Wendinger, owner of Creative Hair Company, visits the Oak Hills on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. She adjusts her schedule to meet resident needs.

“Today, this lady wanted a perm, so I came in extra,” Wendinger said.

She has worked at Oak Hills for about 14 years. Wendinger typically handles appointments in the afternoons after time at her own salon. She works around facility activities so residents do not miss music, therapy or other events.

Rachal Becker, director of therapeutic recreation at Oak Hills, said Wendinger’s contributions stand out.

Resident LaVonne Portner proudly shows off her purple manicure under the dryer with nail technician Erika Ebert at Oak Hills Living Center. (Photo by Amy Zents)

“Kris is a rock star,” Becker said. “She has done such an amazing job. Everybody that comes in comes out just looking absolutely gorgeous.”

Receptionist Cindy Rueckert said residents respond well to Wendinger.

“She does a wonderful job,” Rueckert said. “They just love her because she’s so spunky.”

Residents value the consistency.

Pat Mathiowetz said, “Oh, I love it. Kris does a good job.” Mathiowetz has seen Wendinger for her entire time at Oak Hills.

Rachal Becker, director of therapeutic recreation, hairstylist Kris Wendinger, and resident “Pat” Mathiowetz at Oak Hills Living Center. (Photo by Amy Zents)

LaVonne Portner said the same.

“I love it. She’s real, real good.” Portner added that the timing worked well on a recent visit. “Today is usually my shower day, and I usually come on Thursday, but she came today instead. And that suited me fine after my shower already this morning.”

The service extends to male residents. Charlie Braunreiter, 97, a longtime New Ulm concertina player who led his own five-piece German band, said the on-site service is helpful. “The convenience? Yes. Yeah, that is nice. Absolutely.” 

He added that Wendinger is consistently excellent at her job.

Nail care complements the hair services. It is offered Friday afternoons through the therapeutic recreation department. Erika Ebert is part of the team that serves about 30 residents.

Kris Wendinger and resident and regular hair patron LaVonne Portner share a smile at Oak Hills. ((Photo by Amy Zents)

“There are two staff per floor every Friday who are doing nails,” Ebert said. “We start right after we finish social hour, about four o’clock.”

Services include manicures and creative designs. For Easter, the team added bunnies, chicks, sparkles and glam. They adjust colors to preferences. 

Portner avoids pink.

“I stay away from the pink because everybody gets pink nails,” she said. She prefers purple, blue and dark red.

Wendinger has formed strong ties with residents and families. She recalled being advised early not to get too attached.

“Then I meet their family,” she said. “And then I’m attached to the family.” 

One resident’s daughter turned out to be her babysitter from more than 35 years ago.

“Just the connection of seeing them makes my heart happy,” Wendinger said.

The salon operates exclusively for residents, serving both women and men. Wendinger brings supplies and sets up in the designated space. 

Appointments support grooming, routine and social time without residents leaving the facility. This helps those with mobility or health limits.

The services help support residents’ daily well-being. Families notice the difference during visits. Wendinger plans to continue the regular visits and adapt based on feedback.

The arrangement gives residents reliable access to care in a familiar setting.