Term 2 Programs FULLY BOOKED! Term 3 Enrolments Open NOW!
You’re already doing so much - you just want to know how to help
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Your loved one is facing challenges, and you want to support them before they withdraw any further. You’re looking for a way to help them reconnect with themselves and others, rebuild their confidence, and rediscover moments of joy.
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Connecting isn’t as easy as it once was, and while things have changed, your desire to understand and strengthen your bond remains as strong as ever.
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You also recognise the importance of looking after yourself — but with everything going on, it’s hard to find the time. A little breathing room, a little more joy, would make all the difference.
No one should face this alone
Too often, people are left feeling hopeless after receiving a dementia diagnosis, believing their only option is to simply "get their affairs in order." This can lead to people withdrawing from family, friends, and community, which may contribute to a faster progression of the condition.
We’re here to change that story.
At Absolute Care Therapy, we believe a dementia diagnosis does not mean the end of a fulfilling life. With the right support, people can continue to find purpose, connection, and moments of real joy - and potentially slow the progression of the condition.
That’s why we’re here. And that’s why we focus on Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST).
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.
“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 dementia to achieve their best potential. It keeps the mind active and engaged through personalised, interactive activities that combine cognitive, social, and physical stimulation — like memory exercises, meaningful discussions, and gentle movement.
Just like going to the gym keeps your muscles strong, CST does the same for your brain.
At its heart, CST isn’t just about cognitive benefits — it’s about helping people feel valued, connected, and supported in their daily lives, while rebuilding a sense of confidence and self.
The Science Behind Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
Research shows that Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) can support people living with dementia to enhance their thinking skills, mood, and overall quality of life - and may even help slow down cognitive decline.¹⁻³ This is due to the brain's natural ability to adapt and form new connections, a process known as neuroplasticity. While CST can’t reverse damage to areas of the brain affected by the disease, it can strengthen and support healthy parts of the brain, helping it function at its full potential and take on new tasks.
It’s also based on the well-known “use it or lose it” principle: when the brain isn’t regularly challenged, cognitive changes may progress more quickly.⁵
Importantly, studies show that when caregivers and support staff understand the basic principles of CST, they are better equipped to deliver thoughtful, person-centred care.⁴ This shared understanding often leads to stronger relationships, more positive experiences, and reduced stress for everyone involved.
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.
We also offer our MyPlace™ Home CST program for people who may not wish to participate in group therapy or who live too far to attend regular sessions. Want more info? Book a FREE call with us.
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
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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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Interested in Offering CST Through Your Organisation?
Get your team delivering effective CST quickly and confidently with our practical resource & coaching package. Developed by a physiotherapist with 20+ years of experience, this package includes:
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Ready-to-use therapy sessions and engaging resources, so you can get started immediately
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Staff training for confident delivery
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Additional materials, including handouts, a comprehensive CST guide, and helpful tips
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Ongoing coaching for smooth implementation
The program is currently under development, and we’re seeking expressions of interest.
"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 affects the whole family, and we will provide you with the knowledge and support to better understand the experience and make informed choices.
Care that’s truly personalised. Everyone’s experience is different. Everything we do is personalised to your loved one’s specific circumstances, needs, and goals.
Whole-person approach. Our support encompasses emotional, physical, and social wellbeing, providing a balanced and practical approach to care.
Multifaceted care. We combine years of medical knowledge, clinical experience, and neuro-rehab skills to deliver the highest standard of dementia support.
Walking the journey together. Through therapy and consulting, we’re here to provide tailored support, guidance, and empower you at every stage.
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About Amanda
With over 20 years of experience in rehabilitation and supporting people with complex needs, Amanda is passionate about helping individuals stay engaged, independent, and empowered to reach their full potential.
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 either in your home or via telehealth. We take the time to get to know the individual - their needs, interests, and daily 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, wellbeing, and cognitive engagement. The value of the $299 fee includes: 1-hour in-home or telehealth assessment Pre-assessment preparation and creation of a personalised home file Administrative and onboarding time (should you choose to proceed) Relevant paperwork and reports Email correspondence and follow-up communication Tailored strategies to support cognitive health Whether or not you choose to proceed with our programs, you’ll walk away with valuable insights and clear recommendations to support your next steps. Cost: $299 + travel • Travel <15mins from clinic – $50 • Travel <30mins from clinic – $99 • Travel over 30 minutes – by discussion
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What is involved in an assessment?Our assessments are designed to focus on understanding your strengths, cognitive health, hobbies, and interests, as well as what you would like to achieve with our support. This helps us develop personalised strategies and recommendations, ensuring a positive and friendly experience. We prefer to conduct the assessment in person at your home, as it allows us to meet you directly and provide clear, tailored information. However, if more convenient, we also offer telehealth assessments. We encourage you to have a support person present during the assessment.
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CST Funding OptionsOur programs can be fully funded through NDIS or Home Care Packages. Please check with your coordinator to ensure there are adequate funds available. NDIS: Program is funded through Capacity Building Funds. HCP: Program is funded through allied health and incurs no out of pocket costs. Invoices are issued after each session to assist with budget management. Please make sure you have funds available prior to booking a Home Review Assessment.
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Can I Pay for the Program with Private Health Insurance?Due to the complex and extended nature of our Cognitive Stimulation Therapy program, funding is most commonly accessed through Home Care Packages or NDIS, or paid privately. You may be eligible to claim a partial rebate for the physiotherapy component of the program through your private health insurance. To check your eligibility, please contact your provider and quote the following HICAPS item codes: • 530 – Home Assessment • 500 – Group Program Please note: Private health rebates are typically calculated against standard 20-minute physiotherapy sessions. As our program involves extended face-to-face therapy and extensive preparation and documentation, any rebate received may only cover a small portion of the total cost. Provider Details: Business Name: Absolute Care Therapy Provider: Amanda Burnby, Senior Physiotherapist ABN: 15 183 459 578 Clinic Location: 3/527 Canning Hwy, Melville, WA Provider Number (Clinic): 6521442A Provider Number (Home Visits): 6521441L
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CST Commitment & Alternative Options if Group Therapy Isn’t the Right FitWe understand that committing to a 7-week therapy program can feel like a big decision, especially if you're unsure whether it's the right fit. That’s why we want to offer you peace of mind. If, after attending the first two weeks, you feel the program isn’t the right fit, we’ll provide you with a Home CST program. This can be completed at home with family or staff, ensuring you continue to receive valuable support. Please note that the full program fee for the Connect program is required and any unused funds from your program fee will be applied to cover the Home CST program. We are committed to providing the right support for you, and we’re here to assist you every step of the way.
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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 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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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 for people who live outside of the Perth Metro region.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Evidence for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
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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.
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Yates, L. A., Leung, P., Orgeta, V., Spector, A., & Orrell, M. (2014). The development of individual cognitive stimulation therapy (iCST) for dementia. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 95–104. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S73844
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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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Small, G. W., et al. (2002). The mental activity and brain health connection. Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Valenzuela, M. J., & Sachdev, P. (2009). Cognitive reserve and lifestyle: A systematic review of the evidence. Brain Research Reviews, 61(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresrev.2009.04.004
