Term 2 Expressions of Interest NOW OPEN! Home Programs Available.
Are you an NDIS or HCP coordinator?
CST can be fully funded by NDIS and HCP, and we help with funding requests to make things as easy for you as possible.
Submit an enquiry form to begin.
You’re busy enough as it is — you just want to know how to help them
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It’s clear they’re struggling, and you don’t want them to withdraw any further. You’re looking for a way to kickstart their journey towards rebuilding their sense of self and joy for life.
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It’s getting harder and harder to connect with them. While things might not be how they used to be, you still want to understand your loved one and find a way to strengthen your bond.
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You need to take care of yourself too, but there just isn’t enough time in the day. You’d love a little breathing room — a bit more balance.
No one has to face this alone
Too often, people are left to feel hopeless after being diagnosed with dementia, convinced their only option is to “get their affairs in order.” This can make people withdraw from their family, friends, and society, potentially causing the disease to progress faster.
We’re here to change that story.
At Absolute Care Therapy, we don’t believe that a dementia diagnosis has to mark the end of a fulfilling life.
The right support can potentially slow the disease and help people find purpose and joy.
That’s why we’re here. And that’s why we focus on CST.
“Thank you for being so kind and compassionate. it was lovely to see a health professional engaging with [client] in such a caring way" — NDIS Support Coordinator
What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based program designed to support people living with mild to moderate dementia.
It's about keeping the mind active and engaged through personalised, interactive activities that combine cognitive, social, and physical stimulation (like memory exercises, engaging discussions, and gentle movement)
Going to the gym keeps your muscles strong. CST does the same for your brain.
The goal is to improve confidence and self-worth, helping people feel more engaged, social, and excited about doing the things they love.
Studies show that CST can help to maintain and improve memory, comprehension, language skills, and overall mood. Language skills are especially important because, when words fail, people may resort to outbursts, suspicion, or withdrawal. In reality, these misunderstood behaviours are usually signs that something else needs attention.Research also suggests that when caregivers know the basic principles of CST, they can provide better support and understanding, resulting in less stress on all sidesIn short, CST can make life more enjoyable for everyone.
The Science Behind Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
Eligibility
To be eligible for our group CST programs, someone must:
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Have a diagnosis of — or show signs of — mild to moderate dementia.
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Be interested in and able to participate in a small group setting.
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Be comfortable with seeing and hearing well enough to engage with the program.
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Be able to manage transport arrangements and use the toilet independently.
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Be able to attend most sessions at our Melville Clinic on the scheduled dates.
Not sure if your loved one is eligible?
Our Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Programs
"The program brought immense happiness to [client]; she's excited to continue with the maintenance program" - HCP coordinator
How to Enrol in the Programs
Submit an enquiry form or
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After we understand your loved one’s needs, we may invite you to book an At-Home Assessment
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If CST suits your loved one, we’ll invite them to enrol in one of our upcoming programs
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"It's nice to be in a group where others understand, accept, and support each other" - Group CST participant
Why choose Absolute Care Therapy?
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Perth’s CST leader. As Perth’s only private provider of this evidence-based program, your loved one will experience a globally recognised, evidence-based therapy they won’t find anywhere else.
Redefining the dementia experience. Too often, a dementia diagnosis leads to feelings of hopelessness. We’re here to change that story.
Empowering families. Dementia is a “family disease.” That’s why we equip you with the knowledge and tools to understand your loved one better and, in turn, provide better support.
Care that’s truly personalised. Everyone’s experience is different. That’s why we create tailored programs that meet your loved one’s specific circumstances, needs, and goals.
Whole-person approach. Our support goes beyond cognitive exercises to include emotional, physical, and social wellbeing. It’s a balanced, practical approach to care.
Multifaceted care. We combine years of medical knowledge, clinical experience, and specialised neuro-physio skills to deliver the highest standard of dementia care.
Walking the journey together. From early intervention to ongoing care, we’re here for the long haul, offering therapy and guidance every step of the way.
About Amanda
With over 20 years of experience supporting people with complex needs to live independently and well, Amanda is passionate about helping individuals stay engaged, independent, and connected.
Learn more about Amanda's experience and approach here>
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What is the At-Home Review, and how much does it cost?The At-Home Review is a personalised assessment conducted at home or via telehealth. We take the time to understand the person—their needs, interests, and routines. During this review, we assess whether Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a good fit and provide practical, tailored strategies to help enhance their health and wellbeing. Whether or not you proceed with our programs, you'll gain valuable insights to support cognitive health. The At-Home Review costs $299 + travel.
