Whiddon Aged Care program - Chat, Stories & Tea. Chat, Stories & Tea

Residents enjoying a cognitive stimulation therapy session with a carer at Whiddon Narrabri.
"The Sunshine Club is aptly named as it brings rays of sunshine into the life of members; it was just magic to see the changes in Dad, the twinkle in his eyes and the many smiles".

Chat, Stories & Tea is a healthy ageing program run exclusively by Whiddon for people with memory challenges, dementia or short-term memory loss.

Chat, Stories & Tea is a social, group based therapy based on Cognitive Stimulation Therapy. It has proven to improve cognitive function and mood, increase self-confidence and self-esteem around communication and social interaction.

Resident’s are able to use this program as therapy and not only connect with each other but also their carers too.  A key message we follow here at Whiddon is, providing exceptional care to older people. With our Chat, Stories & Tea program we’re able to meet resident’s care needs through social therapy and provide support to those who suffer with dementia.

As a therapy, Chat, Stories & Tea has proven as effective as dementia medication at delaying or stabilising cognitive decline.

What are the benefits of Chat, Stories & Tea for patients with dementia

  • It’s a failure-free therapy and there are no wrong answers – Chat, Stories & Tea is based on imagination, not fact!

  • Participants are part of a fun and supportive environment where everyone builds confidence through socialising with others

  • Supports wellbeing and improved quality of life by increasing confidence and self-esteem

  • Supports everyone to build social connections and reduce loneliness through regular participation and social contact

  • Lead by staff, these activities and weekly meetings are dementia friendly, making the program inclusive and safe for everyone to join

  • The program is used as therapy for resident’s as they can bond over memories from their life experience

  • It allows carers to engage on a personal level with the residents they care for and learn more about their life, family and interests

  • The multi sensory stimulus and different themes within the program enhances the cognitive health of residents and improves with their everyday aged care activities

  • The weekly sensory activities support residents who suffer dementia as they work as memory exercises in a social, less formal setting

  • There’s great activities for dementia residents in aged care to use their imagination and share stories

  • There’s something for everyone – conversation and group activities draw on opinions, creative expression and life experience. The variety of themes ranging from travel, history, celebrities, gardening, music, food through to art and crafts activities.

  • How does Chat, Stories & Tea work as a dementia therapy?
  • Who runs Chat, Stories & Tea in aged care?
  • How is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Done?
  • Where does Chat, Stories & Tea come from?