In this insightful episode, Coral Wilkinson sits down with physiotherapist Amanda Burnby to explore Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), a powerful, evidence-based approach that supports people living with dementia to stay engaged, confident, and connected.
CST is more than just a therapy. It’s a philosophy that celebrates strengths, fosters social interaction, and builds cognitive resilience. Amanda explains how CST can be delivered in homes, group settings, and residential care facilities, and how families can use its principles to enrich everyday conversations.
Whether you're a carer, clinician, or someone seeking practical ways to support a loved one with dementia, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable tips to help people live well, no matter where they are on their dementia journey.
In this episode:
- CST is an evidence-based therapy developed in the UK to support cognitive health in people with dementia
- It enhances memory, thinking, language, mood, and quality of life
- It’s the only non-pharmacological intervention recommended in UK dementia guidelines
- CST is most effective when started early, but can benefit people at all stages of dementia
- Therapy can be delivered one-on-one at home, in small group settings, or in residential aged care
- Group CST sessions offer therapeutic benefits plus valuable social interaction
- Therapy is based on neuroplasticity and the “use it or lose it” principle
- CST can be funded through Home Care Packages - families are encouraged to ask providers
- Amanda shares practical tips for families: focus on confidence, not correctness
- Everyday conversations can become CST moments - use old photos, ask opinions, and explore change
- CST helps reduce loneliness and builds stronger relationships through meaningful engagement
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Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.
We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.
Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.
Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business.
Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and our parents.
Your Aged Care Compass podcast brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our parents but also our vast professional experience in supporting other families to keep their loved ones at home.
We'll help you makes sense of Australia’s aged care system and bring you topics related to ageing as well. Legal, financial, health, forward planning and more.
Your Aged Care Compass will guide you clearly and compassionately to the right support at the right time for your ageing parents and loved ones.
Like what you hear? Please leave us a rating and review. We’d love you to share this podcast with any friends or family who have older loved ones.
