Nursing homes and residential care facilities are often overlooked as potential employers for beauty school graduates. However, these positions can be very rewarding if you are seeking a way to use your cosmetology training to help others.

Cosmetologists who work in nursing homes and residential care facilities must have the same licenses they would need to practice at a regular beauty salon or spa. You do not need any medical training to work in a nursing home or residential care facility salon, although you will need to be aware of your state’s laws regarding the care of the elderly and disabled.

Patience and compassion are essential when you are working in a nursing home or residential care facility. Your clients will be suffering from mental or physical impairments, so you must be aware of their limitations while you are working. Some may not be able to sit for long periods of time, while others may not be able to clearly express what services they want to have performed.

The ability to make small talk is important for any cosmetologist, but this becomes vital when you’re working in a nursing home or residential care facility. For many of your clients, a visit to the beauty salon is the social highlight of their week. They may want to talk about everything from the birth of their latest grandchild to the last episode of their favorite television program.