She then headed down to the Salvation Army and purchased handsome neck ties.

Lynn Robinson has learned a dab of blush, a spritz of hairspray and a string of beads can boost self-image for residents in long-term care homes. For approximately two years now, the Maplewood employee has been providing the accessories for residents.

"If they look nicer, they feel better about themselves," says Lynn.

"The residents like it."

At Christmas time, Lynn purchased ties for the men to wear during the tea and bazaar at the home. Family and community members attended the tea and Lynn thought the men might enjoy looking dapper. It went over well.

"The men surprisingly really enjoyed it," Lynn says.

From there, she offered the women necklaces to wear and soon became known as 'the bead lady'. Residents approach her and ask if they can trade in their beads for a different colour. "I have quite a collection," she says.

Other staff caught on to the idea and now bring in perfumes, after shave, shampoos and conditioners, hand lotions and razors which are kept in a drawer at the nursing station. "Now everybody kind of participates," Lynn says.

Before bath time, Lynn goes around to the residents' rooms and selects their finest clothing and colour co-ordinates the items. She says this too has caught on with other staff members who "take a little more time now with what (the residents) wear."

Lynn recalls how wonderful a resident, who is bed-ridden, felt on her 100th birthday when she was photographed after having her hair and makeup done.

The gestures also make staff feel good, says Lynn. "It reflects on your work and that you care about the people."

Office manager Carolyn Adams says the employees are making meaningful contributions to the residents. "The staff feels that everyone contributes in their own way and with their own abilities, without even being aware of what they are doing."