top of page
Woman and mother hugging in an embrace

Help your loved one with dementia stay confident, connected & engaged

Our CST programs are like a workout for the brain - designed to keep it active and strong

"This is an excellent program for those with dementia and has been an opportunity to create connections with other carers"  - wife

You’re already doing so much - you just want to know how to help 

  • 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, rebuild their confidence, and rediscover moments of joy.

 

  • 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.  You want to help them hold onto their strengths, and slow the progression of decline.

 

  • 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.

"It's nice to be in a group where others understand, accept, and support each other" - Group CST participant

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 can 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, much can be done to support cognitive health and wellbeing.

That’s why our approach centres on Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). CST stimulates healthy brain regions and fosters new connections to support thinking skills and communication.  Starting early makes it even more effective, and research shows it can slow cognitive decline.

 

With over 20 years’ experience as a neuro physiotherapist and advanced dementia training, you can trust your loved one is receiving highly skilled therapy designed to maximise their potential.

What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based program that enhances memory, thinking, and communication.  Based on the 'use it or lose it' principle, CST encourages cognitive and social interaction to help the brain reach its full potential.  At it's heart, CST is more than therapy - it helps individuals feel valued, connected and confident in daily life.   

We provide:

therapist undertaking cst

​"Think of the brain like a muscle - it needs regular activity to stay healthy™"

More than Just Therapy - It's an Experience!

Attending out CST programs is not just therapy -

it's an experience!

 

You’ll connect with like-minded people who are living with a similar condition. You’ll spend an hour and a half celebrating your life, your work and your experience. 

There’s space for laughter and light-hearted moments, and there’s support as you work through challenges – like finding the right words – in a calm and understanding environment.

 

You’ll get the chance to practice socialising with us, so you can feel more confident doing it with the people who matter most to you.

Most of all, you’ll enjoy yourself. You’ll spend time with wonderful people, enjoy quality coffee, tea and tasty snacks, and give your mind and body a workout without even realising it. 

​"Just like going to the gym keeps your muscles strong, CST does the same for your brain™" 

The Science Behind CST

Research shows that CST can help enhance thinking, memory, communication, and mood for people living with dementia. While it doesn’t undo the changes in the brain, CST works on the concept of  “use it or lose it” - just like our muscles need regular exercise to stay strong, our brains do too.

CST also supports "neuroplasticity" -  that’s just a fancy word for the brain’s ability to learn new ways of doing things when some parts aren’t working as well as they used to.

You can read more about the science behind CST here​​

Want to Know More? 

Book a FREE 15-minute consultation. We'll send you a short video that shows what CST looks like in action, along with a clear pricing guide to help you explore your options.

Our Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Programs

“The program brought her immense happiness, and she’s excited to continue with the maintenance program.” - HCP coordinator

Program Cost & Funding Options

NDIS funded therapy options
Funded Therapy logo

Eligible for HCP or NDIS funding.

 

Many families choose to pay privately to avoid delays and secure a place in our high-demand programs. 

Discounted rates available

See our FAQ's for more info.

“My cheeks hurt from smiling so much"

— CST group participant

How to Enrol in the Programs

If you’d like to proceed, we'll invite you to book a Personalised Assessment

1

2

We’ll then invite you to enrol in one of our CST Therapy Programs

3

Why choose Absolute Care Therapy?

tick

Perth’s CST leader.  Absolute Care Therapy combines global evidence-based therapy with specialised neuro physiotherapy expertise only available through our programs.

tick

Redefining the dementia experience. Too often, a dementia diagnosis leads to feelings of hopelessness. We’re here to change that story.

tick

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.

tick
tick
tick
lady doing CST at a table

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.

Amanda from Absolute Care Therapy

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>

"You are the only health-related person Mum would let into the house. I call you 'Amazing Amanda'.  She really trusts you" - daughter

