Can anyone briefly tell me what a visit to a nursing home consists of? I am new, and alone in this so far. I am going to ask around my church to see if they have a group of folks who visit the nursing homes, and ask if I can go along as Pinky. But what do I do? Just visit with them, smile & hold their hands, do magic, balloons, what? Any suggestions, appreciated! What kind of magic, (simple stuff I hope!) Is there hope for a solo clown doing this?

PS I bought a video on balloons online but it hasn't come yet, so I don't know how to do balloons right now, but hopefully soon.

While some people there may act child like, most need to be spoken to as adults. Jokes with puns and play on words work well. And they may want to tell you a joke. In fact listening may one of the best things you can do. Balloon flowers that can sit in their rooms are nice. sight gags.
Please remember to wash your hands often.
Just ask for Gods help and listen to it. You will do just fine.

That's a great idea (balloon flowers). I need to look into some easy sight gags (never been too coordinated, myself). Thanks, Coco!

Since you are by yourself, maybe take a puppet with you. I am with River City Clowns we did Hospital visits and Did Skits at one of the Nursing Home today, We love doing skits, and the patients seem to enjoy them, then we just go and visit and talk and listen with the patients.
I love doing Nursing Homes, The elderly are so sweet.
But they seem to love my puppets. They also love stickers or the foam red clown noses.........
Have fun

Just remember to use non-latex balloons Pinky!

Our Group does not take any balloons we like the hands on and visits we do give out stickers.
They really are more interested in someone to talk to and listen.
They are so lonely and just love the company

Now and then I and one or two others clown at nursing homes and balloon animals and stickers work well because it gives them something to show family members later what they got when the clown came to visit. Sometimes I take my clipboard with paper and ask "Can I draw a picture of YOU" and when they say yes, I act as though I'm very artistically drawing their picture when all it turns out to be is the letter 'U'. They get a kick out of that. I'm even asked to autograph my art work. If you have a cd player (or mp3, ipod with speakers) you can bring some fun songs to sing while you walk around balloon twisting. Everyone knows "You are my Sunshine", etc. Maybe take along a fake microphone for them to sing in.

A lot of times we're asked to clown at the nursing homes monthly birthday celebrations so we may ask who is having a birthday and if we can sing happy birthday backwards to them. When they say yes we turn around so our backs are to them and sing.

You'll encounter some that love to talk and all they want is for you to take a minute or two to listen to them.

I'm sure they'll love you. You look adorable.

Just as in hospital clowning, first thing you need to do is contact the activity person at the nuriing home, find out what you can and can not do. With HIPPA regs. they don't seemed to be as stricked as hospitals but some places are going latex free, which means no balloons, some will allow you to go to rooms to visit, others will not.

The center we go to, we call ahead and confirm the time, they have the residents that want to participate in the dayroom when we arrive. We do a small show, with skits, music and then meet and greet. I like the one on one interaction best, but I realized the first time we went [which we expect to do mostly meet and greet in small numbers] they expected a show. That's what they had been used to having when ever they had visitors.

I have some small pocket magic I carry around and props [hospital props work well here too.] stickers, and I try have a new joke. I have one fellow who always tries to have a new one for me.

Thanks, Sapphire. I guess I'd better be prepared with a skit or two. I'm hoping that the one clown I do know will consent to go with me. He's pretty busy with his day job, though. So many great suggestions. I will write them down! God bless.

Now and then I and one or two others clown at nursing homes and balloon animals and stickers work well because it gives them something to show family members later what they got when the clown came to visit. Sometimes I take my clipboard with paper and ask "Can I draw a picture of YOU" and when they say yes, I act as though I'm very artistically drawing their picture when all it turns out to be is the letter 'U'. They get a kick out of that. I'm even asked to autograph my art work. If you have a cd player (or mp3, ipod with speakers) you can bring some fun songs to sing while you walk around balloon twisting. Everyone knows "You are my Sunshine", etc. Maybe take along a fake microphone for them to sing in.

A lot of times we're asked to clown at the nursing homes monthly birthday celebrations so we may ask who is having a birthday and if we can sing happy birthday backwards to them. When they say yes we turn around so our backs are to them and sing.

You'll encounter some that love to talk and all they want is for you to take a minute or two to listen to them.

I'm sure they'll love you. You look adorable.

Thanks so much, blossom. You gave me so much great stuff to work with. I will take notes! God bless!
Hugs and mugs

I'd never even thought of the non latex balloons. I just ordered some. I don't know if they are latex, or not. I guess I should assume they are. I ordered them from TMyers. Where do you get the non-latex kind? Thanks!

