Responding to GI Jan.  I can sympathize with your Mother's hair care problem. My own Mother has been in a nursing home dementia unit for one year as of April 2, 2009. Mother is now 87 years old.  Mother always wore her hair what I call "medium length", not terribly short and not long. I could do Mother's hair for her very easily because her hair has good body and is  a beautiful silver. I always hoped that I would have hair the color or my Mother's in my lifetime. Initially Mother's hair was not getting shampooed frequently enough and I would find her hair oily and smelly.  After struggling with this for a few months, I finally had the hairdresser to cut Mother's hair very short, fitted neckline, short on top and cut up over the ears.  I think in years past this might have been called a "pixie" haircut.  It has really improved the hair care issue. Recently Mother complained that she did not want her hair shampooed everytime she gets a bath. I now have the order for Mother to get her hair washed only once per week.  I learned that you cannot tell the CNA staff to "use their judgement" as to whether Mother's hair needs shampooing. It HAS TO BE recorded on "the order card". Sigh.  Today, Thursday, May 14th, I visited Mother and her hair had been shampooed when she got her bath. The do NOT dry her hair with a blow dryer, so having it short is obviously preferrable to having LONG wet hair.  I only have Mother's hair cut by their hairdresser every 5 weeks. I hope this gives you some ideas about resolving your Mother's "Einstein" appearance.  Good Luck and God Bless you and your Mother.

Responding to GI Jan.  I can sympathize with your Mother's hair care problem. My own Mother has been in a nursing home dementia unit for one year as of April 2, 2009. Mother is now 87 years old.  Mother always wore her hair what I call "medium length", not terribly short and not long. I could do Mother's hair for her very easily because her hair has good body and is  a beautiful silver. I always hoped that I would have hair the color or my Mother's in my lifetime. Initially Mother's hair was not getting shampooed frequently enough and I would find her hair oily and smelly.  After struggling with this for a few months, I finally had the hairdresser to cut Mother's hair very short, fitted neckline, short on top and cut up over the ears.  I think in years past this might have been called a "pixie" haircut.  It has really improved the hair care issue. Recently Mother complained that she did not want her hair shampooed everytime she gets a bath. I now have the order for Mother to get her hair washed only once per week.  I learned that you cannot tell the CNA staff to "use their judgement" as to whether Mother's hair needs shampooing. It HAS TO BE recorded on "the order card". Sigh.  Today, Thursday, May 14th, I visited Mother and her hair had been shampooed when she got her bath. The do NOT dry her hair with a blow dryer, so having it short is obviously preferrable to having LONG wet hair.  I only have Mother's hair cut by their hairdresser every 5 weeks. I hope this gives you some ideas about resolving your Mother's "Einstein" appearance.  Good Luck and God Bless you and your Mother.

NeedGrace,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on solving the problem of hair care. My mom has really thick hair as well. At least it used to be thick and nicely curled. Now her scalp shows. Mom never wore her hair long -- felt it wasn't professional -- because she's an RN. I feel she needs a simple roller set to be good to go. Because of the volume of her hair, it cannot be blow dried without achieving the look of a poodle.

I have spoken with the social services director and hope to get this issue resolved. I feel the hairdresser, and young CNA staff members, need to take a proactive approach. You'd never ask a dementia patient "Do you want to take your medicine now?" or "How about some therapy later this morning?" or even "Do you want to live here?" The issue of asking mom if she wants her hair styled or cut smacks of a staff inexperienced in dealing with persons who have dementia.

If I could take Mom out of the facility for hair care, I would. But she is confined to a wheelchair and I cannot transport her. I will continue to advocate for my mom and her needs. I will continue to provide what I can. I will continue to love and support her. . .even though it breaks my heart to see what little is left of the straong and capable woman she once was.

Again, thank you.

NeedGrace,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on solving the problem of hair care. My mom has really thick hair as well. At least it used to be thick and nicely curled. Now her scalp shows. Mom never wore her hair long -- felt it wasn't professional -- because she's an RN. I feel she needs a simple roller set to be good to go. Because of the volume of her hair, it cannot be blow dried without achieving the look of a poodle.

