I think the light bulb just went on regards the Activities Directors/nursing home jungle!

I played this one place for 13 years at two areas in the building and separate AD's. Location #1 I did a show on the piano. Location #2 is a sing-a-long with accordion.

Last year a new 26 year old AD came into location #1 and decided he didn't want me performing there (not even as a volunteer!). Meantime I'm still doing 15-20 events a year for the AD in location #2.

Some days while walking through the lobby to get to location #2, there is an act setting up in location #1. I stop to watch. Worst musicians/vocalists I've ever seen, but one thing in common. They all have brand new equipment, they dress like they are professionals, and the acts are completely varied (last month a female C&W singer, who, BTW, played Patsy Cline's Crazy for almost 10 minutes), three men singing with a Karaoke machine, etc.

So, I think I have it figured out. The days of a musician sitting there playing a keyboard are just about over. This new breed of (young!) AD's want to overhaul a system that's worked for years ("good music by good musicians"). They want to be like Ed Sullivan....bring in different acts constantly no matter how bad (or even how GOOD!) they are.

I watch the audience.....same audience I played to for those 13 years. They're attentive to the performer, but not really getting into it. And everyone asks me when I'm coming back, so they still react to good music.

I have absolutely no answer to "when I'm coming back!" I can't figure out AD #1's "methods" and AD #2 told me she can't figure it out either. She simply made reference to the fact that he's too young to understand what pleasing people is all about.......as she does (she's older and been in her job a lot longer!).

Are any of you getting hit with this young and bullish Activities Director experience? I never thought I'd see the day when good music took a back seat to "visual" acts.

I'm thinking if I want to keep working the circuit, I'm going to have to re-invent myself. Maybe as a Michael Jackson impersonator.....except that I can't dance. Then again, people probably won't even notice as long as I LOOK THE PART!

Your views and experiences on this?

Anytime there is a change 'in command', there are going to be changes to what has been happening in the past - whether change is needed or not - the new person has to make his/her own statement ... it's not just ADs in NH ... it happens in country clubs, restaurants, clubs, even everyday businesses ...
I played for a couple of years at a CC once a month for the members 'cocktail night' ... it was a real nice fun, laid back gig, and based on the compliments I got, the members really enjoyed the music ... A new board gets elected and the first thing they do is discontinue 'cocktail night' because that was a successful venture tied to the previous board ...
I've not played there since and members have told me there is NOTHING going on ...

We've all experienced this at one time or another - it's nothing new. And, the AD's age probably doesn't have as much to do with anything - it's her attitude. There are lots of youngsters that sincerely believe that anyone over 35 years old is dumb as $hit. If you're over 50 and have gray or white hair, this same individual probably believes you're the reason there are problems in the world, you're draining all the government funds and should you be euthanized.

Then there are the ladder climbers, those that stand squarely upon the heads of everyone they can to reach the top of the heap. They're in every facet of business and industry. Their idea of a good time at a party is to get drunk and bitch about their job and how much they're underpaid.

In contrast, I work for several ADs that are quite young, very attentive to the residents needs and wishes. They go the extra mile to hire quality entertainers who are not only talented, but additionally dress sharp, interact with the residents, and are punctual. They hire entertainers that do the paperwork, book well in advance, and those that can be somewhat flexible when unanticipated changes in the activities schedule warrant changing the time or date of the performance, and in some rare instances, the job must be canceled.

Now, in today's economy, I've had one older account that took a hard hit financially. This cost me 15 jobs a year, including a very high paying NYE job at this retirement community. When the residents got wind of this, they had a serious talk with the AD. He called several weeks later and booked a half-dozen jobs.

I'm not sure about your part of the world, but where I live there are new assisted living and retirement communities opening nearly every month, many of which are within 10 miles or less of home. This translates to more and more opportunities to perform on a regular basis for more and more audiences. Granted, you may have lost one job, but as DNJ always says "If you can deliver the goods - you'll get the job."

The other aspect of the young AD you had to deal with is they tend not to last very long. It may just be a matter of time before someone more experienced comes along and you may be right back to working at that same facility again.

Good luck,

Gary

the key is INTERACTING with the AUDIENCE Bottom line no matter what you play sing or whatever....

Mark,
I go through the same BS in my area too. The turn over of AD's is a regular event with very few in the same job for much more than a few years at most. The new breed of AD's simply doesn't get it when you talk about what type of music the residents want and enjoy. They are completely out of touch with the generation they are serving and don't care to learn anything. Like you, I have also witnessed some of the "new" acts being hired and it does not represent what most of us would call good musicianship or showmanship.

