AUSTIN (KXAN)— For more than seven years, Blue Water Homecare and Hospice has provided home care services to patients in Central Texas. For the past three years, the company has also offered hospice care to individuals and their families navigating the final stages of life.
Owner Jennifer Prescott said the work is deeply personal. “It is a privilege and honor to do this work and to make a difference in the lives of people across Central Texas,” Prescott said.
In addition to its clinical care, Blue Water also runs a volunteer program designed to enhance patients’ quality of life. Through that program, a new partnership has formed with Maria’s Hair Studio and Barbershop in Round Rock to provide free haircuts to hospice patients in the comfort of their homes.
“It started with Steve, our volunteer coordinator,” Prescott said. “Part of hospice care focuses on the person’s mind, body and spirit, so our volunteer program is very important in making that happen.”
Volunteer Coordinator Steve Wanzer said the idea came from a patient request. A social worker reached out to Wanzer, asking if he knew anyone who could provide a haircut. As fate would have it, Wanzer was driving past Maria’s Hair Studio at that very moment.
“I stopped in and asked if they’d be interested,” Wanzer said. “Maria told me it was meant to be—she had been looking for a way to get involved in the community.”
Since then, the simple gesture has become a cherished part of the care Blue Water provides.
“We all know how it feels when our hair is unkempt or gray—we don’t feel like our best selves,” Prescott said. “As hospice professionals, we understand how important it is to help people feel good. This small act of kindness goes a long way.”
The partnership has also provided hands-on experience for students at Maria’s Hair Studio and Barbershop, allowing them to grow their skills while connecting with the community.
“It felt really scary at first,” said Martin Olloqui Martinez, a student at the shop. “I’ve always had this fear of messing up someone’s hair. But Maria and the instructors helped me realize it’s about making people feel good—and giving them a good haircut.”
Wanzer said the organization is always looking for more volunteers—not only to assist with haircuts but also to visit with patients, provide companionship, and offer support.
“Our volunteers might visit weekly, twice a month, or even monthly,” he said. “Some bring treats, others read magazines or look at photos. For many patients, it becomes the highlight of their week—something to look forward to.”
Anyone interested in helping Blue Water continue to provide comfort and dignity to patients at the end of life can visit their website for more details.
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