I have spoken with the social services director and hope to get this issue resolved. I feel the hairdresser, and young CNA staff members, need to take a proactive approach. You'd never ask a dementia patient "Do you want to take your medicine now?" or "How about some therapy later this morning?" or even "Do you want to live here?" The issue of asking mom if she wants her hair styled or cut smacks of a staff inexperienced in dealing with persons who have dementia.

If I could take Mom out of the facility for hair care, I would. But she is confined to a wheelchair and I cannot transport her. I will continue to advocate for my mom and her needs. I will continue to provide what I can. I will continue to love and support her. . .even though it breaks my heart to see what little is left of the straong and capable woman she once was.

Again, thank you.

GIJane,  It sounds as though the facility where your mother resides is better staffed than where my mother is confined.  I am in Georgia, CNAs here are not paid very well and I believe are minimally trained at best and poorly trained in some cases.  Some of the older ones seem to care about the patients; some young ones are absolutely callous in their approach. My mother is not physically or mentally capable of resisting anything the CNAs do to/for her. Her roommate is still quite mobile and is capable of resisting when the mood strikes her. The roommate actually can be combative if she does not want her hair done, does not want to sit down to eat, does not want a bath, etc. To make matters worse, the dementia unit where my mother resides is UNDER staffed to the point of ridiculous! The administrator and head nurse both swear that they meet the state standard, but I KNOW they do not.  To avoid having my Mother tossed out, I have not written a formal complaint to the State of GA nor to the state ombudsman.  I feel certain that their  records are kept in such a way as to hide the understaffing, I just have not pursued the problem. There are some "windmills" I just don't have the energy to take on!!

GIJane,  It sounds as though the facility where your mother resides is better staffed than where my mother is confined.  I am in Georgia, CNAs here are not paid very well and I believe are minimally trained at best and poorly trained in some cases.  Some of the older ones seem to care about the patients; some young ones are absolutely callous in their approach. My mother is not physically or mentally capable of resisting anything the CNAs do to/for her. Her roommate is still quite mobile and is capable of resisting when the mood strikes her. The roommate actually can be combative if she does not want her hair done, does not want to sit down to eat, does not want a bath, etc. To make matters worse, the dementia unit where my mother resides is UNDER staffed to the point of ridiculous! The administrator and head nurse both swear that they meet the state standard, but I KNOW they do not.  To avoid having my Mother tossed out, I have not written a formal complaint to the State of GA nor to the state ombudsman.  I feel certain that their  records are kept in such a way as to hide the understaffing, I just have not pursued the problem. There are some "windmills" I just don't have the energy to take on!!

I work in the hair care room of a nursing home.  I don't have any special degrees to work with the elderly, the only requirement of me is to have a Cosmetologist mangers license.  But I can tell you that it can be very difficult dealing with people having dimantia and other related issues.  I have several residents that have dimentia.  I have quite a few women (residents) that have their hair washed and set each week.  I love what I do, it is the most rewarding job I have ever had, and the most physical job I have ever had.  It takes alot of patience and understanding.   In defense of the hair dresser in your mother's facility, I must say that these people do lay on their hair a lot more than they normally would in their own homes, thus making it very difficult for your mother's hair to look as it once did before she was put into the nursing home.  I will recomend that putting a hair net on her hair before bedtime may help some, or even a silk pillow case.  Your mother may be a fairly restless sleeper.  If it would help, suggest that she have her hair washed in the shower on her scheduled day, and to shorten her time in the haircare room the haircare person then could spritz her with water and roller set her hair, and take her back to her room to dry.  In a few cases this works well because dimintia patients are very fidgety and don't like to sit for that long, but being under the dryer seems to sooth them also.  So you just have to work on a case to case basis, and figure out what works well with the patient. I would recomment talking with the Haircare person at your mother's facility and keep the lines of communication open.  Good luck!

