For people living with dementia, remaining independent and participating in local communities can be both daunting and frustrating.
Alzheimer's Society statistics show that less than half (47%) of people living with dementia feel a part of their community, while over a quarter (28%) say they have given up even getting out of the house.
So whether it’s a bank, library or local shop, dementia-friendly businesses have a huge role to play.
Meet the dementia-friendly barber
Enter Lenny White, 35, the mobile barber from Northern Ireland who has made it his mission to bring more than just a haircut to the men living with dementia in his local area.
Having previously worked in a nursing home kitchen, Lenny noticed that the hairdressing services were often more tailored towards women – from the lighting and decor to the general conversation.
‘Men love getting together with other men and having a bit of banter. Just because someone has dementia, it doesn't mean they have to lose out on things like this.’
Lenny’s mobile business brings that charm to those who aren’t able to get to their local barber shop.
Whether it’s a care home, day centre, hospital or residential setting, Lenny recreates the traditional barber shop experience for his customers.
As well as barber shop signs, old photographs and hot towels, Lenny also brings along an old jukebox so that his customers can sing along to the classics.
‘When my clients come into the barber room they hear the music and smell the different scents and it seems to instantly relax them,’ says Lenny.
‘I play Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and have many a sing song with my clients - it’s amazing to watch.’
Becoming a Dementia Friend
While Lenny admits to knowing ‘very little’ about about dementia beforehand, he’s since become a Dementia Friend and enrolled in specialist dementia training in his local area.
He also says he’s learned a lot from the people living with dementia whose hair he cuts. ‘I’ve learned to meet people where they’re at. I’m usually quite a fast person, always go go go, and since starting my business and working with people with dementia I am learning to slow way down, be patient and talk them through it.’
Since his first care home visit at Bangor’s Kingsland Care Centre, Lenny’s mobile barber business is growing fast. He’s now setting his sights on the rest of the UK, and encouraging other businesses to become more inclusive for people living with dementia.
‘Dementia is just so common nowadays,’ says Lenny. ‘Every business should be dementia friendly.’
