Gilles, 58, a resident at Douglas Court Care Home in Derby, is an ex-barber shop owner from France who reminisces fondly about his many adventures and experiences throughout his career.
The in-house salon recently received a luxurious make-over, the team at Douglas Court Care Home in Derby knew they needed to get Gilles back in the barber shop.
Every month, the home’s salon is transformed into a traditional makeshift barber shop. A special barber’s style chair is set up and a waiting area is established in the lobby. With an abundance of social activities, ranging from footy highlights, musicals to even episodes of ‘Only Fools and Horses and Allo, Allo’, the gents never know what treats are in store!
The men are served a choice of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and a range of alcoholic beverages with a selection of cakes and biscuits, whilst waiting their turn in the sung.
As part of the monthly ‘Gent’s Club’ everyone receives a good old-fashioned shave with shaving cream on shaving brushes, followed by an aromatherapy hot towel. Moisturiser is then used with a facial massage – just like in the olden days. Many of the Douglas Court men use this time to chat about their families have a sing along with the barber or just to talk about memories of visiting the barber in the younger days.
Their barber shop morning ensured that Gilles was pampered and polished just like the rest, as well as reliving his times as a barber too. He even show the visiting barber some ‘new trick’s of the trade’.
“It’s so great to be able to dust off my skills, it felt amazing. Thank you for this opportunity.” said Gilles.
“The men leave feeling confident, looking good, their self-esteem, lifted and more memories are made in the ‘old barbershop’. This home is amazing, it’s like a really homely hotel and the residents seem so happy in their life here” said David, owner of David George Barber’s.
“He’s very professional, I am very happy with my haircut, Thank you to David for his wonderful service. I am already looking forward to next month,” said Jeff.