I work in the hair care room of a nursing home.  I don't have any special degrees to work with the elderly, the only requirement of me is to have a Cosmetologist mangers license.  But I can tell you that it can be very difficult dealing with people having dimantia and other related issues.  I have several residents that have dimentia.  I have quite a few women (residents) that have their hair washed and set each week.  I love what I do, it is the most rewarding job I have ever had, and the most physical job I have ever had.  It takes alot of patience and understanding.   In defense of the hair dresser in your mother's facility, I must say that these people do lay on their hair a lot more than they normally would in their own homes, thus making it very difficult for your mother's hair to look as it once did before she was put into the nursing home.  I will recomend that putting a hair net on her hair before bedtime may help some, or even a silk pillow case.  Your mother may be a fairly restless sleeper.  If it would help, suggest that she have her hair washed in the shower on her scheduled day, and to shorten her time in the haircare room the haircare person then could spritz her with water and roller set her hair, and take her back to her room to dry.  In a few cases this works well because dimintia patients are very fidgety and don't like to sit for that long, but being under the dryer seems to sooth them also.  So you just have to work on a case to case basis, and figure out what works well with the patient. I would recomment talking with the Haircare person at your mother's facility and keep the lines of communication open.  Good luck!

The Hair Lady, thanks so much for your very insightful tips!

The Hair Lady, thanks so much for your very insightful tips!

I had a very similar experience with my mother. She has dementia, broke her hip and the whole surgery, anesthesia and hospital experience made her dementia a lot worse. Her time in the rehab facility was a nightmare due to the staffs lack of expertise with dementia patients, and overmedicating her to settle her down because of her physical aggression. (She was attacking staff with silverware so they could only give her plastic spoons, plus elbowing them in the stomach, slapping, etc.)

My suggestion is to have the hairdressers keep trying to offer her a haircut different times of the day, and if that fails, try another day. My mother's combativeness varied, so at times she was more receptive. A shorter haircut would make your mother's hair look less unruly. Also, one of the dry shampoos that come in the spray  bottle (If your stores don't have them, purchase online) might be better than no washing at all. Or even brushing a little bath power through her hair would absorb some of the oils. Good luck. It's just another difficult roadblock you have to deal with the best you can when caring for someone with dementia. It's all about finding alternative options and compromises and lowered expectations. Good luck and patience to you.

I had a very similar experience with my mother. She has dementia, broke her hip and the whole surgery, anesthesia and hospital experience made her dementia a lot worse. Her time in the rehab facility was a nightmare due to the staffs lack of expertise with dementia patients, and overmedicating her to settle her down because of her physical aggression. (She was attacking staff with silverware so they could only give her plastic spoons, plus elbowing them in the stomach, slapping, etc.)

My suggestion is to have the hairdressers keep trying to offer her a haircut different times of the day, and if that fails, try another day. My mother's combativeness varied, so at times she was more receptive. A shorter haircut would make your mother's hair look less unruly. Also, one of the dry shampoos that come in the spray  bottle (If your stores don't have them, purchase online) might be better than no washing at all. Or even brushing a little bath power through her hair would absorb some of the oils. Good luck. It's just another difficult roadblock you have to deal with the best you can when caring for someone with dementia. It's all about finding alternative options and compromises and lowered expectations. Good luck and patience to you.

Thank you for posting this question! I'm having the same problem with my mom saying no to having her hair done on her scheduled Friday appointment. Then she complains on Saturday (and Sunday and Monday...) that she needs her hair washed, and wants us to call the the hairdresser to fit her in. She adamantly refuses to wash it in the shower so this appt is necessary. The tips here were great. Thanks everyone.

Thank you for posting this question! I'm having the same problem with my mom saying no to having her hair done on her scheduled Friday appointment. Then she complains on Saturday (and Sunday and Monday...) that she needs her hair washed, and wants us to call the the hairdresser to fit her in. She adamantly refuses to wash it in the shower so this appt is necessary. The tips here were great. Thanks everyone.