After a good many years of playing for the "Seniors" I am about to give it back to them. The constant problem of dealing with new AD's plus the enormous increase of horrible traffic getting to and from gigs has just about done it for me. Time will tell, but I will probably try to hang on to about a dozen of my favorite places and call it a career. Hell, I have been at it for nearly 60 years - maybe it is about time to call it quits.

Deane

Here’s my take on what you talking about. My experience is fairly limited but I try to analyze this sort of thing because I hope to play full time in the future and I think nursing homes will be at least half of my work.

First, instrumental music will not get you far unless you are some sort of virtuoso that is also entertaining and fun to watch.

Like it or not, you got to dress and look like an entertainer. I often wear my work cloths (business/causal) because I don’t have time to change but I at least try to look my best and maybe put on a hat or a tie with musical notes. Yeah, I know it’s chessy, but you got to look the part. I don’t want people to think I’m just a regular working stiff (even though I am) or assume I there as a volunteer.

It’s good to see what the other acts are doing too. I see mostly Karaoke; in fact I’ve never run into another arranger keyboard player. Although I HATE karaoke, I do realize that they have a great advantage over us keyboardists. They can get up, stroll around and work a room in a way we can’t. For that reason, I now play standing up. One day I’d to add some harmonica or guitar to give me more freedom of movement.

Another thing I’ve come to realize is that I’m not just playing for elderly people. You can also include some material that the staff and family of the residents are familiar with. All age groups seem enjoy some old time rock n roll/R&B and Mowtown. It fun for everyone to see some of the staff or visiting kids get up dance.

A great tip I read here on SZ that Beaky Bird wrote was after each performance it is a nice touch to go around a great each member of the audience. Don’t under estimate the importance of building relationships and connecting with people.

Just be careful with 'greeting' members of the audience ... make sure you have the AD's ok on it ... with all the 'privacy' stuff, our dealing with residents is like walking on egg shells ...

Tony is right on the mark here. I play several extremely high end senior venues and I can not talk to the people at all except while I am playing. At other places I am also discouraged from getting to friendly with the residents - all this to protect them.

Deane

I always schmooze with the audiences, before, during and after performances. The audiences love it, especially when I know their names, the ADs love it, and the family members that are in attendance love it. I've never had a problem in any facility, upscale or otherwise. They're just people that have outlived their body parts. And guess what? With any kind of luck, you'll probably outlive most of your body parts as well.

Paul, from my perspective, the Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Senior Center, Retirement Community gigs are much more fun than night-clubs, upscale restaurants, and high-end private party jobs. And, for the most part, they pay one Hell of a lot better. No drunks to put up with, no middle-aged adolescents to put up with, no worries about equipment getting damaged, no late night drives through big cities to get home, and the audiences, for the most part, love you and your music. What more could a working musician/entertainer want? Well, yeah, a pension fund, 401-K, etc..., but you know that ain't ever gonna happen.

Gary

Gary,
There are a lot of other venues I play where the atmosphere is just as you describe. The residents great me as I arrive, discuss their week with me, ask about my family, and in general are a real hoot to be around. There are two corporations which are laying down rather strict rules regarding the safety and welfare of the residents. In my opinion it ruins things.

Deane

Deane, I look at corporations such as the ones you describe as the PC crazies, run by a bunch of legal-beagles, and mostly young PC staffers that are climbing the corporate ladder. A good friend of mine who sailed his 32-foot boat from the UK to the Chesapeake's upper reaches put it best when describing PC:

"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

Gary

I’m eagerly studying your pearls about playing NH gigs. For a couple years, 2 agencies asked me to play senior programs and I refused. About a year ago, my regular festival and restaurant business started to decline and I decided do a couple of NH gigs. I guess I did well and have been doing a couple a month. However, the pay is disappointing because of the agency fees. So, I think I’m going to try to book some NH gigs on my own and this kind of discussion is very helpful. Thanks.
Ciao,
Jerry

I don't know what happened with Mark, but I had a similar experience a couple of years ago with a new, young AD.

I arrived as usual and met the young lady who commenced to tell me how it was going to be and what kind of music to play. Now, I had been playing since she was in diapers, but I kept my cool and feigned respect for her position.

