I am just beginning to visit in assisted living and board and care homes and would like to leave a little something behind. I saw somewhere a small pipe cleaner angel, that was made quickly at the home- but I dont know how to make it. I also thought of a card that I could make with a clown face and red nose on it. Do any of you have ideas? Do you leave little reminders of your visits when you go to facilities like this?
Thank You 8-)

I like stickers for several reasons, They can be pretty, use a different one each time, some like to collect thier sticker and some considerate it a status to have the most in a facility. One other reason is every though some one seem clear of mind you can never be sure, and you'd be surprize at how many things a person will put in their mouth thinking it's a treat. I remember walking up to one lady and she was chewing on this big green wad.... turned out to be putty... she thought it gum... Cards like you mentioned would be good, angel sounds nice too, If we've brought something small I alway check with the staff to see if there's any one we shouldn't give ..it to for safety reasons.

Hi

we have found it cost effective to do some balloon modelling for the kids at our local children's hospital. We go there once every 2 months on the laugh yourself better scheme invented by yours truly. I also give the kids with no dietry rquirements a clown face cookie.

Tickles

Thank you for the good ideas...I am planning to take my guitar and do some sing-a- longs- some old familiar songs. I don't know yet the level of ability the residents have, but even if they are not singing, I know they will be listening.

sound good, they always love music.

You folks are so lucky to have the opportunity to do this. Keep on making people laugh!!8-)

Many Children's hospitals in the US, including the one I visit weekly, have become a latex free environment, so balloons are not allowed.

I have two favorite movable origami creations that I often do and leave for patients.
One is "Kissy Lips" - with a mouth that opens and closes; and the other, recently shown to me by Carol "Bingo" Collins - is a jumping frog. I fold these design in front of the patients and leave them. I really like action type origami because it gives them something to do after I am gone. I purchase colored computer paper and cut it into squares with a paper trimmer. They are a fun, cost effective give away. The nurses and staff also appreciate these fun little creations. I am going to learn a couple of safe (non pointy) paper airplane designs - I think boys would like these especially.

I also give away stickers; I use Angel Contraras' creations.
The balloon eye stickers have many applications beside just on balloons. Some places I use them: on the plastic IV covers, on the edge of eyeglasses for a funny look, on the "Kissy Lips" origami, on big toes, on coloring book pages or on a patients stuffed animal to change the look. Often, I'll leave a strip of 8 sets of eyes for the patient to have fun with.

Another idea is to leave a coloring page with your image. A local caricature artist created mine, and gave me permission to make copies to pass out.

I had business size cards made with a picture on each side of Gumball, and a little information about her. (There is no contact information on the card, though). I designed and ordered mine online through gotprint.com. The quality is very nice and the price is reasonable - 5000, with full color on both sides of the cards, for about $55.00 including shipping. Frequently when I am visiting the hospital, parents will say they wish they had their camera to take a picture of the clown - I give them a card and they really appreciate it! I'll ask boys if they are married (which always gets a chuckle from the parents), and when they say "no", I say "I wanted to give you my picture, but I don't give them to married guys, because for some reason, wives get upset when I give pictures to their husbands... I can deal with angry girl friends...just not angry wives!" Then give them one of the picture card.

Hope these help,
Gumball

Hiya gumball

We have just been recently told that we may not be able to use balloons so thank you for the good ideas

Tickles

Well today is the day...I am going to the board and care home for the first time....I'm a little nervous..I think I will leave a sticker as a momento of the visit..and take it from there. Off to practice my geetar....

Please let us know how it went after you get home Bubbles. You have my well wishes.

Hiya gumball

We have just been recently told that we may not be able to use balloons so thank you for the good ideas

Tickles


I don't think balloons would be a good idea for nursing/assisted living homes...wouldn't want to cause cardiac arrests when the balloon decides to POP!:seltzer:

:D
The biggest indicator of how it went was the lady who looked sad and said "oh,do you have to go?" This was a small board and care home with about 8 residents who have severe memory issues and are unable to care for themselves. They are at the stage of life where they do not understand jokes and are not very expressive. I think I sang with them for about 30 minutes and during that time, several sang with me, a couple clapped their hands, one listened, and one slept. The one who just listened was so happy and expressed her happiness over the songs I chose. They went way back in her memory she said,waving her arms to show me how far back they went. I learned more of the kinds of songs they like and so next time I go I will have more. I wonder what else I can do- I could have stayed longer but my voice was not willing. :) They do not understand jokes or visual humor. Any suggestions? I was very happy to see smiles on their faces, even if they were not physically participating. Thank you so much for all your encouragement. The caretakers took pictures and said they would send them to me, so I will try and post a couple if I get them.

Have fun and aways be yourself.

One of the biggest gifts you can leave is a part of YOU! Most patients in these places, at least in our area, LOVE the attention and the kind words of a visit. The guitar and singing is a great idea. Also, if you have a ukulele and a kazoo, it can add humor to your act. A baritone uke is tuned like the top four strings on a guitar so the basic cord formation is the same and so it's not too difficult to transfer your skills. A kazoo will give that 'Tin-Pan Alley' sound that older folks are very familiar with and love. Bump a nose! And Good Luck!!!!

As far as balloons go, it really depends on if it's a latex free facility, so many hospital and nursing homes are now going latex free, because of allergies. I wanted to respond to BubblesB post, even though you might not see much response, most do enjoy the joking, songs and even magic, unfortuantely, those diseases that rob our elderly of their memory also effects not just their reasoning but how they physically respond, you may never be aware of how much they take in and how much they enjoy it, but keep it up. I've been in health care 25 years mostly seniors and you'd be surprized what they do absorb.

Thank you Sapphire Sue-I know they love the music. That is encouraging me to branch out and bring in some more things. I would love more ideas from anyone who has gone this route in clowning.