I am a man taking care of my 80 yr. mother with dimentia afro-american. She attends a day care center in East Point 3 times a wk. At the center they do hair for free. My mother fights everything, but I cant stand too see her wild headed, I have her hair done every 5 wks. I have the hairdresser cut her hair down too 1/4 inch. So all she has to do is run a comb thru it and it looks   neat. Every 5 wks its a small fight but its something we both can live with. I say keep it short. Good Luck  

I am a man taking care of my 80 yr. mother with dimentia afro-american. She attends a day care center in East Point 3 times a wk. At the center they do hair for free. My mother fights everything, but I cant stand too see her wild headed, I have her hair done every 5 wks. I have the hairdresser cut her hair down too 1/4 inch. So all she has to do is run a comb thru it and it looks   neat. Every 5 wks its a small fight but its something we both can live with. I say keep it short. Good Luck  

Thank you for your response. My mom died on Monday, hair wild as ever. I'm praying the funeral home hairdresser can get her looking like the woman we all remember. Mom's hair was already short. What I discovered about my lovely mom is that she kept a permanent permanent in her hair. Thus the always nicely curled look. Again, thank you and I wish you strength for the journey ahead.

Thank you for your response. My mom died on Monday, hair wild as ever. I'm praying the funeral home hairdresser can get her looking like the woman we all remember. Mom's hair was already short. What I discovered about my lovely mom is that she kept a permanent permanent in her hair. Thus the always nicely curled look. Again, thank you and I wish you strength for the journey ahead.

Hi GIJan,

I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Hi GIJan,

I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Oh, Jan, I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences.

Oh, Jan, I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences.

This may be too late, but make sure the Funeral Home has a picture of her so that they can try and duplicate how she once looked before. I am so sorry to hear about your Mother! I wish I could help! My caring thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you and your family. Take care!

This may be too late, but make sure the Funeral Home has a picture of her so that they can try and duplicate how she once looked before. I am so sorry to hear about your Mother! I wish I could help! My caring thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you and your family. Take care!

 So sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing that you gave your mother a lot of care and compassion and she is at peace now.

 So sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing that you gave your mother a lot of care and compassion and she is at peace now.

I know it is embarrasing to see one's mom looking so unkempt, so try getting her a short haircut and a perm - also, show pictures in short haircut book and ask her how she wants it "done". If she says "no". Just tell her she has to look decent. If she is the extremely stubborn type, promise her something nice if she gets a perm and a cut. Try the persuasive, non demanding approach first. Maybe have a social worker or other visitors talk to her casually about it a couple of hours before you come. Then, come with books and pictures. Have an appointment already set up at a beauty parlor or something, also. My mother stubbornly refused to quit wearing these big brown, curly wigs even at 84 years old. Looked really out of place. But, finally was wheedled away from it, and got a haircut and a dye job. Now, she never wears wigs! On the understanding of dementia: Maybe have some social workers try to educate staff more at that place. Suggest to administrator that they need some inservices on caring for people with dementia.

I know it is embarrasing to see one's mom looking so unkempt, so try getting her a short haircut and a perm - also, show pictures in short haircut book and ask her how she wants it "done". If she says "no". Just tell her she has to look decent. If she is the extremely stubborn type, promise her something nice if she gets a perm and a cut. Try the persuasive, non demanding approach first. Maybe have a social worker or other visitors talk to her casually about it a couple of hours before you come. Then, come with books and pictures. Have an appointment already set up at a beauty parlor or something, also. My mother stubbornly refused to quit wearing these big brown, curly wigs even at 84 years old. Looked really out of place. But, finally was wheedled away from it, and got a haircut and a dye job. Now, she never wears wigs! On the understanding of dementia: Maybe have some social workers try to educate staff more at that place. Suggest to administrator that they need some inservices on caring for people with dementia.

There is a bathing cap that is a waterless/rinseless shampoo in it that is wonderful. You just put it on the head and massage the hair, then take the cap off and let the hair dry. It is only damp, so doesn't take long. You can find out about where to get the cap by contacting the Alzheimer's Association. They are always a good resourse. The national website www.alz.org will take you to your local chapter. There hotline is an excellent resource for all caregivers and is available 24/7.

I usually let the person know that the "it is time for the appointment that she made with the hairdresser and play up that it is her idea. Also found that a little hand massage with English lavendar lotion and a cup of camomile tea before helps to calm a person down and they are more receptive to new things.

Often when you ask a yes/no question, you will get 'no,' but if you say "it is time for...." and talk up the event with a positive attitute you get better results.

