First for region: dementia friendly barber visits Hadrian Park

Home news

Apr 17, 2018

Hadrian Park is one of the first in the region to be joined by a dementia friendly barber. 

Residents at Hadrian Park were treated to haircuts and trims from Lenny White, the UK’s first dementia friendly barber. 

Lenny, who is associated with the Alzheimer’s Society, has created a barber experience that puts those living with dementia at ease. He plays old music from his jukebox to encourage reminiscence and offers customers a hot towel shave and haircut. The process is finished off with a spray of lemon cologne to take them back to their younger years.

Lenny creates an atmosphere akin to the days when they would have headed to the barber with their friends 50 or 60 years ago.

Lenny said: “It was a pleasure to visit Hadrian Park and offer haircuts to men living with dementia in the home. Not everyone is able to visit their barber, so it’s great to be able to bring that atmosphere into the home – it was really rewarding to see residents tapping along to the music and relaxing in the chair as they soaked up the whole experience.”

Marsha Tuffin, home manager at Hadrian Park said: “We are so grateful to Lenny for joining us for the day. We have many residents living with dementia that take a huge pride in their appearance that would have enjoyed a visit to the barber in their younger years. Lenny creates a sensory experience that brings back lots of memories for those living with dementia, not only making them look better but also making them feel better.

“Residents all commented how much they enjoyed having their hair cut by Lenny – we hope he will come back to Hadrian Park soon.”