Beckie Galvin, a Crestwood Secondary School student, received training to learn how to wash and set the female residents’ hair during the two-week span hairdresser Peggy Ridge was off work.

“Beckie did a wonderful job,” says Peggy.

“When I found out I had to have surgery and how long I was going to be off work I thought ‘who’s going to look after my residents?

I’ve got to keep them looking good.”

She approached administrator Maureen Imamovic and together they worked with Beckie, who is completing high school credits at the nursing home to obtain her Grade 12 diploma. It was an important role for Beckie to fill, says Peggy. “For some of the residents here (getting their hair done) is what they have to look forward to.”

Some of the women receive weekly washes and sets on particular days and Beckie was able to maintain their routine. “That way I could relax,” says Peggy.

Ann Dillon, life enrichment co-ordinator, says Beckie assists in a variety of departments at the home.

“She helps out in the housekeeping and helps out in the laundry.

“She’s getting a little taste of each department.”

Beckie is enjoying her placement at Springdale and plans to pursue a personal support worker course upon completion of high school, she says.

“I like helping out and taking care of people and making sure everybody has a smile,” Beckie says.

She is fond of the residents. “I enjoy (them).
They’re all unique. They tell me stories.”

Beckie was prompted to choose this health care career path when she became familiar with jobs as a child while attending house calls with her grandmother who worked for Red Cross.