The powerful benefits of CST – connecting minds and enriching lives.

A proven, person-centred approach

CST was first developed in the UK and is endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as an effective psychosocial intervention for dementia care. HBH’s Occupational Therapist, Carol Turner, was among the first trained CST facilitators in New Zealand, having studied under Dr Kathy Peri and Dr Gary Cheung a decade ago.

“Traditionally, rest home activities focus on entertainment, such as bingo, indoor bowls and so on,” explains Carol. “These definitely add value to village life and have their place, but CST goes far deeper. It gives residents a voice to share who they are, to express opinions, and to connect on a personal level.”

Small groups of six to eight residents meet twice a week for seven weeks to engage in enjoyable themed sessions that encourage thinking, conversation and connection. Sessions follow a range of themes designed to spark curiosity and conversation, such as childhood memories, current affairs, food, art, or music.

Each session is guided by 12 key principles including respect, inclusion, fun, choice and using opinions rather than facts. Residents might discuss current events, share memories, solve puzzles or explore sensory experiences, and there is always something to see, touch or feel.

“CST isn’t about entertaining or teaching residents,” says Carol. “It’s about creating a safe environment where they feel confident to share who they are and what they think. That builds trust, confidence and connection, while also providing cognitive stimulation.”

The impact in numbers – and in lives

Recent HBH CST programmes have shown measurable results. Participants’ average MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) scores improved from 18/30 to 21/30, with individual improvements as high as 47 percent. But as Carol notes, “the numbers only tell part of the story.”

She cites ‘Joan’s* story as a tangible demonstration of the power of CST. Before joining the CST group, Joan was quiet and withdrawn, with a baseline MoCA score of 17/30. After just seven weeks, her score rose to 25/30 and her confidence blossomed. “I would never have known the group leaders in this way before,” Joan shared. “We’re stronger now and have something in common.”

Carol says that residents frequently ask, “When is it starting again?” – a reflection of how much they value the connection, confidence and cognitive gains that the programme brings.

Helping residents find their voice

Each CST session is co-led by a trained facilitator and a group leader who sit alongside participants, guiding conversation rather than teaching or correcting. The aim is to stimulate thinking and communication in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.

“The residents even name their own group,” Carol says. “That simple act of choice builds ownership and confidence right from the start.”

Because members are cognitively matched (as much as possible), everyone is encouraged to contribute equally. “We don’t pre-judge anyone,” Carol adds. “Someone might seem quiet at first, but once trust is established, they find their voice. That’s when the real transformation begins.”

Investing in wellbeing

As a charitable aged care provider, HBH invests in CST because it embodies the Eden Alternative philosophy – a visionary approach that rethinks aged care by placing the needs, desires and wellbeing of our residents at the centre of everything we do.

“CST is a textbook example of HBH’s commitment to resident wellbeing,” says Carol. “Unfortunately we are limited in how many groups can run – it does require investment in people and is very time intensive – however the results are undeniable. If additional funding were available, we would love to offer it more widely across our sites.”

Making a lasting difference

International studies echo HBH’s experience, showing that CST can delay cognitive decline, enhance communication and mood, and improve overall quality of life – with no negative side effects. These results also show that CST can be as effective as dementia medication in supporting cognitive function.

For HBH residents, CST is more than therapy – it’s a reminder of the importance of connection, interaction and self-expression. Every conversation, smile and shared memory strengthens HBH’s charitable mission of enabling seniors in our care and community to age well and live fully.

If you’d like contribute to HBH’s CST programmes so that more residents with memory loss can enjoy the benefits of human connection and mental stimulation, please donate here.