After working as a nurse for 17 years, Meg Demaree decided it was time for a change. As a nurse, she’d been offering beauty services on the side since 2014. In 2021, she opened Classic Beauty Salon on Lexington’s eastside. She loved her work, but as a recent empty nester, she found herself looking for a meaningful way to help others. In spring 2022, she joined Bluegrass Care Navigators as a volunteer hairdresser.

“This was a perfect fit!” she said. “Everyone loves a fresh haircut, so the smiles on the patient's and family member's faces brightens my day every time! It's been a very rewarding experience, and I feel appreciated at every visit. Thanks for giving me this opportunity that I never knew I needed!”

Typically, Meg sees three to four patients per month and gives them the full treatment. Meg and the patient look in a mirror together, talk about what haircut they would like and look at pictures together, if needed. From the comfort of the patient’s home, Meg cuts, blow dries, hair sprays and curls. For some, it’s their first haircut in months.

“I feel like I am making these patients’ last moments on earth a little more enjoyable,” Meg said. “They feel more like themselves when I leave rather than when I came, and I feel like I’m doing a good thing.”

Hospice volunteers are a valuable part of the patient care team. Volunteers work with a clinical team of a doctor, nurse, aide, chaplain and social worker. Because they spend time with the patient, volunteers who provide direct patient care can often give the team valuable feedback about issues that may arise during their visits.

“Meg provides our patients with dignity by offering this basic activity of daily living that we all take for granted,” Melanie Hagan, Volunteer and Community Liaison in the Lexington office, said. “I love the idea that many requests can go through me. I’m one person, but my job is unique in that it allows me to connect with our dedicated volunteers to meet needs and use their time, skills and talents to help our patients. I have a belief system that we’re all here to help others, and in this job, I get to do that.”

Medicare-certified hospice programs require providers to use volunteers for at least five percent of their patient care hours. Volunteers are required to undergo training to gain understanding of the goals for hospice care and their role and function as a volunteer.

Ordinarily, licensed cosmetologists are required by state law to practice in licensed establishments. However, the law makes an exception for hospice patients receiving care either at home or in an in-patient unit.

If you are a hairdresser or have another special skill that could help a hospice patient, we could use your talents! Learn more about volunteering at Bluegrass Care Navigators on our website www.bgcarenav.org/volunteer.