Our clown group is forming a group we are going to call the Clownettes, we are a singing group(most cant carry a tone) and we will be performing songs from the past with the Nursing home patients. Im really exciting about this, We are going to start this Month.

Hi I went to the nursing home a few times, and loved it!!!!

I had a friend that worked there, and she was in charge of games, etc. with them. So I had another friend from church go with me, and we played balloon toss with them.
We also, blew bubbles so they could pop them. Just be careful where you blow the bubbles, as not to go in their face. Also, watch for slippery floor. Some liked it some didn't.
I also purchased a couple of the cd's from Ebay, with some of the Big Band Music. I like having music in the back ground. Please don't feel you have to buy cd's right now, just rent from the library.
One day I had myself, the lady from church and a little friend.
I taught them both scarf juggling, and they juggled one on each side, as I held up a purple bird puppet and it sang one of the Big Band songs.
I think it was Frank Sinatra & Tommy Dorsey - Blue Skies.
It was lots of fun!!! I didn't always go in clown. I went mostly in the summer months, and nursing homes are usually very warm. So keep that in mind.
The little girl that went with me...was supposed to sing a little song for them, but she got stage freight and wouldn't do it.
But I told her, it didn't matter, because half of them were usually asleep anyways..(chuckle)
Have fun with it, and if you can get someone to go with you...

Just remember to use non-latex balloons Pinky!

It is important to find out from the nursing nome staff if latex balloons are allowed. Many allow them, but many don't because some patient may have a latex allergy. I will be starting at a local nursing home, and the activities director said no problem with latex.

Carrie

Great Ideas! You've inspired me! Thanks so much.

Let us know how it goes. We will be waiting.

what a great task you are going into. these guys from nursing home really need some fun and entertainment. gee, it's really an amazing task...! :applause:

I worked in a nursing home for 19 yrs as an aide and an activity person...just the presence of being there is alot for most of the residents. They enjoy most anything and are always so grateful for the company and the entertainment...my husband met me where I worked one day and we did a clown show...a few skits and a few magic tricks..it was his debut...i have to admit he is almost better at it then I am...but he left the makeup at home and we ended up usin crayola markers for face paint...it worked quite well but he had a red face for several days..I got mine off pretty good...just a small trace left...anyways...they loved it and talked about it for days...so anything simple even they are most grateful just to be doing something...have a great week!
Squiggles

I just did a clown show at a nursing home and man what a tough crowd.. I would do it again....i found for the most part they injoy just having some one to speak to.....when i did that i got more smiles and laughs then the clown show....You will have to approach them as if they were kids because some of the elderly are scared of clowns......hope this helps

buttons

The reactions I have gotten from nursing home residents have hit every spot on the spectrum.

I once visited a nursing home and met a resident who, as it turns out, was a former clown. She was recovering from a broken hip and suffering from Alzheimer's, but when she saw me, her face lit up and she happily began recalling her own clowning days.

The staff warned her before my next visit, and when I arrived at the nursing home, she was wearing her clown costume, wig and make-up. She accompanied me, using her walker, as I did my walk-arounds. Talk about a memorable nursing home visit!

Then, on the other side of the spectrum, there was the resident who, as I kneeled down to her level, started ranting about how much she hated clowns. She said she wanted to pull off my #@!!! nose and tear it to bits! I was sort of scared, and, believe me, I backed off pretty quickly!

So you encounter all kinds of experiences in nursing homes, but the good certainly make up for the bad!

Well, I must say, that God is working again...
Here I was about ready to call our nursing home we are supposed to visit every month (haven't been in 2 months) and cancel all together for a while. But y'all have inspired me. We are supposed to go again this weekend. So I'm going to take what I've read here, organize a few thoughts & meet with my clowns tonight after church. Thank you!!
God Bless ALL you clowns that visit nursing homes!!

I am so excited!!! My fellow clown friend and I are doing our first nursing home/assistant living facilities next week. We have 4 definite gigs confirmed at this point. We are not doing a show per-se, so if you have any simple tips, please let me know.Thank You.
Dancin Dot8-)

an experience with adult housing is great!

___________
Adult Care Foster Housing | Senior Citizen Homes Portland Oregon (http://www.silverandgoldenyearsadultcarehome.com/)

hey pinky, i have only clowned with this population a couple times- one thing i have used is rocky the racoon. alot of them call him a groundhog- but most seem to like him. simple balloon flowers or braclets are good. i have used stickers-i have found that if they have wheelchairs that they often like a sticker on it. good luck

I like Rocky. I've seen him for sale on Ebay for cheaper (used). But I just ordered a bird puppet from Axtell, and it should be here in about 2 weeks. I think (if I ever get to go) that the nursing home folks would love him. I just need to get comfortable using him.

