Residents at charity’s Little Bramingham Farm in Luton have mani-happy times with Jess
Jess Spriddle, the visiting Beauty Therapist at Little Bramingham Farm, the award-winning Luton-based residential care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, has been marking this year’s National Spa Week, talking about her weekly visits, reminiscing with the residents and sharing the happiness she enjoys at each of her pampering appointments.
Jess, who has been Little Bramingham Farm’s Beauty Therapist since September 2025, has built strong relationships with the residents who visit her, and offers a wide range of treatments, but focuses on those which not only bring the most pleasure and relaxation, but are also the residents’ favourites. “Over the last year, I’ve continued to focus on treatments that are enjoyable and suitable for the individual needs of the residents. I love being able to offer little moments of luxury, whether that’s a soothing hand and arm massage, a relaxing facial, a manicure or simply some extra pampering. It’s all about making each treatment special and ensuring the residents feel comfortable, relaxed and cared for,” said Jess.
“The residents all have their preferences and favourite treatments, but the most popular are manicures, calming and relaxing facials and hand and arm massages,” continued Jess. “The residents love having their nails beautifully tidied and polished, thoroughly enjoy a little facial pampering, and simply sitting back and relaxing while having their hands and arms massaged. Sometimes it’s the simplest treatments that bring the biggest smiles.”
“The residents look forward to Jess’s weekly visits and always tell me how much they enjoy the pampering,” said Emma Lawrance, the Registered Manager at Little Bramingham Farm. “Jess’s treatments all bring so many benefits, even having a regular manicure offers the residents important physical, practical, and emotional benefits that go beyond simple vanity.
“For example, proper cleaning, shaping, and cuticle care keep bacterial and fungal growth at bay, which is especially important because older people may have weaker immune systems or slower healing. Massaging the hands and arms during a manicure stimulates blood flow, which helps to ease stiff joints whilst hydrating dry skin, and boost confidence as clean, tidy and polished nails makes the residents happy and so proud of their appearance.
“In addition, regular facials with Jess are also very good for the residents as mature skin loses its natural ability to shed dead cells efficiently, but facials help remove any accumulated dead skin layers, revealing a brighter complexion. In addition, the soothing, touch-based nature of a facial reduces overall stress and promotes deep relaxation, which positively impacts emotional well-being.”
Talking about the products she uses and how she adapts techniques to suit each individual resident, Jess said: “The most important thing is understanding that everyone’s skin is different, particularly as we get older. Mature skin can be much thinner, drier and more delicate, so I always take extra care when choosing products and carrying out treatments.
“I use gentle techniques, avoid unnecessary pressure or friction and make sure products are suitable for sensitive skin. I also pay close attention to how each resident’s skin responds and adapt the treatment accordingly. Their comfort and safety always come first.
“Every resident is treated as an individual, and I always take their health and personal needs into consideration before beginning a treatment. With residents who have diabetes, I’m particularly careful with nail care. I avoid cutting cuticles or carrying out any procedures that could break the skin, and I never work on areas where there are signs of infection, sores or injury. Where necessary, I refer any concerns to the nursing team or an appropriate healthcare professional.
“For residents with arthritis, I adapt my techniques to avoid discomfort and work gently around stiff or painful joints. For those with poor circulation, I take extra care with pressure and temperature, ensuring treatments are gentle and comfortable throughout. Communication with the care team is also very important so that everyone receives the safest and most appropriate care.
“Patience, kindness and reassurance are absolutely key. I always approach residents calmly, with a friendly smile, introducing myself and explaining what I’m going to do in a gentle and reassuring way. I never rush anyone. I allow residents time to feel comfortable and familiar with their surroundings, and I take my lead from them, watching their expressions and body language throughout the treatment.
“I honestly believe the power of touch is incredibly special, particularly for older people. A gentle hand massage, a little pampering or simply holding someone’s hand can communicate so much warmth, kindness and reassurance. For many residents, their treatment is about much more than having their nails painted or their skin cared for. It’s dedicated time just for them. They have someone sitting with them, listening to their stories, sharing a laugh and making them feel important.
Whatever they need that day, I want them to leave feeling happier, more relaxed and knowing that someone has taken the time to care for them.
“I absolutely love being the Beautician at Little Bramingham Farm. It really is so much more than just a job to me. The residents make every day special, and I feel incredibly lucky to spend time with such wonderful people. It’s the little smiles, the laughter, the conversations and knowing I’ve made someone’s day a little brighter that make my job so rewarding,” concluded Jess.