Home-based dementia day care service is looking for more North Devon hosts

An award-winning dementia day care service is looking for more people to host small groups of people with dementia in their homes in North Devon to meet growing demand.

The Filo Project was founded in 2014 and has a group in Bideford plus two in Barnstaple and two in Braunton, but is looking for hosts in all areas of North Devon, in particular Ilfracombe and Braunton.

Just as a childminder opens up their home, The Filo Project’s innovative model sees carefully-selected hosts welcoming small groups of people with early to moderate dementia and into their home for a shared day of activities, socialising and a home-cooked lunch together.

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The not-for-profit initiative is well-established across the South West and since its formation in 2014 by Libby Price and Liz Dennis it has supported around 5,000 people who are living with dementia.

The North Devon host team has recently been nominated for an award at this year’s NDVS Community Awards, in recognition of their work.

Jude Pinder, chief operating officer at The Filo Project, said: “A Filo day is like a day with friends and varies depending on each group’s interests and abilities.

“Dementia can be a really isolating experience, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see people grow in confidence, renew old hobbies and interests, and make friends within the group. It’s a cliché but truly no two days are the same.

“To be a Filo host you don’t have to have previous experience as a paid carer, we have hosts from all walks of life. It’s more important to have a caring nature, a sense of humour and to enjoy socialising with older people, as you get full training.”

Above: Hosts accommodate up to four people with mild to moderate dementia, who get to enjoy activities, socialise and a home cooked lunch. Credit: The Filo Project

Hosts need a largely step-free home with a downstairs toilet and a five-door car to transport clients.

They are paid a good day rate, plus allowances and expenses and would welcome up to four clients a day, working between eight and 16 hours per week from 9 am to 5pm.

Hosts are given training in first aid, moving and handling, dementia, food hygiene, safeguarding, infection control and data protection will be part of a team of hosts, supported by a dedicated area co-ordinator.

Unlike some other care providers, Filo 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.

If you are interested in becoming a host or would like to find out more about The Filo Project, visit www.thefiloproject.co.uk or call 0333 939 8225.