Students Brighten Lives with Recycled Flowers for Memory Care Residents

Students from Lasell University recently brought joy to residents at CareOne in Newton, Massachusetts, by delivering beautifully arranged bouquets made from recycled wedding flowers. These vibrant floral arrangements, tied with ribbons and accompanied by personal notes, were crafted using blooms that had previously adorned a wedding in Boston. For the residents in memory care, who often cannot venture outside, these flowers serve as a vital connection to the world beyond their facility.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by Theo’s Flowers, a non-profit founded by Linda Thompson. Thompson’s mission emerged from her personal experiences caring for her parents, Elizabeth and Edward Thompson, both of whom suffered from dementia. During the pandemic, when visitation was restricted, she and her family brought flowers to their parents, often sharing heartfelt moments through windows. This practice highlighted the emotional impact that flowers had within her family, inspiring her to create a program that could extend this joy to others facing similar circumstances.

Building Connections Through Flowers

The first seeds of collaboration were planted in 2021 when Linda discovered that couples often dispose of wedding flowers shortly after their events. She recognized an opportunity to collect these blooms for repurposing in memory care facilities. After a successful initial engagement with a wedding party in Ipswich, Thompson connected with Milton Academy, where students could participate in making the bouquets.

“The personal notes that accompany the flowers allow students to introduce themselves to residents,” Linda explained. “We wanted it to be fun and playful while evoking meaningful memories.” The notes often contain shared interests or experiences, creating a bridge between generations. The heartfelt interactions have proven to be uplifting for both the students and the recipients.

In just four years since its inception, Theo’s Flowers has seen hundreds of students and residents benefit from this initiative. Linda has emphasized that this multi-generational recycling effort aligns with her parents’ values of community and giving back.

Spreading Joy and Hope

This year, Theo’s Flowers received an Innovation Grant from the I’m Still Here Foundation, which aims to support individuals living with dementia. Grant funds have been utilized to purchase flowers at discounted rates from retailers such as Trader Joe’s when donated flowers are scarce. This financial support has enabled the organization to continue expanding its reach, ensuring that even more residents experience the joy of receiving fresh blooms.

Back at CareOne, the impact of the program was palpable as residents Melody and Liz received their bouquets. Melody, a self-described flower enthusiast, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am a lover of flowers. As I’m looking at it there, it says it all.” Meanwhile, Liz admired her arrangement, acknowledging it as a delightful surprise.

Linda and her sister Nancy watched these emotional exchanges unfold, recognizing the profound effect their initiative has on individuals who often feel forgotten. “It’s beyond what I envisioned,” Linda said. “Our tagline is ‘Sharing Joy Through Petals,’ and each petal really is making someone else happy.”

Through the collective efforts of students and community members, Theo’s Flowers continues to cultivate hope and connection, reminding both residents and volunteers of the joy that can emerge from caring gestures.