By Mark W. Curran
ENTERTAINMENT SOLUTIONS FOR ACTIVITIES DIRECTORS
By Mark W. Curran
Each month you are faced with the same daunting question: "How do I keep my residents stimulated through entertainment?"
Variety is important, because getting into the same old rut means many of your residents will not want to show up for activities they get tired of.
Since music has been proven of therapeutic value, a well-rounded musical program of live entertainment is the perfect solution. Having a variety of exciting, dynamic performers at your facility will do wonders for your residents. Believe me, I've seen this in action!
Of course, budget is often the biggest obstacle. Administrators don't often share the view that good quality entertainment can make a world of difference for the residents and their visiting families.
When faced with the option of having more expensive quality performers, administrators will often say they cannot afford it. "It's not in our budget," they are often heard to mutter, and stay with performers who charge $50, and deliver as much (or less) in value as they have been paid.
But over the last few years, I've seen this slowly begin to change. Quality, as many facilities are beginning to learn, makes a difference.
Recognizing the value of this essential truth, many more facilities are now increasing their budgets for higher quality performers.
Some Activities Directors have become crusaders for the well being of their residents, approaching their administrators and educating them on the idea that quality counts, and that budgets for entertainment can and should be increased.
Five years ago, seeing the lack of good quality entertainment in senior health care facilities, I was a man on a mission. I decided to develop innovative musical presentations that would stimulate and involve the senior audiences.
This began with a sing-along program of standards from the 30's -40's, called "Happy Days Are Here Again," in which I passed out lyric sheets and conducted sing-alongs while dressed in a glittering sequined jacket and top hat. It was an instant hit!
From there, I developed my signature act, THE WONDER OF ELVIS SHOW, which really got the residents as well as the staff excited. I knew I was on the right track when all the administrators would come down and watch the show!
This has been my central and most popular show, but recognizing the need for variety and multiple bookings within the same facilities, I developed other acts that revolved around a central theme, making it easy for activities directors to promote them.
Now I have seven shows, including THE FIFTIES SOCK HOP, THE LEGENDS OF COUNTRY, THE LEGENDS OF LAS VEGAS, HAWAII LUAU and others, all which have a colorful theme to decorate the performance room and facility with various thematic posters and props.
With a little creativity and imagination, you can bring high quality, innovative musical programs to your residents while giving the families and staff an impressive break from their day!
Mark W. Curran is a seasoned entertainer who has been performing at senior health care facilities from a very young age. In 2002, he started his own company, Shows For Seniors, dedicated to bringing high quality shows to retirement facilities throughout Los Angeles, North Orange County and South Ventura County. Information on his shows can be found at: http://www.showsforseniors.com. He can be reached at 310-941-0948