There is a bathing cap that is a waterless/rinseless shampoo in it that is wonderful. You just put it on the head and massage the hair, then take the cap off and let the hair dry. It is only damp, so doesn't take long. You can find out about where to get the cap by contacting the Alzheimer's Association. They are always a good resourse. The national website www.alz.org will take you to your local chapter. There hotline is an excellent resource for all caregivers and is available 24/7.

I usually let the person know that the "it is time for the appointment that she made with the hairdresser and play up that it is her idea. Also found that a little hand massage with English lavendar lotion and a cup of camomile tea before helps to calm a person down and they are more receptive to new things.

Often when you ask a yes/no question, you will get 'no,' but if you say "it is time for...." and talk up the event with a positive attitute you get better results.

Post an ad on Craigslist or do a search for a hairdresser who will come to your mother's care center. My best friend has been doing this for years and makes monthly appointments for hair, nail, etc.

Post an ad on Craigslist or do a search for a hairdresser who will come to your mother's care center. My best friend has been doing this for years and makes monthly appointments for hair, nail, etc.

I wonder how many of these folks really need to have their hair done. I think 'we' need it more than they do. "we" want them to look normal to us, not the other way around. Maybe less pressure on being in style and more time spent with them doing some other sort of fun activity would be better.

I wonder how many of these folks really need to have their hair done. I think 'we' need it more than they do. "we" want them to look normal to us, not the other way around. Maybe less pressure on being in style and more time spent with them doing some other sort of fun activity would be better.

Hi my name is bernadette

Irun a small company in welwyn gd city. We have a national health lease with qe2 hospital.We have our hairdressing staff trained in dementia awareness, health and safety,and movind and handling.We also cover residential care homes.The difference with us if the family request their hair to be done we always get it done,unfortuately our services are not regulated in these establishments.

regard

bernadette

Hi my name is bernadette

Irun a small company in welwyn gd city. We have a national health lease with qe2 hospital.We have our hairdressing staff trained in dementia awareness, health and safety,and movind and handling.We also cover residential care homes.The difference with us if the family request their hair to be done we always get it done,unfortuately our services are not regulated in these establishments.

regard

bernadette

I am a nurse in a nursing home and an emergency room. In answer to your question. Yes. If your loved one doesn't agree to go it violates their rights . And as for bathing. Same as the salon, they don't go. Interferes with their 'rights'. It's considered abuse to force them. If the family couldn't enforce it, you can hope...but not expect that strangers can.

I am a nurse in a nursing home and an emergency room. In answer to your question. Yes. If your loved one doesn't agree to go it violates their rights . And as for bathing. Same as the salon, they don't go. Interferes with their 'rights'. It's considered abuse to force them. If the family couldn't enforce it, you can hope...but not expect that strangers can.

I understand your frustation, but please don't sigh....When astute CNA's who use their judgement. Wisely. The families are sometimes screaming bloody murder' (I'm not advocating for ALL CNA's, but I work with some that know what's best for their patient's).

I understand your frustation, but please don't sigh....When astute CNA's who use their judgement. Wisely. The families are sometimes screaming bloody murder' (I'm not advocating for ALL CNA's, but I work with some that know what's best for their patient's).

Hello everyone as trained dementia hairdressers we never force anyone to having their hair done, we work in twos and distract what is really going on , we dont have a problem working with clientel at all.

Hello everyone as trained dementia hairdressers we never force anyone to having their hair done, we work in twos and distract what is really going on , we dont have a problem working with clientel at all.

I work as a CNA with dementia residents and for some, looking good is not important, but just like us, if we're dressed nicely and we are all "dolled up" we feel a lot better about ourselves. It is just as important, if not more important for family members to see their loved one taken care of like they would have wanted. Being a family member of a now-deceased Grandfather with alzheimer's makes me all the more adamant that the residents I take care of look their best. It breaks my heart to see family come in at the beginning of my shift when I have no time to take care of their loved one before they get there and they look awful. I believe that if people are not dressed decently and hair combed, face washed, all the basic things we do to look respectable, it is abuse.

