Bringing style and smiles: A heartfelt hairdressing service for Leitrim’s elderly community

Many elderly individuals often struggle with getting out and about for activities like shopping, visiting family, and other social engagements. One aspect of ageing that many people overlook is the ability to maintain regular hair care and styling, which can be challenging to keep up with also.

Cathy Saul from Drumshanbo has recently embarked on a new business venture to meet this need.

Cathy, originally from Leixlip, has thirty years of experience in hairdressing and barbering. Fourteen years ago, she moved to Leitrim and opened her own barbershop.

However, after struggling with arthritis in her hands, she ultimately faced the difficult decision to close the business.

Following this, she started a job as a health care assistant, but her passion for hair remained strong.

“I was calling to older people's houses and I saw their need for hair styling in men and women. An awful lot of these people can’t get out of the house. When you do the hair for them, it gives them such a boost,” Cathy explained.

Cathy travels to elderly people’s homes in Leitrim three days a week to style their hair. 

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“I decided then it’s the perfect scenario as I can’t work full time doing hair anymore. It gives me great pleasure because I miss my job but I can’t go back to it, the way it would’ve been.

“You’re never going to be a millionaire doing it but it makes me happy and they’re delighted as well,” she said.

Her hairdressing rates are adjusted based on the distance she needs to travel, factoring in the cost of diesel.

Cathy’s experience in healthcare has given her the confidence to work effectively with older people who may have mobility challenges. This new venture offers her a unique opportunity to combine her two passions—healthcare and hairdressing—into one fulfilling career path.

“It’s slowly but surely building itself up,” Cathy said. 

“There’s an awful lot of lonely elderly people in Ireland and you don’t realise it until you start doing something like this.

“It’s important that people know there’s people willing to help, and it’s a good thing for me too,” Cathy added.

As Cathy brings a sense of joy and confidence to her elderly clients through her unique venture, she highlights a crucial aspect of community care—connecting with those who may feel isolated.

Cathy can be contacted through her Facebook page, ‘Senior haircare at home.’

READ MORE: PICTURES: Leitrim centenarian celebrates a full century of life with a party