Personal Christmas cards containing photographs of their loved ones were sent care of the Brighton long-term care home. Restorative care aide Rosanne Coleman annually sends Christmas greetings signed by the resident, only this year she decided to enclose a photograph as well.

“This year I thought it would be a nice idea to take pictures,” says Rosanne.

Over the course of four shifts, she chose residents’ finest outfits in festive shades, curled the women’s hair and did their makeup, along with ensuring the men looked their best. “I worked with their clothing,” she says, “to make them look at little bit ‘Christmasy’” Rosanne used the fireplace, decorated with mini lights, as her backdrop. She photographed 49 residents.

She then presented the cards to residents to sign, and offered assistance to those who couldn’t. Rosanne says the residents enjoyed the experience. “They like getting their hair done and getting beautiful.” She has also received positive feedback from families about the cards.

“I thought it was important because the residents can’t get out and by their families presents. The least we could do is send a card with a picture.”