Building Better Support for People Living with Young Onset Dementia in Western Australia (YODWA)

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)

Amanda Burnby, dementia consultant, physiotherapist, and director of Absolute Care Therapy, presented on Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) — an evidence-based, structured program that supports thinking, memory, and communication for people with mild to moderate dementia.

CST is delivered in two formats:

• Home-Based CST empowers families and support workers to deliver sessions in familiar environments with the help of tailored resources and coaching.
  
  

• Group CST involves 4–6 participants led by trained facilitators in engaging, social sessions that build confidence and connection.
  
  

Sessions are social and uplifting, focusing on individual strengths to boost confidence and promote brain health. Both options are funded through NDIS and Home Care Packages. Activities range from recognising sounds and using maps to learning about money and exploring global cuisine. Every session is designed to be practical, enjoyable, and deeply meaningful, focusing on building connections, confidence, and maintaining a sense of purpose. Participants often leave sessions smiling, feeling valued and supported.

There is an opportunity to attend in-person training led by Isobel Sanger, Australian CST Master Trainer, Friday 6th June, 9.30am-58.00pm, Brightwater, Inglewood, 2A Walter Road, West. Find out more.

COPE: Practical Strategies at Home

Naomi Moylan, occupational therapist and Dementia Support Specialist at Brightwater Care Group, introduced COPE — Care Of People with dementia in their Environment — an evidence-based occupational therapy program supporting people with dementia and their care partners in the home.

Designed to improve daily functioning and reduce stress, COPE aligns with Australian Clinical Guidelines and offers practical, evidence-based occupational therapy.

Delivered in up to 10 in-home or telehealth sessions, COPE is structured into three phases: assessment, implementation, and generalisation. Participants receive three tailored prescriptions for daily challenges, such as agitation, sleep, or dressing, and one prescription to encourage meaningful engagement. These strategies address communication, activity simplification, and creating dementia-enabling environments.

The program is client-centred and strengths-based, valuing cultural relevance and collaboration. Occupational therapists work closely with care partners to co-design realistic, sustainable strategies that support independence and wellbeing. Optional nurse involvement can address additional health concerns like pain or infection.

COPE is available through NDIS, Home Care Packages, Medicare (via GP), and private health insurance. Professionals can complete online training to become accredited COPE practitioners.

SPICE: A Comprehensive Support Model

Dr Nathan D’Cunha, researcher at the University of Canberra, presented SPICE — Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care, and Engagement. This innovative model is delivered through Canberra Health Services and responds to gaps in dementia-specific support and workforce training.

SPICE combines multiple evidence-based therapies into a 10-week post-diagnostic program for people with dementia and their care partners, including:

• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
  
  

• Physical activity sessions
  
  

• Care partner education
  
  

• COPE strategies
  
  

• Dietitian-led nutrition support
  
  

Participants attend group sessions twice a week and may also receive in-home visits. Evaluations show improvements in cognitive function, physical strength, and emotional wellbeing, while care partners report reduced stress and increased confidence.

Many participants described the program as life-changing, providing the tools, social connection, and a renewed sense of purpose to partakers. Moreover, participants expressed a sense of hope in their reviews, stating “I am still capable of increasing my cognition… its not just dead and going to stay dead…”. Thirteen of fourteen SPICE groups created WhatsApp group chats post-programs, suggesting the successful formation of lasting peer-support networks. Additionally, meet-ups at memory cafés, group outings, self-run exercise classes and social dinners have enhanced social engagement after the program, allowing social relationships to flourish. This reflects the establishment of powerful, peer-support ecosystems that persist long after the program concludes, emphasising the long-lasting benefits that come with participating in the SPICE program.

A Shared Vision for Dementia Care

The CST, COPE, and SPICE programs illustrate the power of early, person-centred interventions in improving daily life, autonomy, and connection for people with dementia. For those affected by young onset dementia, community-led initiatives like YODWA play a vital role in bridging service gaps and building inclusive, meaningful support. Contact YODWA through the Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance for more information.

NCWA proudly supports this work and remains committed to advocating for innovative, collaborative solutions in neurological care — for every condition, and every life stage.