At Oakland Care Group, we believe dementia care should be proactive rather than reactive. Too often, cognitive decline is treated as inevitable – something to be managed rather than actively addressed. We don’t accept that framing. Where evidence-based interventions exist that can protect cognition, enhance mood, and strengthen quality of life, our residents should benefit from them.
That’s why we’re pleased to introduce Ayla across both Oakland Grange and Oakland Court.
What is Ayla?
Ayla is a digital platform developed by Brain+ that enables care teams to deliver Cognitive Stimulation Therapy – known as CST – in a structured, consistent, and clinically grounded way.
CST is an evidence-based programme designed for people living with mild to moderate dementia. It involves themed sessions that encourage conversation, reminiscence, and gentle cognitive exercises. The activities are enjoyable and social – residents often don’t realise they’re participating in a therapeutic programme because it feels like a natural, engaging part of their day.
The evidence behind CST is robust. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness in maintaining cognitive function, improving mood, and enhancing overall quality of life. It’s recommended by NICE as a non-pharmacological intervention for dementia, and it’s one of the few approaches shown to have measurable benefits for people living with the condition.
What Ayla provides is the structure and guidance to deliver CST consistently. The platform walks our care teams through each session, ensuring that residents receive the full benefit of the programme while making it accessible for staff to facilitate with confidence.
Why This Matters
Dementia affects each person differently, but the approach to supporting cognitive wellbeing shouldn’t be left to chance. Structured programmes like CST offer something meaningful: the opportunity to actively support residents rather than simply respond to decline as it occurs.
This reflects a broader philosophy at Oakland Care Group. We invest in technology and evidence-based approaches that support our teams to deliver better outcomes. Ayla sits alongside our other innovations – Nobi for AI-powered falls prevention, Nourish for detailed person-centred care planning, and our nursecall messaging system that integrates alerts with handheld devices. Each serves the same purpose: taking care of the monitoring and administration so our staff can focus on what matters most – the relationships they build with residents.
Training and Implementation
Our teams at both homes recently completed their Ayla training, led by Josefine from the Ayla team. The sessions were engaging, practical, and left our staff feeling confident and enthusiastic about delivering the programme.
Training is something we take seriously at Oakland. We select technology with a strong focus on ease of use and accessibility, and we ensure comprehensive training programmes are tailored to different skill levels. Our staff don’t just learn how to use a system – they understand why it matters and how it fits within the care they provide.
What Families Can Expect
For families with loved ones living with mild to moderate dementia, Ayla represents another layer of support. The programme is designed to be enjoyable – residents participate in group activities that feel social and stimulating rather than clinical. Sessions might involve discussing current events, exploring a particular theme, or engaging in word games and puzzles.
The benefits can include improved alertness, better mood, increased social engagement, and – in many cases – maintenance of cognitive function that might otherwise decline more rapidly. Every resident is different, and outcomes vary, but the evidence supporting CST gives us confidence that this investment will make a meaningful difference.
If you have questions about Ayla or how it might benefit your loved one, please speak to a member of the care team or contact the home directly:
- Oakland Grange: oakland.grange@oaklandcare.co.uk
- Oakland Court: oakland.court@oaklandcare.co.uk
Looking Ahead
Introducing Ayla is part of our ongoing commitment to providing the highest standard of dementia care. We’re proud to be part of the Ayla community and grateful to the team at Brain+ for their support in bringing this programme to our homes.
We’ll be monitoring outcomes closely and look forward to sharing the positive impact we expect to see across both Oakland Grange and Oakland Court in the months ahead.