Pinky, go with the puppet you chose. Residents love the companionship interactions and might connect to your puppet more than people, so this is a great "smokescreen" for you to "hide" behind until you feel confident in doing some tricks, etc. A really soft bunny or puppy works well too. A little baby doll puppet is a hit as well. I'm sure you will have more than one puppet eventually.

Just have fun and remember that no matter what you do when you are there, the important thing is that you are visiting them.

Ask who hasn't had visitors in a while and go to them first. They are in need of you more than those whose family visits regularly.

I like Rocky. I've seen him for sale on Ebay for cheaper (used). But I just ordered a bird puppet from Axtell, and it should be here in about 2 weeks. I think (if I ever get to go) that the nursing home folks would love him. I just need to get comfortable using him.

Pinky Which Bird did you order?? Axtell makes great quality puppets... Wow Two weeks? It seems like it took them longer than that to get Ollie made and shipped to me.

I enjoy learning with Ollie but I think I may invest in some of their recorded "Axtrax" routines

Chris, they said on their website (and the receipt I printed out) that the half-body puppets aren't in stock and take two weeks. I guess we'll see....I ordered the vinyl Vern. He was only $50. Then I ordered the AxTrax for a skit about Noah. Sounds really cute. I hope I can get it down well enough that I won't be afraid to try it in front of a crowd!

Hi Pinky!
I'm glad you are going to a nursing home. The folks there need you. I used to work at one as a pastor type person. I would suggest you talk with the activities director about your balloons before you bring them. I'd check about the stickers too-sometimes they are not allowed for certain residents.The place I worked at did not allow balloons or stickers for various reasons.
Lots of hand holding and even quoting some Bible verses or reading something to them is very much appreciated. God Bless!

hey i know what to do at a nurseing home because we go every month first we go and visit with the resadents and also u might want to take your stickers or bubbles they love that!!!!! sometimes if they have a big room we do christian skits and do some songs that they will know also we have done balloons!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hey jen so happy i got into clowns i love u

I've never done any clowning, but when I used to be a singer and I went into nursing homes and retirement centers and churches. You can tell that all of the folks in a nursing home or a retirement center loves people come in and to perform. After I booked Shows with the Directors of the nursing homes and retirement centers then I was so glad that I did go.

I go to nursing homes and do complete magic shows. The partients love it and love to participate. I also have found that they like to have open mic nights and take turns singing to each other. Then you can have the audience clap at the end for the one they like best and give them a prize. Of coarse you end up giving all of them a small prize.

I go to nursing homes and do complete magic shows. The partients love it and love to participate. I also have found that they like to have open mic nights and take turns singing to each other. Then you can have the audience clap at the end for the one they like best and give them a prize. Of coarse you end up giving all of them a small prize.

I gave out blue ribbons at a birthday once during a "talent" competition, everyone won first place in something.

"most entertaining"
"best shoes"
"loudest voice"

etc.

Might work well with seniors.....or anyone really, I mean who doesn't want to win first place in something?! You get a ribbon and everything!

i know i,m alittle late but thought you could use this joke i used i went in the nursing home where my wife worked and said that nurse jean was yelling flu, chicken pocks,and etc.. they said she just likes to call the shoots around here

:phaha to funny thanks 4 sharing that with me hahahahahaha!!!!!

Pinky, residents love giveaways and the louder (gaudy) the better! It's almost like they are having a contest, and be sure not to run out because if you do...They will let you know! (Hey, I didn't get anything). They love gentle clowns, funny clowns, and some want to be very personal. (as in.... i used to be a...or... I have three boys). They love it when you take your time so, go early and leave late. I have never done a skit. My work has usually been late after their dinner is finished. I've only encountered one naked lady in the hallway (Yes, Funny Bonz was with me...)
I make it a point to ask who are all the "Movie Stars" on your wall...are you famous?
They simply love it when you go on about their family (even if they havn't been there to visit for a year). Most are very gentle Jesus loving people but be prepared you will encounter some real sticklers! They will remember your name and look forward to the date of your return...God Bless you for going and giving these people who have lost intrest in living and feel as if they have nothing to look forward to....Something to smile about! Good luck on your endevors for the "forgotten".

Here's a link Pinky... Faithful Friends Nursing Home Ministry - Home Page (http://www.faithfulfriends.org/) I also have a list of books that I read....If your interested let me know!

