At the Woodside IRA in Queens, ten residents spent a recent summer afternoon unwinding with face masks, manicures, soft music, and even back massages—all without ever leaving the house. The reason? A first-of-its-kind spa day organized by a Direct Support Professional at the home.
“I felt very relaxed, and the day helped take my mind off of things,” said Xue Ying Cao, who goes by Kathy, at the home.
“I loved the facial masks,” said Tyler Crooks, another resident. “It made my face feel very smooth.”
Held on July 12, the day was designed to give the residents a chance to relax and be pampered in a comfortable, familiar environment. Residents arrived in cozy pajamas and were treated to facials, nail clipping, foot soaks, and hair styling. The space was decorated to evoke the calming feel of a real spa, complete with a spread of cupcakes, cake, fruit salad, and sparkling water.
Residents also received a customized goodie bag filled with items like facial lotion, lip balm, nail clippers, and even small teddy bears at the end of the day.
The event also inspired this past weekend’s backyard tie-dye event, where residents created their own colorful socks, T-shirts, and bags.