying to capture participants at the start of their dementia journey to give them the tools to help with their diagnosis. Most of the people we help are newly-diagnosed and are still living independently and functioning as usual.
“We try and focus the sessions heavily on the five senses, which are known to evoke memories, so we will often play music and utilise scents wherever we can.”
As part of the new joint working initiative, the program also supports their families by inviting them to attend the dementia carers’ information course, which provides essential education on managing dementia care, introduces them to resources available across Gwent and offers an invaluable opportunity to meet others in similar situations.
At the end of the 7-week CST course, patients are signposted to Widdershins Day Centre, part of Age Cymru Torfaen, where they continue to receive ongoing support. This collaboration between the Memory Clinic and Widdershins offers a seamless transition to further care, helping participants and families feel supported throughout the dementia journey.
The course has received an abundance of positive feedback, with many participants and their families reporting improvements in their communication skills and cognition.
A participant said: “When I first came in, they made me feel so welcome. The friendly atmosphere really made a difference.”
The daughter of one of the participants joins the dementia carers’ information group while her mother attends her CST sessions. “I can definitely see the benefits already,” She said. “She’s really enjoyed it; it’s really brought her out of her shell. It’s been great for her – she was hesitant at first, but now, she tells everyone about it! Gail and Keith are brilliant, they’ve made them feel really welcome as well.”
Dementia workers, Gail and Keith, both share a passion for providing tailored care to each individual.
Mental Health Practitioner, Keith, said: “I used to care for my mother and I got really interested in supporting carers. I always had a fascination with older people because they have so many stories to tell. I have an interest in making theories a reality and using person-centred practice. That’s what it’s all about really – putting the person first.”
Gail said: “I’m very drawn to helping those with Dementia. Everyone has a different journey and no one is the same – we’re just here to help them along the way by making sure they are receiving person-centred care that is right for them.”
After having to pause sessions during the Covid-19 pandemic, the CST team has welcomed three cohorts of participants since being fully operational in July 2024.
Dr Tracey Salathial, Senior Nurse Manager for Torfaen Older Adult Mental Health, played a key part in re-introducing the CST sessions post-Covid-19, following some inspiring training provided by Improvement Cymru. She said: “We wanted to make the most of what we had to benefit the participants. We haven’t had any extra staffing, we’ve learned to use our resources effectively, and the results speak for themselves. We’ve had wonderful support from our colleagues at Improvement Cymru.”
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is currently provided in the Torfaen and Central Monmouthshire areas, with a view to implementing the service across all Gwent Boroughs in the future.
About Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
CST, a form of evidence-based brain stimulation therapy, focuses on promoting the mental and emotional health of dementia patients through a range of stimulating activities that encourage communication, memory, and social interaction. CST is the only non-drug treatment underpinned by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).