I work as a CNA with dementia residents and for some, looking good is not important, but just like us, if we're dressed nicely and we are all "dolled up" we feel a lot better about ourselves. It is just as important, if not more important for family members to see their loved one taken care of like they would have wanted. Being a family member of a now-deceased Grandfather with alzheimer's makes me all the more adamant that the residents I take care of look their best. It breaks my heart to see family come in at the beginning of my shift when I have no time to take care of their loved one before they get there and they look awful. I believe that if people are not dressed decently and hair combed, face washed, all the basic things we do to look respectable, it is abuse.

My mom was real sick with pneumonia, when i saw her she had long hair combed back severally from her forehead down her back. She didn't have her teeth in, they said she had gotten a sore and they took them out till it healed.I left a check to pay for her perm last sunday, when i went in friday at dinner time i expected to see a cute little hairdoo on her, when i went to look for her i didn't even know who she was, they pointed her out to me , she was sitting a wheelchair in a reclining position with no headrest, i was looking at her from her side, she had her mouth open and her head back, her hair looked like Einstien fuzzy head except that it was again brushed back severally from her forehead again.I said they ruined your hair before i even thought a assistant asked did she get a perm? i don't know what to do, if she knew what she looked like she would be so upset. She told me she had a back ache and later said her butt hurt. I hadn't been to see her for a long time because i was very sick, i think they are getting annoyed with my phone calls and visits because they don't know when i will be popping in.Can i get them to fix her hair i paid $57.00 (this is a lot for me ,i am on social security myself) hoping if her hair would look decent it might make her in her lucid moments feel good about her self, if she sees herself she will be upset.

My mom was real sick with pneumonia, when i saw her she had long hair combed back severally from her forehead down her back. She didn't have her teeth in, they said she had gotten a sore and they took them out till it healed.I left a check to pay for her perm last sunday, when i went in friday at dinner time i expected to see a cute little hairdoo on her, when i went to look for her i didn't even know who she was, they pointed her out to me , she was sitting a wheelchair in a reclining position with no headrest, i was looking at her from her side, she had her mouth open and her head back, her hair looked like Einstien fuzzy head except that it was again brushed back severally from her forehead again.I said they ruined your hair before i even thought a assistant asked did she get a perm? i don't know what to do, if she knew what she looked like she would be so upset. She told me she had a back ache and later said her butt hurt. I hadn't been to see her for a long time because i was very sick, i think they are getting annoyed with my phone calls and visits because they don't know when i will be popping in.Can i get them to fix her hair i paid $57.00 (this is a lot for me ,i am on social security myself) hoping if her hair would look decent it might make her in her lucid moments feel good about her self, if she sees herself she will be upset.

Hello all. I know my response is very late in regards to the original. I own two salons in retirement communities, as well as one regular salon. I LOVE working with the dementia clients. They can be funny and my staff and I go along with whatever the client says. There is one thing all family members and guardians should know regarding hair care for your loved one. Deal directly with the salons owner or manager. Staff on memory care or skilled nursing floors tend to have a frequent change of staff. I have written notes and put them on the resident's boards or table with their appointments. That doesn't work. I personally like to deal directly with families or guardians when it comes to how frequently the client may receive services and what services they MAY receive. What I do, in my personal case, is go get the client myself. If they are in bed, or after calling the staff simply tells me.."they aren't feeling up to it today" I insist they get the resident ready, for I have orders with the family members or whomever. If that doesn't work, I simply get them myself or have one of my staff get the client.
Also, the hair does tend to change from when a resident lays in one main position for a long period of time. I can always tell where a client sleeps, meaning on their backs or which side. The hair tends to get a kind of like "cotton candy" appearence to it. That should be dealt with the staff. That resident should be moved in all sorts of directions to avoid bed sores. I know a lot of this goes in one ear and out the other in most facilities. It is sad, but please know, the hair stylists do care. I know most of my ladies and gents love to sit and gab with each other while in the salon. Some with milder forms of demtia simply love to hang out with us. I hand them towels to fold...and they love it. lol

