Club members visited SACO's Atlantic Heights Retirement Community on Wednesday to give residents transformations, hair and nail painting.
SACO, Maine – High school students at Thornton Academy visit retirement communities and nursing homes and provide some of the relationship and care for their residents.
The school club “Glamour Gal” was organized by two sisters attending Thornton Academy, Banda Milchieva and Leila Dal Milchieva. On Wednesday, club members visited the Atlantic Heights retirement community to pamper residents, makeovers, hair and paint nails.
As people get older, it becomes difficult to live on their own, and age makes the most of many people. For some, living in a supportive living facility makes sense. Still, as nice as a retirement facility, you could be missing out on some of the little things people once did.
“I lived in Pine Point, Scarborough, and I had the views. There was the ocean. I was only a few steps out of the ocean. I don't have that now.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than half of nursing home residents do not receive regular visits from their families.
“We know that senior isolation can lead to some very serious issues, especially when they have been socially isolated over the years and live here,” Vann explained.
Banu and Leila said they believe that they will help the glamour gal members to ensure that the gap is met in a meaningful way. Young girls give time, pamper the older women living in nursing homes, hear their stories and create happiness that the elders can cling to.
“Even if we're apart from generations, we all feel the same,” Leila said.
Residents receive more than just a makeover when the girl visits. They need to brighten up the day and connect with the company.
“They get more than a face full of makeup and new nails. You know they really fill their hearts,” said Lacey Gagne, who works in the retirement community. “We're filling the generational gaps when you bring in young children full of life and then they can learn a lot from each other.”
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