With your help we can fund specialist support for people living with dementia.
Amber's story
“My grandad might not remember who I am every day – but he knows I love him. And he knows he loves football!"
Amber is a member of the Dementia Practitioner Team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She works closely with patients and families living with the condition. She also knows, first-hand, the emotional journey family and friends go through when a loved one receives a diagnosis.
“My Grandad Jack was diagnosed with dementia in 2019, but deep down, we’d all started to notice some changes in his behaviour long before that. I’ve worked in the NHS for a long time and seen dementia symptoms in so many patients, but nothing prepares you for when it’s someone in your family. Grandad is aware of his diagnosis and understands what’s happening to him. He says, “You know what I’ve got, I’ve got that dementia”. He sometimes gets tearful as he knows it’s something he can’t stop.
Watching someone you love come to terms with this is heartbreaking.
As his dementia has progressed, he’s had to give up parts of his life that he’s always loved. His biggest passion has always been football. He’s a proud Blades fan but he had to give up his season ticket.
Not long ago, thanks to Sheffield Hospitals Charity, Grandad Jack and I were able to visit Bramall Lane together and watch the beautiful game. He talked about the old days, players like Tony Currie and the way the stadium used to be. He loved every minute. He doesn’t remember the visit now, but I do. I’ll never forget the way he smiled and how, just for a while, the stadium and the game brought him back to himself – and to me.
These moments are becoming rarer, so they’re more precious than ever.
Grandad gets more anxious now and struggles with things that used to be second nature. The only time he’s able to truly relax is when he’s watching the football – it’s the one thing that brings him joy.
Sadly, this anxiety is something I see in many of my patients, especially during a hospital stay. That’s why personalising care is so important. We must understand what matters to people and use that information to care for them in ways that meet their needs.
This is why I’m so supportive of this appeal – I know it’ll make a huge difference to people like my Grandad.
Your donations have already helped me and my team by funding ‘All About Me’ booklets. These are completed by patients or their families and include details like their favourite foods, routines, hobbies – and even which football team they support. These little things help us tailor our care and our conversations with patients.
I remember when I completed my dementia training, it completely changed how I understood the condition. It taught me that behind every diagnosis is a unique individual with a story, personality and their own needs. People may not always be able to communicate, but they are still there. Providing more specialist training will mean more staff and carers will be able to do this, giving them the time, tools and understanding they need to provide the best care at the best time possible.
Families often ask if their loved ones can go outside and soon, we’ll be able to say yes! The funding of two dementia-friendly gardens at the Northern General Hospital will have a huge impact on patient wellbeing. People like my Grandad will be able to enjoy the fresh air and have some time away from the wards. The reminiscence corridor will stimulate memories and conversation, helping people to connect more with their caregivers.
I hope that you consider making a donation today so that we can help more people like my Grandad to live better with dementia.”
The projects your help will support
We are committed to providing £600,000 to support impactful dementia projects across Sheffield.
Supporting people with dementia to remain independent at home
A quarter of people with dementia living in their own homes are admitted to hospital with a potential treatable condition*. In hospital, their physical condition and cognitive function can decrease. With proper support and tailored care people with dementia can maintain their independence and live at home for longer. With your help we will provide an independent living coordinator and a dedicated GP to specific neighbourhoods in Sheffield where more people with dementia live.
Specialist dementia training
Thanks to you, Gold Star dementia training will be provided for NHS staff, volunteers and family carers. This specialist training will be delivered by Enrichment for the Elderly. The training puts people in the shoes of someone living with dementia. It helps with understanding of behaviours and reactions, and how a person with dementia can be better supported.
Improving hospital spaces and activities
With your support, we will fund improvements to spaces in our hospitals and enable vital activities for the wards. We will provide two dementia-friendly gardens connected by a ‘reminiscence corridor’ at the Northern General Hospital. The gardens will encourage sensory stimulation and physical activity, reduce stress and anxiety, and help evoke memories. The corridor will be filled with images and exercises to engage conversation and provide distraction.
Two specialist activity coordinators will also be provided thanks to you, offering meaningful support to people living with dementia during their stay in hospital. They will have access to activity boxes packed full of items that will provide distraction and stimulation.
Activities aim to improve wellbeing, reduce anxiety and help people with dementia to stay engaged and connected.
*data source available on request from charity@shct.nhs.uk
Dementia Resources
If you or your loved one is living with dementia, we’ve put together a list of resources to help.
How your donations could help
could help pay for a specially designed activity box to provide stimulation for patients and reduce anxiety in hospital.
could help pay for family carers to complete specialist training, so they don't have to navigate the difficulties of caring for a loved one with dementia alone.
could help pay for specialist teams to work together in the community, helping people living with dementia to maintain their independence at home.
could help pay for dementia-friendly garden spaces and connecting 'reminiscence corridor' at the Northern General Hospital.