my worst fear.

[saphireSue]

The nursing home we go to has a sectioned off unit for alzhiemer/demenia patients , that unit stays lock. They gather to two other units in the dining room for us to attend and then they always ask us to go to the locked unit. They get very little visitors and would enjoy us coming.

I have always been concerned about this and have spoken with the activity director of my concerns in that alzhiemer /demenia type patients could also be startled by clowns coming in. But they make me feel guilty about not going is, so we went. Well we went in and were directed to the dining room, One lady saw us got excited and started to come to us and fell. She was on the other side of the room, I called for help [not going to go into the lack of response by staff] we went back to a group in the hall and spoke with them and sang one song and then left. It's not that I want to leave that group out, I just feel like things like this could happen, and now it has.

[Sir Toony Van Dukes]

I hope that you don't let this one visit prevent you from trying again. You are doing a wonderful thing and I am sure that the seniors would appreciate any effort you made to spread the cheer.

I would try to schedule a time to talk with the director/manager about that unit and see if there is a way they can make it work better. Maybe it should be just one or two clowns and not a larger group, or visits to the seniors in their rooms. But, don't let someone push you into doing something that is uncomfortable.

Good Luck

[The_Princess_of_Bozonia]

What a shame your fears came true like that, I'm sorry Sue I hope the management will listen to your concerns now and figure out a better strategy for you to visit.

[saphireSue]

I've been going there for over a year, they seem to go through activity directors. Part of it, that people with alzhiemers and demenia do get left out, often neglected by families because they don't believe that remember who they are and it's painful for them to see their loved one this way. With HIPPA reg. a lot of places will not let you go to the rooms anymore, as this requires the staff to get prior approval for each room. by asking the residents if they want to meet us, they have the choice of coming or not to the dining room. This is how the facility prefers to handle it. It easier for the staff if we do it this way and they get to participate as well. This is the first time anything has happen and I'm sure it's not the first time some one fell, I just wish it wasn't when we were there and that the staff had went into the dinning area ahead of us instead of staying at the desk. Our contact with them is very limited because I also know a few of them like to hug and not let go and I don't want one of my jr. to get scared or hurt, Generally for this group we only talk with a few min. and sing simple songs I know they'll remember like "Jesus Loves Me". "Amazing Grace". Not actually clowny but I feel approp. for this group. They smile and knows some one cares, but I do think I will cut down the number. We did see one picture posted on the wall, of Flower with another resident in that unit, from a previous visit. That was a nice surprize

[Giggles the Clown]

Dear Saphire Sue: I have worked in and volunteered for human services organizations for a long time, and I believe that not all venues are appropriate for clown entertainment. As much as I want to believe that we clowns can bring laughter to everyone on the planet, sometimes it just isn't going to happen, or it isn't going to happen without unacceptable risk to the very people we wish to entertain. I have been in similar situations and now I know that it must be my decision as to the risk involved. I'd rather come back in street clothes and just quietly hold the hands of these dear, frail people, than cause any risk at all. Thanks for the thoughtful lead. Giggles

[Pinky59]

Dear Saphire Sue:
I'm so sorry this happened to you, but I hope it we can all learn from it. Your experience has taught me something. I never would have thought that something like that could happen. God bless you for your ministry.
Hugs and Mugs,

[pixcoco]

patients in these areas obviously have memory problems. A lot of these problems still allow them their older memories, those of when they were young. That makes them extra happy to see a clown. In their younger days that meant the circus and the one time a year for fun.
It is unfortunate someone fell but that is a constant problem at these facilities. It should not stop you from making their day with a visit.
For a little extra insite on that and on circus for those of you how like to read try 'water for elephants' it is an excelant book. Not to give to much away but it is an old circus performer who is now in a nursing home with alternating scenes in the circus

[Fifi D. Clown]

You might just reach just one of the patients for a moment, but it would make that moment brighter for them at least. Ask the staff to accompany you. I'm suprised they didn't do that the first time. They should know better than anyone how their patients might overreact. Maybe visits in regular street clothes might be more beneficial.

This from my husband: "At least you wouldn't have to worry about new jokes each time" (he thinks he's funny).

[Fitzwilly]

I think he's funny.... That reminds me of a joke

How are blondes and Alzheimers patients alike?
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How are blondes and Alzheimers patients alike?
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[Nettie Belle]

Oh, what an awful experience. It could happen at any time ... it's probably not the first time she fell. At least she was excited ... not trying to run away from you. Can you stop in sometime when you're not in clown just to visit with her and don't let her know you were the clown? It would give you some peace of mind, I think, to know that she is now doing ok. I'm really sorry you had that experience.