Two residents from Stoke Bardolph care home, Rivendell View, formed an unbreakable friendship after one resident offered her skills to cheer up her neighbour.
When 85-year-old Rita Brookes said she wanted to book extra hairdressing appointments at the home’s onsite salon, Joyce Rowbotham (80) took it upon herself to offer her services.
Joyce had picked up some hairdressing skills from her daughter, a professional hairdresser, and asked if Rita would like her hair styled in the weeks between their regular monthly appointments.
The pair enjoyed the salon sessions so much that it became a weekly appointment, and have since become inseparable. Rita said, ‘Being able to get my hair done every week is a real morale booster for me. It cheers me up when I don’t feel myself – Joyce and I have a good catch up whilst we are in the salon!’
When asked why she offered to style Rita’s hair, Joyce said,
‘I love to see people happy when they see what I’ve done with their hair. I really take pride in what I do. Rita is my best friend, and my favourite thing about doing her hair is seeing her smile.’
Joyce’s top tips for styling hair are to ‘stay cool under pressure, don’t rush, and enjoy what you do.’
Lisa Tungate, the Home Manager at Rivendell View, said,
‘We always encourage our residents to do what they love, so when Joyce came to us with the idea of styling Rita’s hair, we were more than happy to give them some time in our salon.
‘It’s been heart-warming to watch Joyce and Rita’s friendship blossom over their time together at Rivendell View. ‘
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To find out more about Rivendell View, please visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk, call 0115 666 9660 or email rivendell.view@idealcarehomes.co.uk
Rivendell View is a residential and dementia care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. With 66 ensuite bedrooms, attractive décor and freely accessible gardens, Rivendell View delivers person-centred care in a dignified manner, promoting independence as far as possible.