Team of barbers deliver nostalgic experience to dementia residents at Holbeach Meadows Care Home

Residents with dementia enjoyed a traditional ‘barber shop’ treatment which included sensory elements to trigger past memories.

Holbeach Meadows Care Home on Daisy Road, welcomed members of the community to attend its monthly event on Tuesday, April 15.

The experience incorporates visual features such as posters of music icons and sports figures, nostalgic tunes from the 50s, 60s and 70s and popular aftershaves to stimulate talking points for the gentlemen.

Care home manager, Gemma Woodcock believes it is important to offer a variety of activities, especially for men. She said: “The gentlemen loved the barbershop experience.

“There was lots of chat and they have all come out of the salon looking very smart – It is lovely to see the men having a bit of pampering.

“There isn’t a great deal of services out there for dementia but the gentlemen here really love it.

“It can be hard to find activities they will want to join in with, as they are not necessarily interested in the crafts – it’s nice for them to have something which is just for them.

“The team of barbers take over the salon with art work, posters, old music and all of the visual elements to create talking points.

“It prompts them to have conversations about things which are fresh in their long term memory.

The event is led by Dementia Friendly Barbers, which is a business based in Birmingham.

Founder, Thomas Roberts and co-owner Cordelle Cabey and their team of barbers visit care homes across the UK to provide the service.

The business has been visiting Holbeach Meadows care home for seven months and have received a positive response.

Cordelle said: “We realised men often don't get the luxuries that women are offered in care homes.

“For those with dementia it is really important to draw on past experiences and using sensory props has a significant influence.

“The impact it has on the gentlemen is profound and wonderful to see.

“We work with close to 100 care homes a month and we love what we do. It is the most rewarding job for me and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.

“It’s a joy to see the residents enter the salon in a certain way and then coming out looking refreshed – our barbers do a wonderful job.”

Gemma added: “Cordelle and Tom were fantastic with all of the residents and really engaged with the gentleman, making it a thoroughly enjoyable day for them.”

Holbeach residents received a 20-30 minute pamper which included a haircut and hot shave.

They also enjoyed a free two course home cooked lunch and other activities in the afternoon.

If you would like to book a space for next month's event call 01406 431222 or email hm.frontofhouse@twhealthcare.co.uk.

All of the dates for future events will be posted on the Holbeach Meadows Care Home Facebook and Instagram pages.