The Residents and Staff of Autumn Meadows, Maryland Senior Assisted Living, Go Pink in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Gambrills, MD (PRWEB) October 22, 2013 -- The residents were thrilled when we announced weekly ‘pink’ activities throughout the month of October to celebrate breast cancer awareness month.
Cancer can be a sensitive subject when dealing with senior citizens. Almost all of our residents have either been affected or know someone that has been affected by breast cancer.
Not knowing how they were going to respond when we announced an entire month centered on the dreaded word, cancer, made it difficult for our caregivers. Most residents not only have trouble talking about this subject but have an even harder time coping with it themselves.
“We were surprised at how well the residents opened up. How it was almost a relief to talk about their personal experiences or how they dealt with loved ones suffering this awful disease. By engaging them with breast cancer themed activities, it helped them reminisce and share their stories,” says owner Susan Masters.
Every Wednesday, the houses are covered in pink as we get out supplies for our weekly breast cancer activity. The first week, the residents sewed or knitted an article of clothing using pink ribbon, fabric, puff balls, etc. The men had a blast wearing their pink winter hats around the house and making pink clothes for their grandchildren.
The second week, the smell of pumpkin was leaking out of the four locations of Autumn Meadows, pink pumpkin that is. The residents baked for hours using an overload of pink food dye. Whether their pumpkin bread was completely pink or their cupcakes were labeled with the breast cancer ribbon, they all tasted just as good.
The last week we are planning an outdoor activity. The residents will wear their warm pink outfits they made the first week and march around the park for a cause.
Although they haven’t been able to agree on their favorite activity, they have agreed that they enjoyed celebrating breast cancer month and most importantly, reminiscing and sharing their experiences with peers.
Susan Masters, Autumn Meadows, http://autumnmeadows.org/, +1 (301) 262-0123, [email protected]
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