What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy’s aim is to help carers and patients deal with dementia, enabling them to develop coping mechanism.
Spend half an hour a day (minimum) engaged in an activity with the person living with dementia, orientating them and discussing what is happening in the world (CST)
This involve spending around five minutes discussing the time of day, season and weather followed by a further five minutes or so talking about current affairs focusing on positive issues only and then 20 minutes together engaging in a fun activity.
Try to remember not to ask direct questions such as ‘do you know what day it is?’ Instead you could open by saying, “it’s Monday again and raining, lets hope the sun comes out soon as it is summer after all.’
When discussing the news, focus on good news and stories that are fun and interesting.
An activity together is extremely rewarding for both of you. It can be something as simple as going out for a walk, doing a jigsaw together or playing a game.
Explain briefly where you are going when you leave the room, every time you leave the room…
Anxiety is often caused by uncertainty. You can slowly build trust by always letting your loved one know where you are going and that you will be back, even if you are just popping to another room for a few moments. Gradually they will trust that you are coming back and this will cause them to be less anxious each time you leave them alone.
Tip: This only works if you persevere with this strategy and it can take weeks or even months before you see an improvement. But you will see an improvement if you continue. We practice this with our clients every day and it really does work if you persist.
It is common for people living with dementia to become anxious when they are away from their primary carer. This can be debilitating in so many ways for both of you. Following this guidance will, over time, reduce the stress caused by separation anxiety and it will allow you to leave your loved one in someone else’s care for longer in the knowledge that they will be happy and contented while you are gone.
Explain what every day objects are and name them…
Don’t assume that your loved one will know the name for everything, even the most common items that you use everyday. Putting a cup of tea in front of someone doesn’t mean they will know what it is, even if it is obvious to you; so let them know what it is. They may also assume that the cup of tea in front of them is meant for someone else and will leave it untouched.
Remember that there is no harm in reminding your loved one what something is, even if you have already told them.
Avoid stressful situations whenever possible…
Don’t place your loved one in an uncomfortable situation or leave them unattended. Continuously offer reassurance.
If you are leaving them in someone else’s care let your loved one know when you will be back and where you are going. Agree with the carer on what your loved one should be told when they ask where you are. Think about a place that your loved one doesn’t enjoy going to, perhaps food shopping or visiting one of your friends and use this to explain your absence. Avoid saying you have gone to the doctors, as this will cause anxiety.
Summary
Dementia is stressful for both the sufferer and the carer. It is important to remember to be kind, patient, and friendly at all times. Not that easy we know, but this does lead to a more contented existence for everyone.
If you are interested in exploring CST further please do get in contact. We practice CST everyday and it really works. Click here to read more about Cognitive Stimulation Therapy or contact us by clicking here to get help and support from us.
