CORNER BROOK, N.L. — Fern Murphy found out just how Holywood stars feel when she was treated to a manicure and pedicure at Westmount Estates in Corner Brook recently.
The esthetics services are part of a new offering at the retirement home’s wellness centre, and are provided free of charge in partnership with Academy Canada.
Students in Academy Canada’s esthetics and spa management program started providing the service about three weeks ago and there are plans to soon add massage therapy and hairstyling.
Murphy and Tena Brown were just two of the residents who booked appointments to get their nails done on Nov. 9.
As she sat with her feet soaking in a tub of soapy water, Murphy’s freshly done nails were gracefully resting on her legs.
She laughed when it was suggested that she’d be showing off her nails for the rest of the day.
Getting a manicure and a pedicure was something new for her. Murphy said she thought she’d experiment and will definitely be back, especially when the hairstyling service starts.
“Oh, it’s lovely, wonderful,” she said.
Brown says every woman should be pampered, and getting a manicure and pedicure was something she used to do regularly.
“I like the effect of having my nails coloured,” she said as she relaxed and enjoyed the moment.
“It’s really a pleasure to have this done today.
“It’s very convenient,” said Brown, adding that she wouldn’t go out to get it done, due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
The partnership is about more than providing service to the residents. It’s also about enabling the students to gain some valuable work experience.
“It gives you that little extra education,” said Brenda Spencer, a soon-to-be graduate of the esthetics program.
Spencer said she enjoys interacting with the seniors.
“Listening to their stories, because I love asking for the stories. If I could get a job in or open a salon in a retirement village I’d have it made.”
Megan Bugden is about a year into the 18-month esthetics program and also thought it would be a good opportunity to volunteer.
“I do enjoy everything that I do. I love making people feel good,” she said.
Beverly Russell is the co-owner of Westmount Estates.
“There’s a lot of excitement going on in the building,” she said of the reaction to the services being offered.
“I’m always being innovative about how we can provide services to seniors.”
The goal is to bridge the gap and offer as many things for seniors at the retirement centre as possible. She said some seniors can’t get out to access these things, and for some the cost is an issue.
Bringing the services to them in their home and at no cost is a win for all, she said.
It’s also great for students, as they have a place to use their skill sets, she said.
Having it at the facility is even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. For a while residents couldn’t leave the home and some are still nervous to go out.
“So, this is a safe way to provide the service to them.”
Lisa Lovelady, Academy Canada’s vice-president academic and chief operating officer, said the partnership fits well with the career college.
“We’re always looking for opportunities for our students to contribute to the community and to build their skills, so it just seemed like a wonderful opportunity to do both.”
She said the students who give their time will receive credit for their volunteer time.
“It’s a win-win for them and it feels good.”
The plan is to offer the manicures and pedicures on Mondays and Fridays. Massages will start in another week and will likely be available on Wednesdays, and the salon services will be added in December.
The number of students who will participate will vary as students graduate out of programs.
“We’re going to start small and then we’ll just see how we go,” said Lovelady.
Diane Crocker reports on west coast news.
