It’s been scientifically proven that caring for plants can improve quality of life. St. Mary’s of the Lake’s Dr. Chris Frank says, “There is anecdotal evidence of benefit to this small intervention given our human need for responsibility and caring.” With that thought he wondered if we could get a plant in every room by every bed and ask patients to look after them.
With the help of Providence Care’s volunteer services, Dr. Frank’s plant dream came true. Volunteers delivered tropical plants to each patient to enjoy and care for on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The plants will be passed along to the following patient who occupies the space to care for.
Volunteer Services funded this fantastic initiative and Volunteer Coordinator Chris O’Connor was happy to facilitate the program. “It was great to see the smiles shared between patients and the volunteers at the hand off and also, to know that it doesn’t stop there,” he says.
Dedicated Plant Care volunteers now visit the patients’ rooms weekly and assist patients with caring for their plant if required. Nurses are not expected to care for the plant but are welcome to assist as they desire and when appropriate.
