From Haircut to Hugs: Steve’s Story

From Haircut to Hugs: Steve’s Story

VNA nurses caring for Steve learned that one of the “luxuries” he missed was a straight razor shave, complete with hot towel service that he used to treat himself to once in a while when he was younger.

The nurses sprang into action through the VNA’s Christmas for the Elderly program, reaching out to a local barber who provided just that service. The barber, Todd Carpenter, owner of South Shore Shaving Company in Valparaiso and a veteran himself, gave him a shave and threw in a haircut, too. Because Steve can no longer drive, InHealth Integrated Care, a local ambulance service, gave him a lift to the barbershop.

During the haircut, Steve and Carpenter exchanged stories of their days in the service. Steve even joked, “I’m a sailor; this is what I get for trusting a Marine with my hair.” At the end of Steve’s shave, the heartfelt handshake and hug between veterans brought the VNA nurses to tears.

A gift to the VNA’s Christmas for the Elderly program helps the VNA identify needs and provide special experiences with things such as much needed home repairs, lift chairs, groceries, prescriptions, warm clothing, VNA Meals on Wheels, and Lifeline services all year long.