Elevating Wellness
Elevating Wellness: Gibraltar Nursing Home based in Monmouth, South Wales, continues to redefine adult social care with its in-house hair salon, fostering a sense of community and connection for residents – fondly referred to as family members.
Sally Phillips, a professional hairdresser with 38 years of experience, has been bringing her expertise to Gibraltar Nursing Home for the past 3 years. Every Tuesday, Sally dedicates her time to offering haircuts and styling services to the residents.
Sally’s journey began at the age of 16 when she started her career through a government scheme. With her own business “Sally Phillips” she was drawn to the opportunity at Gibraltar Nursing Home after hearing about a hairdressing opportunity from a neighbour employed there. Having previously worked with individuals living with a Dementia and as a support worker, Sally’s caring nature aligned perfectly with her additional support she could bring to her business at Gibraltar.
Reflecting on her experience, Sally expresses, “Every week is a positive experience for me, I find it very rewarding, I love seeing the smiles on residents faces when they are being pampered, it’s also therapeutic for them and something that adds normality back into their lives”.
In addition to being a place for residents to get together and socialise over coffee, the salon also acts as a community hub. Research has shown that the tremendous influence of salon services in improving an individual’s sense of dignity and self-esteem, which can be especially important for residents. These interactions with a hairdresser are beneficial in social interactions, fostering a sense of friendship and connections. Haircuts and style services can have a relaxing, therapeutic impact that improves mental and emotional well-being.
Gibraltar Nursing Home approach to life recognises the values, beliefs and identity of each person. Each person that may need support is unique and by
understanding one’s life history, and one’s journey in life, by striving to be a true continuation of home, the team at Gibraltar Nursing Home create a place where everyone feels safe and never alone.
To find out more about Gibraltar Nursing Home, visit: https://www.gibraltarnursinghome.com/