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CST Program Pricing & Funding OptionsOur CST programs follow a tiered pricing structure based on group size, in line with NDIS price guidelines. Each group consists of 4 to 6 participants, with smaller groups offering a more individualised therapy experience. Each session is fully supported by two experienced professionals- a physiotherapist (23 years of experience) and a teacher (23 years of experience) - ensuring a high level of individualised support. Due to the structure and highly individualised nature of the program we do ask people to commit to the full program. See FAQ for more details on this. Programs can be fully funded through NDIS and Home Care Package (HCP) funding, with invoices issued fortnightly after session delivery to support funding and budget management. For a detailed pricing breakdown, please contact us, we'd be happy to assist.
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CST Commitment & Alternative Options if Group Therapy Isn’t the Right FitDue to the structured nature of the program and the level of individualisation in the therapy content, we do require a commitment to the full program. However, if after two weeks of attending, you find the group setting isn't the right fit, I’m happy to offer a highly personalised Home CST program package as an alternative.
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Can I participate in the group sessions with my loved one?We find that our in-practice sessions work best when family members aren’t in the room. It gives people a chance to interact with new faces in a fresh setting, helping to build confidence. However, for the final session, we invite one family member to join. This allows your loved one to showcase what they’ve learned and gives you the opportunity to see the techniques in action, helping you to continue the practice at home
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How long will it take to see results?While everyone’s experience is different, many families report improvements in engagement, confidence, memory, communication, and overall mood within 2 weeks of CST.
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What is involved in an assessment?Our assessments focus on understanding your strengths, cognitive health, hobbies and interests, plus what your would like to achieve from our support. This helps us develop strategies and personalised recommendations and will be a friendly and positive experience. The assessment can be completed via telehealth or in the comfort of your home, and once we book in a time we will send you a short questionnaire to help us get to know you better. You are welcome to have a support person complete this on your behalf, and also have the support person present during the assessment.
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What if my loved one can’t attend a session?Due to the personalised nature and complexity of this program, we are unable to offer make-up sessions. However, we will provide you with a Home CST session + resources that can be completed with family, friends, or staff to help support continued progress. To ensure consistency and commitment, we request an upfront commitment to the entire program. You can choose to pay for the program in full before it begins, or opt for fortnightly invoicing to help with budgeting.
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Can I pay for the program with NDIS or HCP?Yes, if your loved one is eligible for NDIS or HCP funding, please contact your provider and ask them to get in touch with us. We will then provide the necessary information. You can email us at info@absolutecaretherapy.com.au
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What if I’m a hired caregiver, not a family member?CST is a valuable program for staff, family members, and friends — helping anyone in a caregiving role connect meaningfully while supporting brain health and overall wellbeing.
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What if my loved one gets frustrated or has an outburst during the program?CST is designed to be gentle, patient, and empowering. We tailor the sessions to match your loved one’s pace and mood so they never feel overwhelmed. We always have 2 staff present during group programs, so If challenges arise, we can allocate individualised attention.
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Where do you provide services?Group Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is provided at our Melville clinic at: 527 Canning Hwy (corner Rome Road) Melville Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is provided at home by your support team. We will home visit to complete an assessment, and again to deliver resources and provide training. We also also available for telehealth consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Evidence for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
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Leung, P., Orrell, M., Yates, L., & Orgeta, V. (2023). A predictive model of carer resilience in dementia family caregiving: A structural equation modelling approach. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 38(7), e5945.
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Vernon, E. K., Cooley, B., Rozum, W., Rattinger, G. B., Behrens, S., Matyi, J., ... & Tschanz, J. T. (2019). Caregiver-care recipient relationship closeness is associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 27(4), 349-359.
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Yates LA, Leung P, Orgeta V, Spector A, Orrell M. The development of individual cognitive stimulation therapy (iCST) for dementia. Clin Interv Aging. 2014 Dec 30;10:95-104. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S73844. PMID: 25565792; PMCID: PMC4283984.
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Desai, R., Leung, W. G., Fearn, C., John, A., Stott, J., & Spector, A. (2024). Effectiveness of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for mild to moderate dementia: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials using the original CST protocol. Ageing Research Reviews, 102312.
