Dementia Appeal

When you're living with dementia the world can feel very different.

Right now, one in four patients across Sheffield hospitals are living with dementia. They can often find hospital stressful and confusing.

That's why we need your help. By helping to create a hospital environment that meets the unique needs of people with dementia, you'll make their experience of hospital so much better - and give them the best chance of going home feeling fit and healthy.

Will you join us, and help make your local hospitals better for people with dementia today?

Kathryn's story

As the Arts Activities Officer, Kathryn runs art and craft sessions for patients with dementia. Here she explains the important role they play in delivering care.

Staying physically and mentally active is important for patients with dementia. Taking part in activities such as arts and crafts sessions help to stop their dementia symptoms getting worse and offer an opportunity to socialise.

Kathryn Stones is the Arts Activities Officer who runs the arts and craft sessions at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. Kathryn is able to interact with patients and see's the positive impact the sessions are having.

Kathryn said: “The patients engage really well with the arts and crafts sessions and they’re so important for patients with dementia. They not only stimulate people’s imagination and help to relieve boredom, but patients also tell us how the sessions have helped lift their mood and improve their general well-being. Patients often surprise themselves as to what they can create and it gives them such a sense of achievement.

 Patients often surprise themselves. It gives them a great sense of achievement.

“The difference I see in patients from when they arrive to the sessions and when they leave is remarkable. They are much more interactive with staff and other patients around them. It’s so nice to see them smile, chat together, and enjoy themselves.”

She said: “These sessions help to stimulate the brain, provide an opportunity to socialise and also have a positive impact on mental health and well-being.  They also encourage patients to become involved and interact with staff, which means we get to know them on a more personal level, which is exactly what the Dementia Appeal is all about – being able to care for each individual’s unique needs.”

Funds from our Dementia Appeal are being used to provide additional arts and crafts sessions so that even more local patients with dementia can benefit from them.

Next: Yes, I'll donate to support patients with dementia