In 2025, could you help the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity raise £250,000 to enhance the quality of life for patients with dementia?

The charity’s latest appeal aims to redevelop three ward areas of Rotherham Hospital to promote dignity and independence for the thousands of dementia patients in Rotherham.

The money raised from the charity’s dementia appeal will fund:

• Enhanced safety features – Continuous handrails, contrasted flooring, and colour-coordinated walls and doors to help patients navigate safely and reduce confusion across some of the wards.
• Comforting and familiar surroundings – Incorporating reminiscence-inspired decor, retro-style TVs, age-appropriate music, and old newspapers to foster connection and reduce isolation.
• Support for families – Creating an en-suite room with recliner chairs, beds, and amenities, so families can stay close to their loved ones during challenging times.

Head of fundraising at the charity, Rachael Dawes, knows all too well how important these improvements will be for families in the town.

“Dementia touches so many lives, including my own. My dad lived with dementia, and I saw first-hand how small changes in his environment and care made a world of difference to his quality of life. That’s why I’m so passionate about this appeal – it’s about creating a hospital and community where patients with dementia feel safe, understood, and valued.”

In Rotherham, we have over 3,000 people living with dementia and, as this number continues to rise, the demand for specialised care has never been greater. The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust wants to ensure that if people with dementia need hospital treatment, there is a positive experience for them and their loved ones.

Sally Baker, from Rotherham is supporting the appeal following her dad David’s dementia diagnosis in January 2020.

Sally said: “Dad’s dementia impacts his daily life completely. He’s very confused and doesn’t like to be in unfamiliar places or crowded spaces. He gets very upset by loud noises and gets startled easily. His condition is very debilitating to the point where Dad can no longer live a normal life.  

“When he’s admitted to hospital it makes me incredibly nervous. I worry so much because the noisy, overstimulating and chaotic atmosphere of a hospital can be really distressing for him. He can also tend to be a bit of a wanderer. At the care home the staff know his individual needs and I can relax a bit more knowing that he is in familiar surroundings.

“To anyone who is thinking of donating to the appeal, please do. You never know if a member of your family is going to be affected by dementia. The enhancements to the hospital facilities could support you and your loved ones in the future. I never thought for one minute the difficulties that dementia could cause to our family. Anything that can be done to make life easier for patients like my dad will be amazing.”

Donations can be made in person at the Charity Hub in the main entrance at Rotherham Hospital, or online via Just Giving.