4 minus 2, plus 1.

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Sally, Jozz & Tony, (in order of posting)

Your comments do you great credit, as do those of Tom & Eddy. It is nice to know that people like you are in the world, and bringing joy and happiness to your own communities.

My sincere and heartfelt best wishes to you all,

Stephen.

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Jozz,

I don't know how the system works in the Netherlands, but here in England most care homes have an activities coordinator. This person, usually a lady, is responsible for arranging activities for their residents.

One (of the three) care homes I visit promotes reading and poetry groups, massages with essential oils, hairdressing, keep fit classes, etc. Local people who have led interesting lives are invited to share their experiences, and musicians are made especially welcome.

I have never come across 3rd party agents of the kind you describe, and hope I never do. Perhaps if you were to telephone a local care home, they could put you in the picture. Start by asking if they have an activities coordinator.

You would be a great asset to any care home, and the elderly residents would value your contribution to their enjoyment of life.

I wish you well,

Stephen.

 

[StargazerTony]

I have never come across 3rd party agents of the kind you describe, and hope I never do. Perhaps if you were to telephone a local care home, they could put you in the picture. Start by asking if they have an activities coordinator.
.

Hi Stephen. Unfortunately, we have come across these promoters here and it disgusts us. Now we dont think that entertainers should all work for free, however a lot of these homes work on a shoe string budget, especially for entertainment, and simply can not afford sustained entertainment on a regular basis. I spoke to one administrator some time ago, and she told me that when they post the coming months activity schedule, one of the first things the residents look for and talk about is the entertainment that comes to the home....well, that and th special food days.....so they do look forward to this sort of thing.

We have written letters to all of the homes within driving distance, informing them of our availability and are being kept quite busy. Actually December is a rather slow month for us for there are other volunteer groups, like local high school and other volunteer groups, that come to homes and decorate them for Christmas, bake cookies and spend some time with them. I wish they would do some of that during the year and not just in December but the majority of them dont, We, of course do this all year around..

 

[jozz]

Hello Stephen,

Thank you for your response and kind words. In this case I was merely speaking in general terms, to paint the contrast and the principal by which I take on gigs. If the beer flows, so does the money, so to speak. It's a free translation of a saying us Dutch musicians have. I haven't seen many care homes where they serve draft beer :ch (they should), so they get it free :mrgreen:

Regards,
Jozef

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Tony,

Thank you for your interesting and informative post.

It would appear that our two nations share a similar attitude toward the elderly. Budgets are very tight in our care homes, especially when it comes to what may be perceived as "non-essential" services. We know the value of live music for the elderly and infirm, as do our many friends on this forum, but the people who control the purse strings have other ideas.

The answer is to just keep right on doing what we are already doing.

Good Luck,

Stephen.

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Jozef,

I am afraid that I have reached an age at which the copious consumption of beer is inadvisable, but you just go right ahead. Your turn will come, of course, so enjoy it while you can.

Keep up the good work.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.