Hospital Staff Uses Halloween Festivities as Creative Therapy for Oncology Patients
Patients in the oncology unit at Methodist Hospital will be in for a real treat on Wednesday, October 27, when staff host this annual Halloween party. An IV pole decorating contest, pet therapy, music therapy, prizes, and refreshment will be part of the frightfully fun event. To add to the spooky, kooky bedside festivities, many staff members will be in costume. The activities have therapeutic benefit, too, giving cancer patients something to look forward to and a proactive way to deal with feelings of stress and helplessness.
VISUALS:
- Howl-o-ween Pet Therapy at 1:30 p.m. “Bear,” a long haired German Shepherd, is sure to bewitch patients during his Halloween visit. Bear resembles the “big bad wolf” and his owner will be dressed as Little Red Riding Hood.
- Monster Mash Music Therapy at 2 p.m. Haunting sounds of Halloween will fill the unit as patients join the music therapy teacher in songs with Halloween lyrics that have been set to Christmas carol melodies.
- IV Pole Decorating Contest Judging at 2:30 p.m. Patients and their families begin planning for this competition months in advance. Some very creative patients use hospital gowns, gloves and tape to create ghosts and goblins, while others use pumpkins, bats and witch’s hats to set the stage for Halloween fun.