The Tribune

PAT’S Senior Citizens Home was a flurry of excitement recently as residents got a beauty treat from cosmetology students of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).

“I like working with seniors,” said Kei-Anna Glinton, 19. “I have a grandfather who I stay home with a lot, so I see this as a means of giving back to the community. It’s heartwarming.”

Kei-Anna was among the 19 students of the Hair Analysis class who volunteered their services to the live-in senior citizens’ home on Soldier Road. Under the watchful eyes of their instructor, Monique A Marshall, the students gladly styled the hair of the elderly female residents and gave them manicures.

“They were here before me,” said Naji Adderley. “I have a great grammy and she means a lot to me, so it feels good to be here because when I get old, I would want people to do it for me.”

There are over 1,700 students enrolled in programs at BTVI’s New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco campuses. The cosmetology programme in New Providence has 57 students.

Chair of the Beauty Trades department, Donnalee Minnis, is a proponent of giving back to the community. “The reality is, we will be old someday. What we are doing is teaching our students how to share, how to give back and say, ‘Thank you.’ We don’t ever want the elderly to feel they are forgotten. It takes a village to raise a child and they helped to raise us,” she said.

The home’s Director, Patricia (Pat) Moxey, was grateful for the support, saying that there is dignity in old age. “We don’t know what life has in store for us. Life has its challenges and at the end of the day, we don’t know where life will take us. And you don’t have to be old to be in a senior citizens’ home; you may be incapacitated,” said Ms Moxey, who started the home eight years ago.

“This home is uniquely different. All of their loved ones take care of the 30 residents. They are well cared for with three meals per day and three snacks a day. We also get help from the community. I am thankful,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ms Marshall noted that although the students were getting hands-on experience during the visit, that was not the main focus. “It’s not just about getting experience. It’s deeper than that. These residents need attention and from the looks on their faces, they are loving it. Someone is taking the time to attend to them and I am honoured to be here,” she said.