Hang in there, Ken. No one can fully understand how bad things are until they visit frequently.

I believe that most people with loved ones in these places end up not visiting often because they really don't want to face the seriousness of the situation.

I admire you for your devotion to your child.


R.

I did 20 gigs last year and had all the problems you faced.Im a very acomadating chap ,but a couple of times I was left on my own with about 15 ladies who were in a bad way.One wanted to leave the room-I wasnt THAT bad,then another pair were having a little tiff over room position,another practically fell out of her chair and I had to come to the rescue and call for help!
Billing.ha thats the main reason I have stopped doing these gigs.My wife was on top of the billing but when the cheque didnt arrive within 3 months a follow up call showed that they forgot,lost etc.Once we were owed for 3 visits,it turns out that the money was sent to another entertainer in another county who has promptly spent it.Chas

In my 3rd year of playing for the elderly, sick and needy, I've become more thrilled with the opportunity to bring joy to others. Some of these people have NO ONE - they wait for me to come to get a hug. It is very humbling and a place where God wants me - this I've never been more sure of.

I hear you, bro! You must be playing the same circuit I am!

Lucky

Captain Russ, Well Done.
I admire your attitude to your fellow man.
let me tell you about my first professional engagement.
I was offered the opportunity to play some music at a Conv. Home once a fortnight. I was asked how much I charged. I thought about this for a while, and told them i would play an hour for $15.00.I would have done this for free, but not knowing what I was getting into, I thought I could always reduce my charge to zero if that was appropriate at a later date. This Establishment was a private company, and I wanted to evaluate what would be appropriate under the circumstances.
While I was still employed part time in the Education System at this stage, it meant that I had to leave my job early, shower, travel to the venue, arrange my equipment up two floors, perform for 1 hour , and get back home again for $15.00.
The money was not an issue with me, as I said, I would do it for zero, if that is what they were happy with. But after a break at Christmas Time, I was told they had a new Occupational Therapist ( A,D, to you)and would be going in a new direction.
I have no doubt that the residents enjoyed my input, because before that, they had community singing without any music, and that was the purpose of my contribution, to provide music with their singing.
I always remember one lady who complained loudly when she was seated at the rear of the room and could not hear, but at the end of that day, made a point of saying to me as she left the room,"You played real good son, I enjoyed it immensely".
My day was complete.
As far as other comments have been made, I believe the overall problem comes back to the attitude and obligation of Staff in relation to/and organisation of the activities in their day to day programming, to avoid conflict with what is scheduled in their daily routine, and to avoid any conflict of interests.
Just my 2 cents worth
Ray

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Ray The Saint

Guys-Seriously, billing/receivables can be a pain in the ass, but it shouldn't be THAT bad.

In 14+ years of 350+ gigs per year, I've probably had less than five accounts go more than 6 weeks.

I'll start a fresh thread on getting paid at nursing homes, so it doesn't take away from this one...



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Bill in Dayton

And then you played "Great balls of fire", right?