AN award-winning dementia care project is looking to expand to more towns across Cornwall.

The Filo Project, which gives day care to small groups of elderly people with mild to medium dementia in a host's home, already operates in Liskeard, Bude, Callington, Launceston, Looe, Wadebridge, Saltash, Torpoint and Truro. Hosts facilitate activities such as cooking, jigsaws, games, arts and crafts

The not-for-profit dementia day care service, which has been funded by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, is now looking for more hosts to welcome small groups of people with mild to moderate dementia into their home for the day to meet demand in the county.

They want to expand to offer an alternative to dementia day centres and opening up permanent work opportunities for local people.

The Filo Project host Janet Lyth has a group who visit her at home in Gunnislake for two days a week, where they cook together, engage in art and craft, do jigsaws and puzzles and play games: “It’s a win, win situation. I feel I’m helping people," says Janet. 

"The clients have a nice day out, lunch and interact with others. Carers at home are also getting a break. You’ve got to be fairly easy going and caring, but you don’t need to worry too much about planning as the group feed into what they would like to do.”

Naval veteran Wendy and former darts champion Pam have been attending attend Janet’s Gunnislake group. “I don’t worry about making a mistake, I just relax here and laugh,” says Wendy.

“We’re just happy being here,” says Pam, “Janet is a lovely woman, she makes you feel welcome.”

The Filo Project is a Community Interest Company and draws on the co-directors’ years of combined experience and research in dementia care.

Liz Dennis, co-director of The Filo Project, explains their plans for Cornwall and hopes for helping local families affected by dementia: “Dementia and memory loss can be a very isolating, worrying time for families. But The Filo Project shows that with good quality care and support, people can still live well with dementia, and we’re delighted to now offer this to people in our first locations in Cornwall.

“The more intimate, homely setting allows people to grow in confidence, make friends and reduce their risk of isolation. Their families benefit too - carers get regular, extended breaks from the challenges of looking after a loved one with dementia, and can access our personalised Family Support Service to help them navigate the dementia journey on a practical and emotional level.

“In the next two years we plan to expand further into Cornwall. Our first groups are up and running in Liskeard, Bude, Callington, Launceston, Looe, Wadebridge, Saltash, Torpoint and Truro and we are looking for more hosts to help us accommodate growing demand in the area.”

Kate Shields, the chief executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board said: “Supporting people with dementia is a priority for us in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We know that isolation can worsen the symptoms of dementia, but meeting people and taking part in activities can help to reduce them.

“We have some fantastic community services such as memory cafes, community hubs and day centres, but it can be difficult for people living in very rural areas to travel to them. 

“By working with The Filo Project we can ensure that those people are able to spend two days a week in a warm and friendly place where they can be themselves.

“It’s close to home with a door-to-door service that gives their families some respite. Filo hosts tell us it is incredibly rewarding and I look forward to hearing more stories of the difference this project is making in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

The Filo Project is well-established in other areas of the South West and since its formation in 2014 has supported around 3000 people with dementia. Its model is particularly suited for those who are isolated or in rural locations, as transport is provided as part of the service, and a formal dementia diagnosis is not required.

People are able to pursue their interests and draw on what they can still do and enjoy.

The day starts in the morning with the host collecting group members one-by-one from their homes. 

Lunch is an anchor point to the day, nourishing in more ways than one, offering an opportunity for the group to help prepare or simply gather around the table to share a meal and chat.  

Once assigned to a group a client attends on the same day with the same host and same group members every week. The day is not prescriptive and flexes according to the group’s interests and abilities. This socialising with a regular, small circle of similar companions helps people make friends and feel more relaxed.

For clients a Filo day runs from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

The Filo Project hosts come from all walks of life. Previous care experience is not required. Full training is provided so it’s more important to be friendly, creative, have an understanding and enjoyment of spending time with older people, and to have a caring nature. Hosting can be physically and emotionally challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Hosts are required to work 9am to 5pm on hosting days and to provide a home-cooked hot lunch. It is essential that you have a full driving licence, use of a five door car, a downstairs toilet and a home with ground floor access and minimal steps.

The Filo Project is proud of the strong support it provides staff, and hosts receive a regular, above-market wage and travel costs. Unlike other care providers, hosts are paid per day not per client, so if clients are unable to attend a session, hosts don’t miss out on their income.

For more information on The Filo Project hosting and day care service visit www.thefiloproject.co.uk or call 0333 939 8225.