Service users’ experience of a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy group on a dementia acute inpatient ward

Abstract

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) aims to stimulate and support cognitive abilities, as well as engage people living with dementia in a fun and inclusive activity. CST also has a growing evidence base in improving cognitive functioning and quality of life for people living with dementia. A CST group was set up on a dementia inpatient ward to explore if the benefits in previous research could be replicated in an inpatient setting. The CST group ran once a week for approximately one hour which was facilitated by the ward assistant psychologist and activity facilitator. The evaluation of the group indicates services users found the sessions to be inclusive, thought provoking, cognitively stimulating and enjoyable.