Resources
This page includes some useful activities based resources, some information and updating resources and some online training resources. Feel free to contact me to suggest others.
It is important before initiating a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Group to undertake some preparation. You can read up on the subject in some detail here and read about some examples of best practice http://www.cstdementia.com/
​
The 'Making A Difference' manuals are a must for anyone wishing to set out on a journey of establishing cognitive stimulation therapy groups.
​
They provide a basis for good practice and a valuable resource of activity ideas and plans.
Making a Difference 3
£19.95 – £29.50
By Lauren Yates, Martin Orrell, Phuong Leung, Aimee Spector, Bob Woods, Vasiliki Orgeta
This third cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) manual is for carers who want to make a difference to the quality of life of the people with dementia they know or who they are living or working with. It builds on the proven success and popularity of CST by offering 75 individual sessions on a great variety of topics to suit everybody’s tastes and interests. The manual includes details of a link to the Hawker website which has filmed examples of sessions which will show how all those taking part can get the best from their shared experience.
Ring-bound paperback, 160pp, colour illustrations throughout
Includes link to online resources. ISBN 978 1874 790 297
Printed: £29.50
Digital: £19.95
(If you order the digital version, you will be sent a download link and password in the order confirmation email.)
'Music For Dementia'
​
​
'M4D Radio' is a wonderful music resource, providing age appropriate themed radio stations across 5 channels to evoke memories.
It is free and if you access the website above you can find their daily playlist. You can even dive deeper to find a playlist for your own preferred era. High days and holidays playlists are especially impressive. For example, there is an hour long playlist for 'Sunday Worship'.
There is also a 'Listen Again' function. Just Brilliant!
​
Creative Mojo
​
​
There are some fantastic group arts & crafts sets for sale here, with much of the preparation already undertaken.
​
Activities To Share
https://www.activitiestoshare.co.uk
​
There are a lot of great arts & crafts and other resources here. I especially liked the 'Water Reveal Painting', which would be great for someone without fine art skills e.g. for colouring within lines or patterns.
​
The 'Dementia Craftivists' web site is super. It has pages for 'Painting', 'Papercraft', 'Performance', 'Photography', 'Poetry', 'Textiles' & 'Modelling'. It enables people living with a dementia diagnosis to showcase their work and share creative arts across communities. 'Dementia Craftivists' is hosted by www.innovationsindementia.org.uk
'The Hug' by LAUGH
​
​
HUG™ is a soft comforter designed to be cuddled by people living with advanced dementia. It has weighted limbs and a soft body that contains a simulated beating heart and a music player that can be programmed to play a person’s favourite music.​
User feedback has been nothing but positive. I prefer this type of soother to a 'baby', as it is unlikely to be mistaken for a real infant. A previous client really loved the feel of it and found it a great comfort when she was becoming agitated or distressed.
https://www.photobox.co.uk/shop/calendars-and-diaries/deluxe-diary
​
A great app, providing professional printed books for Memory Diaries etc.
​
Mini Lotto of Odours (several different boxes available). Great for reminiscence regarding fragrances.
​
​
The Journal of Dementia Care is an excellent resource for updating knowledge and skills and is at the forefront of modern dementia care. It also hosts conferences around the UK.
Future Learn offers a free on-line training course developed by UCL called 'The Many Faces Of Dementia'. It is an excellent resource and provides learners with a unique insight into dementia through the stories, symptoms and science behind four less common diagnoses. (commitment is 2 hours a week for 4 weeks - certification costs £49).
​
​
More of an introductory e-learning training course is offered by The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). The Dementia E-learning Course is currently being updated but the 2009 version is still available fee of charge and has many downloadable resources. Covering topics such as 'Symptoms of dementia', 'After diagnosis of dementia', 'Living with dementia' etc, the course includes a considerable amount of video footage and is very highly regarded.
​
https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/
​
​