Couple fight dementia stigma with day group support

Aileen Channer and her husband Barry, who has dementia, say having a day group's support has really helped

A woman whose husband has dementia has said a day care group's support has ensured they could keep "living their life".

Aileen Channer, from South Petherton in Somerset, whose husband Barry, 79, has frontotemporal dementia said the social interaction provided by a day care group helped keep her husband going.

Mr Channer was diagnosed in 2016 after his behaviour changed and to combat loneliness during the coronavirus lockdowns his wife signed him up to The Filo Project, a local not-for-profit and he has been going every week.

Mrs Channer said: "There is a lot of stigma around dementia, most people are very kind but some don’t know how to act or what to say once you tell them."

Mr Channer has been taking part in the day care sessions since 2016

"I recommend being open about your situation and getting your loved one settled somewhere like The Filo Project sooner rather than later, so they become used to it and have that regular social interaction as it can really make a difference," she added.

The Filo Project is an award-winning social enterprise offering dementia day care within hosts’ homes for small groups of socially isolated older people with early to moderate dementia.

Mrs Channer added: “Because of his type of dementia Barry hasn’t been able to have a conversation since the early stages, but he has a great time at his Filo group hosted by Sarah and comes back so happy.

"The dementia doesn’t stop him enjoying social situations.

“My motto is always to embrace things and carry on regardless.

"We kept living our life after Barry’s diagnosis, and I think that really helped both of us."

'People can flourish'

The aim of a Filo day is for it to feel relaxed, hosts collect small groups of clients and drive them to their home for a shared day and home-cooked lunch.

The day is not prescriptive and activities change to each group’s interests and abilities, such as baking, jigsaws, singing or crafting.

Libby Price, co-director of The Filo Project said: “Every day at Filo groups we see how life with dementia can still be a life well-lived.

"Dementia takes so much from families and is incredibly challenging. But it’s not a living death.

"People can still flourish and experience joy and humour if we treat them as the valued person they still are.”