More Than a Hairdresser – Jan Celebrates 45 Years at Resthaven.

After cutting the hair of Resthaven residents and clients for 45 years, Jan Beattie says it’s the relationships that matter most. A former salon owner, Jan clearly remembers the day she walked into the aged care home to enquire about work.

‘In 1979 I visited and spoke to the Matron Dulcie Miller about a hairdressing job,’ Jan says. ‘She told me there wasn’t any vacancy, but three weeks later I had a phone call to say there was an opening and I should come in. The rest is history.’

‘When I first started, the hairdressing room was situated in the therapy room (shared with the physiotherapists),’ Jan says. ‘I had two dryers and a basin! At the time, many of the residents were in their 60s, whereas these days, many are in their 90s. There have certainly been some changes over the years. There are not as many perms to do these days!’

Now, working out of the salon located within Resthaven Marion, Jan says she has worked in a few different ‘homes’ over the years, including the Marion Community Services site, and she also worked a regular day at Resthaven Malvern for a time.

Jan continues to cut, shampoo, blow dry, perm and set residents’ hair – doing around 20 appointments a week and scheduling in haircuts for clients every 6 weeks, or as needed. It is as much about the haircut as it is about some pampering and socialising.

‘I enjoy working with older people,’ Jan says. ‘My clients really appreciate the care, and their families do as well. We love having a chat and over the years I have built many strong relationships with people through Resthaven.’

Thanks for your service, Jan!

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