Here's a link Pinky... Faithful Friends Nursing Home Ministry - Home Page (http://www.faithfulfriends.org/) I also have a list of books that I read....If your interested let me know!

Thanks so much! That website is amazing, and I'm in NC like they are! God bless you!

My group does nursing homes and we sing "You are my Sunshine" that is their favorite, and play our kazzooos (sp?) (made out of recycled oj bottles), play bells and have some of the residents help out when we cannot exactly play the song correctly (these bells are color coded, ring when you see a card with your color)...

We do skits, we hand out stickers for the meet/greet, and then occasionally we do balloons. We are a christian troupe and we pray, have skits and have a short time there (30-45 mins) so we usually have a theme and program...it is prearranged time and day that we come.

Thanks for all the input on this thread!:D

Great ideas! Thanks so much. My clown alley still hasn't gotten off their duffs yet and scheduled a trip to the nursing homes. That is our priority #1 in the new year. God bless!

Good Luck and God Bless You Pinky...get ready to fall in love and disgust at the same time!!!

But I already got married....oh, wait, that's not what you meant. LOL

Sillwee wittle goil!

i put magic in my pockets,juggling balls and a smile on my face.some places require you to get tb tested and so forth so please ask the activity director before setting something up a date and time.i also visit hospitals and have found that most dont like the ballon idea because of choking issues.bring and oversized pen,stickers,and some christian tracts and hand them out and sign the back of them.make sure you are full of hugs when you go because they enjoy talking and lots of hugs.god bless

thanks, Unka! I'm really looking forward to my first visit...hopefully in January. I'll have to report to you all how it goes. This is what I really wanted to do when I started clowning, and I'm ashamed that I haven't made it to the nursnig home yet! God bless,
Pinky

I would like to know specifically what you do with your puppet n a nursing home. I have started going to a board and care and we sing the old old songs and the residents enjoy it so much. I had a puppet say good-by to them when I left and I was almost shocked and also thrilled to see how much they loved my puppet- it is soft and fluffy and kind of has a kittenish face- they wanted to cuddle it. It was a touching moment. How do you use your puppet in the nursing home?

That's a good question....I don't know what to do with mine, either. I took my bird puppet (from Axtel) and they didn't really seem to care about him. It would have helped if I knew what to do with him, other than move him around and ask them if they thought he was silly! I have a bunny puppet that I might try next time, but again, I don't know what to do with him. I need puppet lessons!

flower, my youngest and take her rabbit puppet, along for one on one time. Her puppet looks like a real rabbit, she cuddles him in her arm and makes him move around like he's real, and she just "visits with each person and let's them pet him if they want to. She little so as with any older person, children just fas [sorry brain freeze] wow them, they just get trilled to have a little clown come and talk with them for a few mins, some times she tells joke but often they just want to talk with her, and she 'll talk about anything with them.

Don't forget, they LOVE attention and to be talked with. All the skits, tricks, etc. are great but never overlook the joy they will receive from the attention that you pay to them and the sharing of Christ's love through companionship.

A-MEN Mulligan it's worth every min that you spend with the residents at the nursing homes, that about all our group does about 95%

Another thing we do at nursing homes is play music, my son and I play the song I,m so excited and i pretended to checks someone heart beat with my clown systhscope and when the music started i was dancing around and doing exercise hollowing come on girls we,re sweating with the oldies not sweating to the oldies

Since they loved my puppet so much, I think I will get a sparkly hand bag and put a soft hair brush in it and maybe a tiara, and a mirror and let them brush her hair, play with the accessories a bit on the puppet. It was just touching to see them respond so gently and tenderly to my fluffy puppet.

I think that's an awesome idea BubblesB! Don't forget to pick up some clip on earrings!

We do this 3-4 times a year... some of us clown and some do not... it is great.

We find small gifts- we have a budget for this so we get stuff animals on sale after big holidays- can even be stickers or bookmarks for the patients and cookies for the nurses and staff ... for hospitals we go to the nurses station and ask if they have any patients who could use some cheering up... they will usually give you a list of patients to see... it's great! We do not take balloons- I would be afraid of one popping and causing problems. And make sure you santize your hands after visiting each room... I usually try not to "touch too much" to avoid spreading any germs... but I will pat their foot under the blanket or touch their hand...

For nursing homes, we visit the nurses first- with the cookies and just make sure it is ok- sometimes they will have restrictions if it is flu season. Just go up and down the halls visiting the rooms... you can contact the activities director before hand and she can arrange a sing along and that would be fun. Or some nursing homes have a "birthday" day where they celebrate everyones birthday for that month...

I love the idea about drawing the picture that was cool

Hope this helps.