Home-based dementia day care service seeks hosts

The Filo Project hosts activities such as jigsaws, games, arts and crafts

More hosts are being sought for a dementia day care service in Cornwall.

The Filo Project, funded by the NHS, gives day care to small groups of elderly people with mild to medium dementia in a host's home.

Hosts facilitate activities such as cooking, jigsaws, games, arts and crafts.

The project is an Exeter-based social enterprise group that has supported around 3,000 people with dementia since it began in 2014.

'I just relax'

The Filo Project host, Janet Lyth, has a group that visit her at home in Gunnislake for two days a week.

She said: "The clients have a nice day out, lunch and interact with others and 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 Janet’s Gunnislake group.

Wendy said: “I don’t worry about making a mistake, I just relax here and laugh."

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

Liz Dennis, co-director of The Filo Project, said: “The more intimate, homely setting allows people to grow in confidence, make friends and reduce their risk of isolation."

Previous care experience is not necessary for hosts as full training is provided, she added.