Sandy River residents looking their best – with a little help
Lynn Lee has been serving residents and staff members for 20 years.
FARMINGTON – Lynn Lee said she dreamed of some day working as a hairdresser in a nursing home when she went to beauty school in 1980.
That was before Sandy River Center for Health Care was built in 1983 on Route 133 in Farmington.
On Thursday, the Weld woman worked in a small room near the main desk at the center.
She parted Adele Zale’s gray hair and wrapped several strands in a curler. Then she took more hair and did the same.
Lee has been serving residents and staff members for 20 years.
She averages about a dozen hairdos a day, she said.
“She’s a good hairdresser; one of the best,” Zale said. The Rumford native has called the center home for several years.
Lee continued curling Zale’s hair as the elder woman rested her eyes while sitting in a wheelchair.
Lee has worked as a certified nursing assistant and a medicine technician, and still holds down part-time jobs in addition to her hairdressing duties.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with the elderly,” Lee said.
She noted the center also serves as a rehabilitation center and she enjoys working with people who come for shorter stays.
“They appreciate whatever you do for them,” Lee said.
Lee said she usually continues the same hairdo for a resident as is initially requested, unless one wants something new.
“I’m going to be a blonde next week,” Zale said.
“That’s what you said last time,” Lee replied with a smile on her face. As Zale launched into a story about being blonde when she was younger, Lee listened.
Lee said she has been known “to practically stand on her head to do somebody’s hair in their room,” if they cannot come to her.
“I don’t have any limits,” Lee said. “I often go to the funeral parlor to do their hair.”
It’s a request she gets often from family members.
“It’s very challenging at times, but I enjoy it,” Lee said.
Lee finished rolling up the last of Zale’s hair.
“She makes us feel good,” Zale said. “Everybody compliments us on our hairdos when she’s done.”
“I just like working with people,” Lee said. “It keeps me busy. My favorite part is making them happy. I like doing something that makes them happy.”
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