|
|
twm
Regular user
of wine.
109 Posts
|
Posted: Mar 11, 2011 6:53am
When I came back to this hobby, my intention was to only do magic for my grandchildren. Visiting my father in law in hospital I started trying to brighten his day with a bit of magic. Then I noticed other people in the ward that looked lonely/bored. You know the story. How things can escalate. So I started thinking about magic for 'senior citizens'. There's lots to read here about the subject, as I'm obviously not the only one to go this route. These are some of my early thoughts though, based on early trials and reading here.
Every resident is different. Some may have hearing problems/vision problems. Some may be alert, others just want to be left with their memories. I would never want to inflict myself on people who were wheeled in to see me, just so the management could tick the boxes about 'activities' for the residents. Not that I'm suggesting for one minute that this would happen, of course.
I have plenty of time to offer, being retired myself. So time is not a problem.
What sort of magic should I do? Well it will depend on who I'm doing it for. So my initial thought is that I won't do a performance to a group of people. Some may prefer to watch the football on television, or to have a stroll in the garden. Some may not hear a word I'm saying, or see what I'm doing. Some will be as sharp as a button.
So I decided to try more of a table-hopping approach. That way I can try to judge whether they want to be involved, and get a quick assessment of what might be appropriate for them. A brief one-on-one feels like a satisfactory way to go. I would have to be ready with a number of tricks, but hopefully this would add value to the interaction. Early trials suggest this may work. Has anyone got anything to add to this approach?
|
mrunge
Inner circle
Charleston, SC
3474 Posts
|
Posted: Mar 12, 2011 3:56pm
All I can say is God bless. You have found what works for you and I'm sure those you encounter are grateful. It's sad, but when our older folk get placed in retirement or nursing homes, they seem to become "forgotten" and only seen when it fits into the schedules of their family's. Having one on one time with anyone, including a magician, gives them a nice break and, a lot of times, a welcome newcomer to chat with for a minute or two. Keep it up!
Mark. 
|
MasterGracey
New user
Malibu, CA / Winter Haven, FL
7 Posts
|
Posted: Mar 20, 2011 1:11am
I've done a couple of performances for my grandmother's retirement community. They were always having community meals and potlucks, and on those occasions I provided the entertainment on a small stage. The experience was very rewarding. I got to try out some stage effects, and the audience was quite receptive and non-threatening (no Waldorfs or Statlers!). As for hospitals and nursing homes, the one-on-one approach seems like it would work best. While I have not done magic in either, I have visited people in both numerous times, who seemed to enjoy the personal interaction and attention. Let us know how this develops; I find the idea intriguing and may try it out myself.
|
isaaclouie
New user
59 Posts
|
Posted: Mar 22, 2011 11:51pm
TWM,
I pretty much only do magic as an "Activity" for a group of seniors, but during the show can manage to get one on one time with them. It always amazes me how many seniors after seeing my show tell me about how they saw Thurston when they were kids!
Whenever I've done close up for seniors stick to tricks with clear plots like coins across. An 8 phase oil and water could be hard to follow.
For me when I do one on one time before or after the show currently I'm cutting silhoutte portraits and that gives me a good chance to chat with people and it gives them a good chance to relive when they had their portraits cut 80 years ago!
Louie
www.perform4seniors.com
|
grunkle
New user
6 Posts
|
Posted: Mar 26, 2011 11:34am
I do magic for retirement homes and long term care homes and it is such a rewarding feeling to see the happy faces in the groups. They appreciate that there can be something different in their daily activities and it feels so good for me as well. I love it.
|
Bob1Dog
Inner circle
Wife: It's me or this houseful of
1237 Posts
|
Posted: Mar 27, 2011 10:54pm
I'm retired too as is twm the originator of this thread. I collected magic for years but when I retired at age 59 I decided to put magic in my to DO list. Unfortunately I waited three years before I did that and now I wish I acted sooner. I've been preforming for a year and have about eight shows behind me, all for free and for seniors at a nursing homes, senior centers, rehab centers and one for a local homeless group. It's been a wonderful experience for me, permitting my own growth, but more than that, seeing smiles on folks who don't get a lot of attention from the outside world,is a heartwarming experience. I'm honing my skills, having fun finally giving something back. What could be better than that?
Posted: Mar 27, 2011 10:58pm
PS...sorry, I should have also said that I perform mostly parlor magic for these groups. I may warm up with a few table hoppers, but mostly it's a group performance with trying to get as many folks involved as possible.
What if the Hokey Pokey really IS what it's all about? 
My neighbor rang my doorbell at 2:30 a.m. this morning, can you believe that, 2:30 a.m.!? Lucky for him I was still up playing my drums.
|
Magic Rik
Loyal user
Eastern Canada
248 Posts
|
Posted: Jan 20, 2012 7:58pm
I am really enjoying all of the different discussions regarding Senior's homes. My wife, who goes every week and reads and sings to them has recruited me. Linda also says they will be there in a small group setting ranging from "barely there" to "quite intelligently communicative".
I am really nervous.
Magic Rik
Life itself is magic - I just want to help a bit!
https://www.facebook.com/Magic.by.Rik
|
| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The tricks are on me! » » Magic in Retirement/Care Homes |
|
|
|
