Dementia Care Non-Profit Appeals for Home Hosts to Meet Demand in Devon

An award-winning, not-for-profit dementia day care service, The Filo Project, is looking for more people to host small groups of people across Mid- and North Devon, to meet growing demand in the area.

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

Jennifer Potter, a Filo Project host from the Exeter area, explains: “A Filo day is like a day with friends and varies depending on each group’s interests and abilities. My group are renewing old hobbies and interests such as baking, playing cards and dominoes. Dementia can be a really isolating experience, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see people grow in confidence 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, my background was in children and families. 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.”

The Filo Project urgently needs more hosts to meet demand in Sidmouth, Beer, Branscombe, Axmouth, Ottery St Mary, Charmouth, Marshwood, Honiton, Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe and South Molton.

Hosts need a largely step-free home with a downstairs toilet and 5-door car to transport clients. They

• are paid £104 per day plus allowances and expenses

• work in their own home

• welcome up to four clients a day

• work between 8 and 16 hours per week, 9 am to 5pm 

• are given training in First Aid, Moving and Handling, Dementia, Food Hygiene, Safeguarding, Infection Control and Data Protection

• are part of a team of hosts, supported by a dedicated area coordinator

Jude Pinder, The Filo Project Chief Operating Officer, adds: “We’re proud of the strong support we give our staff. Across the UK there are a record number of vacancies in the social care workforce, in part because caring isn’t acknowledged or remunerated in line with its huge importance and value.

“Filo hosts receive a regular, above-market wage and travel costs. Unlike 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.”

The Filo Project is well-established in the South West of England and since its formation in 2014 has supported around 5000 people with dementia. 

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