I started out with a few songs I thought she would like, and she did, but the audience started asking me for their old favorites. To make a long story short, she finally realized that her perception of what should be played didn't jibe with the others.

If I had followed my first instincts to tell the little snot nosed kid she was wrong, I would have threatened her new found authority, and that would have been the end. As it turned out, she was dismissed a couple of months after, anyway.

Great way to handle it, Bernie. Kudos to ya!

You folks have given me a lot of grief for not playing nursing homes over the years. Here's how I'm handling that:

On every other Wednesday from 3:30-5:00 PM at one of the restaurants I work, with the help of ownership,
I'm sponsoring a little party for residents of the VA's in the area.

We'll have a set-up, with snacks, for 25 guests. They'll be ones firm enough for a "field trip". They'll come over on a VA bus.

I'm trading some of the free food I get as part of my deal for the treats set out by the place. The owner is a vet and enthusiastic about the project.

This way, we're supporting:

* Veterans
* The elderly

while not having to deal with the horrible people who manage "for profit" institutions.

I also play one job a week, with the proceeds going to the Nursing home Reform group I serve as a director. That puts over $10,000.00 much needed funds in the til annually and gives local companies a tax deduction.


Works for me!


Russ

I'm proud to call you my friend, Russ. The vets will love it.

Gary

I’d like to go this issue of not interacting with the residents. The places I have played at are hardly “high end” but I realize that it is a sad reality that there people that are looking to take advantage of elderly people. Hammer and Tony, did they at least give you a heads up not to talk with the residents? You would think a background check could put any paranoid suspensions to rest. What a sad world we live in.

Paul ... I haven't had a problem because I spoke to the AD about it first, and it was OK ...

Because of Hippa, I couldn't even take a photo of my father-in-law if there were ANY other residents in site.

I was bringing a daily snack (approved by the dietician0, but was told that I was violating privacy standards by going into individual rooms.

It's the same in the classroom....different reason. I used to get lots of hugs from students. Now, you have to watch out that you're not alone in a room with a student. It' a different, darker and sadder day.


Russ

A sadder day indeed, Russ. Is this just a U.S. thing, then? I've never come across any such problems, not being allowed to come into contact with or talk to the residents, in the several years of working seniors' homes. I'd be deeply troubled by that if it ever came to be the case up here.

I can see that it would be an easy target for any slimeball with those kind of intentions, but it's hard for me to believe that retirement homes are staffed by such pernicious people. Every single one I've played at I've found the staff to be really caring about their residents, and the residents are quick to tell me that.

Unfortunately I’ve come into contact some shady individuals. One AD was given money by some of the resident’s families to buy small items such as food, toiletries, and clothing. It turns out she was pocketing the money for herself. At this facility they pay me in cash- she kept making excuses for not having my payments. I guess stole my pay too. They owe me several months of pay and I’m trying to decide what actions to take.

Go directly to the Administrator, or the owner if you can find him. They may not know you haven't been paid if the AD is stealing it!
DonM

The staffing problems in nursing homes; particularly "for profit" nursing homes, is a serious, persistent problem.

Here in Kentucky, organized "for profits" are fighting efforts to require background checks.

Checking the national ratings for nursing homes is a real eye opener. These are conducted and published several times a year.

As a long-time advocate for nursing home reform, I have seen pervasive "scary" stuff across the country.

It's a big dollars game, and, unfortunately, the residents...the most vulnerable...are the ones who suffer.

Look behind the smiles. It will make you sick!


Russ

Russ is right on the money about the national ratings - they are real eye openers. A lot of the ones that really look great on the outside are real dungeons when it comes to patient care.

As for the pay, ALL of the locations I work in my area require invoices, which are usually sent to corporate offices by the AD. I haven't been paid in cash for more than a decade. The checks come in 3 to 6 weeks, and they're sent from locations all over the country.

At the end of the year each of the corporations sends me a 1099 form (misc. income), which usually shows up in mid to late January and can be as late as mid February. By law, they should be in your hands by January 31, but with some of the largest corporations, that's never the case.

I would have a serious talk with the administrator if you haven't been paid for months on end. And, did you submit an invoice to the AD? If not, you should have. Invoices not only allow you to track your customer payments, but also provide you with the bookkeeping information you'll need come tax time.

Good luck,

Gary

Gary......I agree with everything you said in your post here, except for this. You can deliver a 747 Jumbo Jet filled with "the goods," but you still have to get around the AD and their rather "unusual" way of thinking!



