An innovative dementia day care centre which provides cost-effective alternatives to other centres and residential care has expanded into Rossendale.
The Filo Project delivers high-quality day care through its innovative model where carefully selected hosts open up their homes for small groups of socially isolated older people with early to moderate dementia.
The service is already established in the South West of England and has supported around 3,000 people with dementia since its formation in 2014.
Hosts collect a small group of clients for a day in their own home where activities flex to the group’s interests and abilities, but examples include baking, jigsaws, singing, or crafting.
The intimate setting allows clients to grow in confidence, make friends and reduce their risk of physical and mental health issues associated with isolation, while family carers benefit from regular, extended respite from the challenges of looking after a loved one with dementia.
There are an estimated 15,000 people aged over 65 living with dementia in the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria integrated care system, while 900,000 people currently have dementia in the UK, according to the Alzheimer’s Society charity.
With an ageing population and growing demand for quality dementia day care facilities in East Lancashire, many local families struggle to access the personalised care and respite they need.
Libby Price, co-director of The Filo Project, said: “A Filo Project day is deceptively simple but effective in helping people feel at ease, valued and maintain a sense of self-worth.
"This has a real and positive impact on their symptoms and mood.
“Dementia and memory loss can be a very isolating, worrying time for families who feel they are gradually losing their loved one.
"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 Rossendale, our first location outside of the South West.
“We were approached by a Rossendale resident and dementia coach, Rachel Yates Hoyles, who came across our work and was keen for local people to experience the benefits of our type of care.
“In the next two years we plan to expand into Hyndburn, Pendle and Blackburn. Our first groups are up and running in Rossendale and we are looking for more hosts to help us accommodate growing demand in the area.”
Rachel Yates Hoyles, Lancashire Dementia coach and Rossendale resident, added: “Having worked in dementia care for twenty years, I feel saddened that social service care provision for people living with dementia in Rossendale is very limited compared to other areas I have worked in.
“My passion for raising dementia awareness and support has grown over these years as I have seen so many families struggle through the dementia journey.
"Not knowing where to turn to ask the basic questions and sense of helplessness and acceptance that what support they have is enough and that they aren’t worthy of any better.
"This is what drives me to reach out and seek better practice and services – this is what the people of Rossendale and beyond truly deserve.
“I first came across The Filo Project on a webinar and watched with excitement. I really wanted the people of Rossendale and Lancashire to experience a piece of the good stuff.
"A piece that would bring joy and a more meaningful purpose to the lives of people living with dementia and for carers to have that well deserved breather and time for themselves.
“I am very hopeful that the people of Rossendale will one day very soon have a better quality of life with dementia and know what `good social provision’ is.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here