A Family Medicine resident at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Dorothy Hanson, has brought smiles to elderly patients at the Geriatric Clinic through an initiative dubbed “Flowers for Our Treasures.”

The initiative, held at the Geriatric Clinic of the Korle Bu Polyclinic, saw 10 elderly patients receive bouquets of flowers and cash gifts as tokens of appreciation.

The presentations were accompanied by words of encouragement, kindness and affection.

Dr Hanson, who is currently undertaking a rotation in geriatric medicine at the facility, said her interactions with elderly patients had deepened her appreciation of the need to care for older people beyond their medical conditions.

She said ageing deserved not only medical attention but also recognition, dignity, companionship and love.

According to Dr Hanson, the initiative was conceived to remind elderly patients that they remain valued members of society.

She said the flowers carried a message of appreciation and affirmation to the beneficiaries: “You are valued. You are appreciated. Your life matters. You are still a treasure.”

The gesture created a warm atmosphere at the clinic as the beneficiaries received their flowers and interacted with Dr Hanson.

Although this was her first time undertaking the initiative at the Geriatric Clinic of the Korle Bu Polyclinic, Dr Hanson said she had carried out similar acts of kindness in other settings, driven by her desire to bring joy and encouragement to people.

She said small acts of kindness could have a lasting impact, particularly on people who might sometimes feel overlooked or forgotten.

Dr Hanson is inviting individuals, groups and organisations that share her passion to partner with her to expand the initiative and reach more people.

She said partnerships could also support efforts to expand the physical space of the Geriatric Clinic and enhance its capacity to provide care for elderly patients in a more conducive environment.

Dr Hanson said although the flowers presented to the 10 patients were modest, the gesture was intended to reinforce the message that growing older should not make anyone feel invisible, forgotten or unappreciated.