Also, the post above mine from Cherish, when we do a perm, they leave beautiful. However, the resident may receive a shower and the aid will wash the hair..or if not wash it, brush it. We have screamed from the top of our lungs (to the staff) to NOT brush the clients that have perms. Now, in my case again, for I can only speak for me, if that is done, meaning the perm was washed or brushed out to look like fuzz, I will redo it or do a shampoo/set on that client for free. It happens. It will not be the last time (unfortunately) I have had to do this. But, I do it. Everyone is happy. We can focus on a problem or focus on a solution. I always find a solution. By the way, my mother is 86 and recently was in a different re-hab center for her illness. I know first hand how they operate. There is a lack of communication to say the least. So, my friends...deal directly with the hair stylist and pre book if you can. Even if it's a haircut every 3 months. AND...if you are financially responsible for a loved one and are on a fixed income, ask the stylist and/or owner if they will work with you on a reduced price.
I hope I helped a few. Gianna

Hello all. I know my response is very late in regards to the original. I own two salons in retirement communities, as well as one regular salon. I LOVE working with the dementia clients. They can be funny and my staff and I go along with whatever the client says. There is one thing all family members and guardians should know regarding hair care for your loved one. Deal directly with the salons owner or manager. Staff on memory care or skilled nursing floors tend to have a frequent change of staff. I have written notes and put them on the resident's boards or table with their appointments. That doesn't work. I personally like to deal directly with families or guardians when it comes to how frequently the client may receive services and what services they MAY receive. What I do, in my personal case, is go get the client myself. If they are in bed, or after calling the staff simply tells me.."they aren't feeling up to it today" I insist they get the resident ready, for I have orders with the family members or whomever. If that doesn't work, I simply get them myself or have one of my staff get the client.
Also, the hair does tend to change from when a resident lays in one main position for a long period of time. I can always tell where a client sleeps, meaning on their backs or which side. The hair tends to get a kind of like "cotton candy" appearence to it. That should be dealt with the staff. That resident should be moved in all sorts of directions to avoid bed sores. I know a lot of this goes in one ear and out the other in most facilities. It is sad, but please know, the hair stylists do care. I know most of my ladies and gents love to sit and gab with each other while in the salon. Some with milder forms of demtia simply love to hang out with us. I hand them towels to fold...and they love it. lol

Also, the post above mine from Cherish, when we do a perm, they leave beautiful. However, the resident may receive a shower and the aid will wash the hair..or if not wash it, brush it. We have screamed from the top of our lungs (to the staff) to NOT brush the clients that have perms. Now, in my case again, for I can only speak for me, if that is done, meaning the perm was washed or brushed out to look like fuzz, I will redo it or do a shampoo/set on that client for free. It happens. It will not be the last time (unfortunately) I have had to do this. But, I do it. Everyone is happy. We can focus on a problem or focus on a solution. I always find a solution. By the way, my mother is 86 and recently was in a different re-hab center for her illness. I know first hand how they operate. There is a lack of communication to say the least. So, my friends...deal directly with the hair stylist and pre book if you can. Even if it's a haircut every 3 months. AND...if you are financially responsible for a loved one and are on a fixed income, ask the stylist and/or owner if they will work with you on a reduced price.
I hope I helped a few. Gianna

I have an opposite problem...My Mom has dementia but she still wants her hair to look good, be colored, etc...she is 99 years old...However, the current beautician and the facility has neglected to even wash her hair for the past two months...I have been trying to be nice with all involved over this issue and I have been promised for the past three weeks that they would "get to her"....in fact, she was supposed to have her hair done today..However I was just told the beautician does " needs to order her hair color" even though this appointment has been an ongoing one for three weeks and the gal knows good and well what color to get and use. I am at my wti's end with this issue and will be contacting the Obudsman to see if she can force the beautician to get my Mom's hair washed, cut and colored after 8 weeks of doing nothing with no good excuse as to WHY

I have an opposite problem...My Mom has dementia but she still wants her hair to look good, be colored, etc...she is 99 years old...However, the current beautician and the facility has neglected to even wash her hair for the past two months...I have been trying to be nice with all involved over this issue and I have been promised for the past three weeks that they would "get to her"....in fact, she was supposed to have her hair done today..However I was just told the beautician does " needs to order her hair color" even though this appointment has been an ongoing one for three weeks and the gal knows good and well what color to get and use. I am at my wti's end with this issue and will be contacting the Obudsman to see if she can force the beautician to get my Mom's hair washed, cut and colored after 8 weeks of doing nothing with no good excuse as to WHY