SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Golden Guys and Gals, the first-ever salon specifically tailored for the city's aging population, recently opened in the front foyer of Aven Cottages – the territorial dementia facility – under the guiding hand of longtime Yellowknife hairdresser Kathryn Stuckey.

Kathryn Stuckey cuts senior Helena To's hair inside the Golden Guys and Gals salon at Aven Cottages, the territory's dementia centre. - Guy Quenneville/NNSL photo

"This is a new thing for the area," said John Doyle, CEO of the Yellowknife Association of

Concerned Citizens for Seniors (YACCS), which, in addition to Aven Cottages, also operates Aven Ridge, Manor and Court as well as the Baker Community Centre.

"I think it's a good addition to our centre here," said Doyle. "It provides an opportunity to have your hair cut by somebody that's familiar working with seniors. Kathryn already had a number of seniors here as here clients."

Stuckey, who's been cutting hair for 25 years, operated out of her home for a number of years – a set-up that allowed her to take her clippers on the road to Stanton Territorial Hospital and YACCS's various facilities.

Now she's found a permanent home in an environment she knows well, she said.

"Because I've been around a lot of older people, I think it just comes to you," said Stuckey.

Case in point: using disinfectant that's a few notches above your average Barbicide to protect against the spread of common viruses and bacteria found in health care facilities such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus – MRSA for short.

"We're taking the extra precaution, trying not to use the same cape twice, not just (changing) the neckstrips, making sure they're laundered quite frequently."

Hygiene aside, the first rule of thumb at Golden Guys and Gals is: take your time.

"No one's in a rush. It's about quality care and safety," said Stuckey, adding that every customer gets at least an hour of her time. "They get quality time instead of a half hour."

Helena To, a Hong Kong native who moved to Yellowknife 20 years ago, sat in Stuckey's chair on Monday.

She said she appreciates Stuckey's "skill" and her gift for gab.

Stuckey said she's just glad to offer the service.

"I felt it was a big need, especially when they can't get out in the winter and stuff, and some places aren't wheelchair-accessible."

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