  • What's Included in Our Group Program Pricing
    Prices are listed on each individual program page. Our pricing reflects the high level of care and preparation involved, and includes: A highly experienced allied health professional and support assistant Thoughtful preparation of the room and resources for your comfort and engagement Clean-up and pack-down time after each session Personalised resources tailored to each participant Clinical documentation in line with AHPRA standards Ongoing email communication with families, friends, or support teams
  • All Programs Begin with an Assessment
    We Offer Three Flexible Assessment Options: Clinic Assessment for Connect™ Program 1 hour – $299 Visit our welcoming boutique therapy clinic in Melville for a personalised assessment. This is a great chance to: See where our group sessions are held Ask questions Share your strengths, interests, and goals Following your appointment, we’ll recommend the best next step – either one of our group programs or the HomeConnect™ option. Telehealth Assessment 1 hour – $299 Prefer to stay at home? You can complete your assessment via video call. Available for both the Connect™ and HomeConnect™ programs. Home Assessment for HomeConnect™ Program 1.5 hours – Included in program package Our full HomeConnect™ program includes a home visit assessment as part of the package - If you choose not to proceed, a fee of $399 + travel will apply. We also offer telehealth assessments and support to reduce costs and support people who live outside of Perth. We encourage you to have a support person with you at the assessment. All assessments include: ✔️ Review of your pre-questionnaire ✔️ Getting to know your life story and goals from program ✔️ Tailored planning ✔️ Clinical documentation (in line with AHPRA standards)
  • Can I Pay Privately?
    Yes, and many of our families do choose to pay privately - we offer a discounted up front payment options to support private paying clients. We know that navigating aged care and disability funding can be complex, time-consuming, and limiting. Families often choose to pay privately for our programs due to: Delays and long wait times for funding approval High out-of-pocket costs, even with funding Standardised funding models that prioritise support for difficulties, rather than rehabilitation or therapy to enhance function Paying privately means you can: ✅ Start immediately ✅ Access high-quality, personalised therapy ✅ Avoid delays and uncertainty ✅ Choose care based on quality, not system constraints
  • Can CST programs be funded through NDIS or Home Care Packages?
    Yes programs can be fully covered by these programs. NDIS: Our programs can be funded for self-managed and plan-managed participants under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living. Home Care Packages: Our programs can be funded under allied health services. To secure a funded place, we require approval from your funding coordinator before the assessment or therapy takes place.
  • Commitment & Flexibility
    Due to the highly personalised nature of our therapy and the very small group sizes, we kindly require a commitment to the full program. We understand that joining a therapy program can feel like a big step. That’s why we offer peace of mind: If, after the first two weeks, you feel the group program isn’t the right fit, we’ll provide you with a personalised HomeConnect™ pack - including CST sessions and easy-to-follow instructions - so you can continue therapy at home with support from family or care staff. Please note: As places are limited and extensive planning goes into each group, we’re unable to offer refunds for missed sessions. However, for each session missed, we’ll provide an equivalent HomeConnect™ session with guidance to complete at home.
  • Can I attend group sessions with my loved one?
    We provide a welcoming space for participants — and a well-deserved break for you. Our in-clinic CST sessions are designed specifically for participants to connect, build confidence, and engage in a fresh, social environment. For this reason, sessions work best when family members or carers are not in the room. This approach not only supports your loved one’s independence and cognitive stimulation — it also gives you a chance to recharge. Making the Most of This Time Many families use support staff to assist with drop-off and pick-up, making the most of the time in between: Some plan an outing or rest period while their loved one is in session Others incorporate drop-off into the support worker’s morning routine, extending respite time Final Session Invitation To celebrate your loved one’s progress, we warmly invite one family member or friend to attend the final session. It’s a special opportunity to: See what they’ve been working on Understand the CST approach Feel more confident continuing the therapy principles at home
  • What if I can’t attend a session?
    We understand that things come up. If you're unable to attend a session, we’ll do our best to ensure you still benefit from that week's therapy. While we’re unable to offer refunds or make-up sessions (as group sessions continue as planned), we will provide you with: A HomeConnect™ session pack for the missed week Clear instructions so a family member or support person can deliver the activity at home Continued support so you can stay engaged with the program This helps ensure you still receive the full benefit of the program — even if you miss a session.
  • If Your Loved One Feels Upset or Unsettled During a Session
    Our sessions are thoughtfully designed to match each participant’s pace, mood, and interests — so they feel safe, supported, and never overwhelmed. We always have two staff members present during group programs, which allows us to give gentle, individualised support if any challenges arise. To help us care for your loved one in the best possible way, we kindly ask that: You let us know of any changes that may affect their mood, behaviour, or comfort A nominated contact person is available by phone during each session This way, if your loved one becomes unsettled or needs extra support, we can contact you quickly and work together to ensure they feel secure and supported.
  • Where We Provide CST
    Home CST (Australia-wide) Our HomeConnect™ CST program is delivered in the comfort of your home. We offer home visits within a 30-minute radius of our Melville clinic. If you're further away, you can choose a Telehealth assessment and we’ll post your full therapy resource package directly to you — making this program available Australia-wide. Group CST at Our Melville Clinic All group CST programs take place at our welcoming boutique therapy clinic: 527 Canning Hwy (corner of Rome Road), Melville
  • Do you provide mentoring or support for providers want to run CST in their organisation?
    I’m currently developing a mentoring package that includes a comprehensive group program manual, clearly structured therapy sessions, ready-to-use resources, and step-by-step facilitator guidance - along with personalised mentoring and video training to support successful implementation. This program is designed for professionals who have completed the CST Facilitator training - see cstaustralia.com for more info. If you're interested, please email me to join our waitlist. info@absolutecaretherapy.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions

Elderly lady with hands on heart showing compassion

We know this isn’t easy

But you shouldn’t have to figure it out alone.  Whether you’re just exploring options or ready to get started, we’re here to help. To get started:

“It’s obvious you know what you are doing and truly care” - daughter

Want to Deliver Gold Standard CST In Your Organisation?

We’re developing a practical, high-impact mentoring and resource package designed to get providers up and running quickly with delivering CST — with confidence, clarity, and excellence.

This package is grounded in over 20 years of neuro-rehabilitation experience and created to support providers who have completed the CST facilitator training course. 

Currently in development – register your interest today!
 

bottom of page