Yes, and then you have to start the whole process all over again....introduce yourself via phone calls, fax, mail, do auditions or send demo tapes, waiting for an opening so you can show them your act, etc

I'm seriously thinking about what Deane wrote. I think he's right on the money:



I can't say it hasn't been a good run, but maybe it IS time to consider re-inventing myself.

Wasn't it Bob Dylan who sang "The Times They Are A-Changin'?"

Change can be a good thing when the timing is right. Personally, I've been thinking for a while now about opening a shop selling "talking pigeons" and studying ballet in my spare time!

Sometimes people think they have the goods.........but Only in THEIR minds....

Mark- I've seen you in person- please no tights + tutu!!!

Yes, I'm planning on talking with the administrator, but that is a serious PITA. An hour drive or calling and being placed on hold. Just like the new cliche "ain't nobody got time for that"

Anyways, yes I do keep invoices for my own records but I'm not sure how much good that would do me if this NH just decides to screw me.

Sad thing is, I developed really good relationships with the residents. Many recognize me right away when I come in . This one 95 year old lady always gets get teary eyed when I dedicate her favorite song "Star Dust" to her.

I feel very bad, but I may just have to write this place off. It's a very depressing place and would feel horrilbe if I had to send my parents there. I do feel very bad for the residents and will miss them.

Paul,

When something like this happens, it's very important to send them a copy of the invoice, and be sure to write PAST DUE in bold print across the face of the invoice using a bright, red highlighter pen. And, if sending it to the AD doesn't get a response within a week, send it to the accounting department with a copy to the administrator.

I always hand a copy of the invoice to the AD prior to the job commencing. This is an important aspect of doing business, especially with large, corporate owned and operated facilities. I've only had a few problems in two decades of the NH circuit, and sending the Past Due invoice copy to the administrator resulted in the "It's not my job" attitude AD being fired on the spot. Most of the time, however, I just call the AD, tell them that the check's not here, and amazingly, the check seems to show up within a couple days at most.

Now, it this facility tends to be notorious for this type of activity, then this is a place where you really don't want to perform. While this is a wonderful way to make a living, keep in mind that in order for the business to survive you must get paid.

As for placing your parents in an assisted living facility or nursing home, we all never want to face this problem, but in many instances it's inevitable. Everyone that is in these facilities really does not wish to be there. Unfortunately, there comes a time when you alone can no longer provide the care for loved ones who had the misfortune to outlive their body.

On Friday I had an appointment with my primary care physician at the VA Hospital in Perryville, MD. She told me my cholesterol was too high and wants me to take a new, cholesterol lowering drug. I told her flat out - NO! She asked why and I informed her that my lungs are shot to Hell from asbestos and I'm hoping that my next heart attack is sudden and fatal. It's beats the Hell out of slowly suffocating to death over a period of months or years. She's a nice lady, but not too smart. I'm hoping I will not end up in a nursing home, but you just never know. Keep in mind, though, that most people die at home, even when they have a long, debilitating disease. Only a small percentage of individuals end up in assisted living or nursing homes.

Good luck,

Gary

Just been reading the posts and still haven't changed my mind about my posts or most of what has been said here. Today I have another gig and the first thing I thought of after getting out of bed this morning was the fact I "HAD" to go play another gig. Somehow it just isn't the fun it once was. Last night I even started going through all my keyboards and music related junk thinking about what I could start selling off and at what price points.

The problem is I really have nothing else I have a serious interest in doing and the music at least keeps my mind busy and provides an outlet for those days when there is nothing else to do. I'm at that point in my life when most things are on that "been there, done that" list - some of which shouldn't have been done the first time. Oh well, off I will go today and will certainly play with vigor and spirit for the residents.

By the way, each year I always end up with some invoices that never get paid. Seems to be part of the business and it seldom is worth the effort to chase them down which usually requires many phone calls, several emails, and often more than one faxe. I usually end up just writing them off and saving myself a lot of time and frustration.
Deane

Gary- as always, thanks for the business tips, they are much appreciated. Also, take care of yourself buddy. You have family ,friends, and fans that care for you and want you to be around for a many more years.

Deane, as I told you before, I‘d be happy to fill in for you whenever you’re not up for working. Just remember if you don’t pass the work on to a fellow keyboardist, another one of those obnoxious karaoke acts or one of them hippie “have guitar-will travel” guys will be taking your spot. It’s better to keep in the keyboard brethren, don’t cha think? 