At Brookstone Terrace, caring for residents goes well beyond the basics. In this video, filmed in the barber shop at Brookstone Terrace of Woodruff, Chaplain Eddie Bowen shows how a fresh shave and a friendly conversation can become a ministry of their own.

A chaplain with a barber’s chair

Eddie serves as chaplain for our three South Carolina communities: Simpsonville, Woodruff and Chanticleer. Part of that role looks a little different from what you might expect. As Eddie puts it, part of his ministry is “to keep all our guys looking good as possible.”

He spends one day a week at each community: Simpsonville on Tuesdays, Woodruff on Wednesdays and Chanticleer on Thursdays. When residents come into the barber shop, he takes care of whatever they need. “I shave all the guys and do their hair, whatever they need. When they come and sit in my chair, that’s what I do,” he says. “I consider this part of my ministry.”

Small details, done with care

Eddie takes pride in doing the job well. During the video he explains why he reaches for shaving gel instead of foam: “Foam just covers everything up and you can’t see. But with this gel, makes the razor flow real smooth.” He finishes with a splash of aftershave “to make it feel nice” before sending each gentleman on his way, looking sharp and ready for the rest of the day.

It is a simple routine, but it matters. A good shave and a tidy haircut help residents feel like themselves, and time in the chair is also time to talk, laugh and be heard.

What Eddie loves about his work

“This is their home. We just work in it.”

When asked what makes Brookstone Terrace stand out, Eddie points to the family atmosphere and the love and care shown by everyone, “not only as management, but all of the staff.” He notes that most people who move in do so after taking a tour and seeing for themselves what goes on in our communities. “They realize that this is truly a family atmosphere,” he says. “Our residents, our staff, we are very family oriented and we mean that.”

Faith and fellowship are woven into life at our South Carolina communities. You can also see how Chaplain Todd Johnson leads weekly Bible study and worship, hear Mary Jo Parker’s story at Brookstone Terrace of Simpsonville, and read why one family would choose Brookstone Terrace of Woodruff over and over.

Whether your loved one needs assisted living or the added support of memory care, our team at Brookstone Terrace of Woodruff and our sister communities in Simpsonville and Chanticleer works every day to make each resident feel at home.

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Enjoyed this video? See more resident stories, outings and everyday moments on our YouTube channel.