Interesting subject, for sure...

I agree wholeheartedly that "standards" are often unevenly applied to the detriment of the residents.

I also agree that some facilities are better than others and that the appearance of the front lobby or the attire of the food-service staff has nothing to do with the quality of care being provided within.

I have seen the "dog & pony show" that occurs when State Surveyors are in town checking them out.

Why do you refuse to perform at places like these? While I'm paid by the NH's owners, I "work" for the residents. The services I provide are of a very high quality (so I'm told, at least...) and are consumed directly by the residents themselves. Its a one on one relationship, not filtered through an Administrator, a Director of Nursing or even an Activity Director.

If I on principle refused to perform in these facilities, how would that help address the issues that face the Long Term Care industry? How would that...ever...benefit the residents daily experience? If I am enriching the lives of the people I play for...and then take that away...doesn't that make their day worse, not better?

I applaud your efforts to improve the industry from outside, but would ask you to "also" focus on the daily experiences of the residents within. The gift you possess is of a valuable currency in this age group. They KNOW what good music is and it impacts them profoundly.

My impact can't be measured in a long term sense since most of these folks won't be here in five years. However, they are here right now and I believe benefit from my performing for them as I do. Long term, your efforts may result in improvements. Hopefully so. But I say you could still bring pleasure to these audiences AND tactfully work behind the scenes to address long term improvement.

Don't misunderstand me, I'm fully behind high quality standards for LTC locations. In this age of "anti-Gov't this and anti-Gov't that" I'm unsure what kind of more aggressive measures we'll see enacted.


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Bill in Dayton

[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 05-14-2010).]