Jean, a lady we support in the community and at Brierley Community Hub in Little Hulton, has recently visited the hairdressers for the first time in years with the support from Aspire support workers.
Jean’s Story:
My name is Jean, I’m 93 years old, and I live with dementia. I’m from Walkden. Michelle and Roberta have become very good friends, and I don’t know what I would do without them. I like having community support and I am very happy. I visit the salon, local cafes and parks with Michelle and Roberta and come to Brierley twice a week.”
Michelle, Aspire Support Worker:
“We have been supporting Jean since October 2023,” says Support Worker Michelle. “Community support has been great for Jean. Due to health and confidence issues, Jean cannot go out independently, but with our help, she can do exactly what she wants. Roberta and I are Jean’s key support workers. Jean calls us her friends, which is lovely hear. Whenever we arrive at Jean’s house, she always says she’s glad we came today.”
A Trip to the Hairdressers:
Michelle arranged for Jean’s visit to the salon at Strands on Little Hulton Precinct for a cut and blow-dry. Jean said, “I was cutting my hair myself, and the staff asked if I would like to go to the hairdressers. I was so happy and said that would be nice. The hairdresser did a fantastic job. It has been a very long time since I last went to a salon.”
Michelle added “The salon experience was amazing. Jean particularly liked the comfy sofas. The stylist was very understanding of dementia, making us feel really welcome and always offering us drinks. On the way back from the hairdressers, Jean was excitedly telling people in the community about her trip and couldn’t wait to share the news with her friends back at Brierley. Jean said “I liked going to the hairdressers; I look so good now!”
Jean’s day out at the hairdressers is just one example of how community support can make a big difference. With the help of caring support workers like Michelle and Roberta, Jean continues to enjoy meaningful experiences and live her life, her way.
