Age UK - Day Opportunities Reopening in Darlington
The service has received funding to run Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) sessions to support those with Dementia. Cognitive Stimulation is the only non-drug treatment recommended to improve cognition, independence and well-being by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Participants take part in meaningful and stimulating activities, proven to help maintain memory and mental functioning.
The 2017/18 pilot found that MCST sessions contributed to the maintenance of group members’ wellbeing, related to their feelings, memory and everyday life. These would usually be expected to decrease over time for people with dementia who don’t attend sessions.
Group members, carers and staff all stated the following benefits:
- Enjoyment, having fun and increasing levels of happiness.
- A sense of belonging and making new friendships.
- Increased confidence in ability and to try other new things.
- Improvements in communication, including reading and writing.
- Improvements in memory and mental ability.
- Having more energy.
- Increased levels of physical activity.
For more information please contact Age UK North Yorkshire & Darlington at Bradbury House
01325 362832
