How your donation will help - Transforming our care of the elderly ward by providing a homely, calm and relaxing environment which supports all patients particularly those with dementia.

We want to provide an environment that goes over and above - with a less clinical, more homely and welcoming space. The transformation will provide bright, calming and relaxing areas which promote social interaction, independence and mobility.

For patients with dementia this will mean a better experience of being in hospital.

Why Dementia?

There are currently over 2,000 Barnsley people with a diagnosis of dementia including over 80 people between age 30 and 64 (source Barnsley CCG)

One in six of us will develop dementia by the time we reach our eighties, chances are that you or someone you know has been affected by the condition (source Alzheimers Society)

There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025. This will soar to 2 million by 2051 (source Alzheimers Society)

Dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing

Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain

Dementia is not just about losing your memory

People can still live well with dementia

You can reduce your risk of dementia

Nearly half of all people with dementia experience symptoms of depression

For many patients with dementia being in hospital can feel a very sad and anxious time being totally different to their day to day routine

Why support? Your support will help us transform our ward and make a real difference for patients with dementia. The ward supports over 1,100 patients each year.

We will use tried and tested research and practice with the careful use of colour and design specifically to help patients with dementia to easily navigate their way round and feel more comfortable.

When you're living with dementia, everything can be different. Your support will give patients the confidence to be independent and help them to take part in social activities.

Standing in the shoes of a patient with dementia can mean a line on the floor is a barrier to leaving or entering a room or a shiny floor can look to be wet and slippery. Signs can be confusing and difficult to understand. These things can stop patients in their tracks and prevent them from wanting to move from their hospital bed. If patients with dementia lose their independence it can sometimes be impossible to regain it, making it much harder to get well. With your support we can help stop that happening.

What your donation will fund

We have worked closely with patients and families to choose the design and equipment which makes the biggest difference to a person with dementia.

We will create three purpose-designed areas including: café, activity and family areas.

The bays and bedrooms will be painted in different colours with co-ordinated furniture to help patients find their way back to their beds from the café, activity and family areas.

Improved use of signage and bespoke flooring which helps to prevent slips, trips and falls for patients with dementia who are often at increased risk of this.