Individual Cognitive Stimulation Programme

Meaningful activity can make a difference

Having things to do that feel meaningful can be an important part of living well with dementia.

Activities can provide purpose, enjoyment and a sense of belonging. They can help someone feel capable, valued and connected to the people and world around them.

They can also help reduce stress and frustration. When a person feels more engaged, understood and involved, they may experience fewer moments of distress during the day.

But finding activities that genuinely work isn't always easy.

Perhaps activities that your loved one used to enjoy no longer interest them.

Perhaps they become frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed.

Perhaps you want to spend time together but don't know what to do, how to start, or how to respond when things don't go as planned.

And sometimes, distance makes it even harder.

You may live too far away to visit regularly. You may wish you could be there more often, but simply can't.

This is where I can help.

Someone who will meet the person where they are

Individual CST gives your loved one dedicated one-to-one time with someone who specialises in dementia.

I'll spend time getting to know them — their interests, history, strengths, preferences and the things that matter to them.

I'll meet them where they are.

We'll try different activities and different ways of connecting, adapting them to what feels right for the person on the day.

The aim is not simply to keep someone busy.

It's to give them opportunities to feel stimulated, valued, involved and connected.

And if you can't always be there yourself, you can know that someone is there — spending meaningful time with your loved one, getting to know them and discovering what brings them enjoyment.

And if you'd like to be there too...

You are welcome to join us.

It can be an opportunity to spend time with your loved one in a different way — without the pressure of having to know exactly what to do.

You can see what catches their interest, what helps them feel comfortable and how I adapt activities to them.

You'll discover ideas and strategies you can use when you're together on your own.

And, most importantly, you can enjoy some time together.

If you are the person living with dementia, this is also for you

If you are living with dementia, I want you to feel included in the process as much as possible.

Do you have something you'd like to work towards?

Maybe you'd like to find ways to remember your grandchildren's names, make a meal for your family, bake a cake, return to a hobby you've enjoyed, or simply find more things that you enjoy doing.

Whatever matters to you, we can use our sessions to work towards it.

We'll talk about what interests you, what you enjoy and what you'd like to get from the sessions.

Your voice matters. This is your life, and the activities should be meaningful to you.

Location

These sessions typically take place at the person's place of living. 

I can also hire a room at The Beacon Community Centre  (this is included in the price)

How often will we meet?

Originally, CST is delivered twice a week for 7 weeks and I suggest keeping it that way. However, it is also possible to meet on a weekly basis or to make other arrangements to fit everyone's schedule. 

Price

Free 30-Minute Call

Let's start by getting to know each other. We can meet 30 minutes online for free.

If at all possible, I encourage you and your loved one to be present as it is important you both feel comfortable with me.

Prices Include:

  • The sessions as per your chosen package

  • 10 first miles from the Morrisons, EX4 7BY
    OR
    Room hire at the Beacon Heath Centre

  • Any required material for the delivery of CST

2-Session Package

Start by meeting two times. You can then decide if you'd like to continue with one of the other packages or continue 2 meetings at a time.

If you choose to continue with another package, the price will be pro-rated accordingly.

Price:
£ 130 (-15% within 3 miles from EX4 7BY)

Full 14-Session Package

Take the full package right away.

Price:
£ 780 (-15% within 3 miles from EX4 7BY)

These sessions are not a clinical treatment, but a supportive approach focused on engagement, connection, and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do we gain from the programme?

Individual CST is about much more than having someone come and do activities with your loved one.

Your loved one gets regular, dedicated time with someone who understands dementia and takes the time to discover what makes them feel engaged, valued and connected.

As I get to know them, I'll discover activities, conversations and ways of interacting that work well for them, and adapt these as their needs change.

I'll also share useful ideas with family members and other visitors, so they have more ways to spend meaningful time with the person.

If you'd like to join a session, you can also see what works for your loved one and learn different ways of approaching activities and communication.

Most importantly, the programme creates regular opportunities for your loved one to enjoy themselves, feel a sense of purpose and experience meaningful connection.

My loved-one has a history of being agressive, can they still receive individual CST?

Yes.

I see distressed behaviour as communication. It may be telling us that something isn't right or that your loved one has an unmet need.

The sessions give me an opportunity to spend dedicated time with them, get to know them, observe how they communicate and explore what may be contributing to their distress.

I can't promise that the behaviour will disappear, but I can help better understand what may be behind it and explore approaches that may make things easier.

There are a couple of things I'd ask:

Please let me know in advance.
The more I understand about your loved one's situation, the better I can prepare and support them. Telling me about previous incidents will not automatically mean I can't work with them.

Please have someone available in the house.
For everyone's safety, I also ask that someone is available in the house during my sessions. They don't need to be in the same room, but should be nearby if needed.

If you haven't already done so, contact the medical team regarding the situation. Pain, constipation, infections, and other medical needs may be causing the distress and should be considered first.

My loved one has advanced dementia. I'm not sure how much they will be able to participate.

They don't need to be able to do things in a particular way for the sessions to be meaningful.

Individual CST is adapted to your loved one's abilities, interests and needs. As dementia progresses, the activities and way we engage will change too.

Sometimes participation might mean completing an activity. Sometimes it might be listening to music, looking through photographs, having a conversation, moving to familiar music, or simply sharing a moment together.

I believe no one should be left behind.

There is always a point of connection. Let's find it together.