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Thomas Kwon Veteran user 333 Posts |
Hey workers,
I used to do some volunteer card works (and some other close up stuff) in senior retirement homes. Because of the phenomonal response of the residents there, the admin has given me the opportunity to acquire more volunteer service hours by connecting me with a long term care facility for seniors. Little did I know that the residents at the long term care facility lacked the ability to understand the effects I was performing (worst day of my magic life...). I am looking for what kind of effects to perform for such seniors with slight or great disabilities.. thanks, thomas |
MickeyPainless Inner circle California 6065 Posts |
That's a tough one Thomas! I have a once a year gig in my wifes Special Ed class where I'm extremely limited as well!
Good luck and good onya for donating your time! MMc |
Dorian Rhodell Inner circle San Francisco, CA. 1633 Posts |
I did some magic at a facility that treats seniors with dementia and alzheimers.
Out of everything I tried, one effect seemed to work best. The egg bag. The premise is extremely simple and easy to follow and there is nothing to remember that lasts longer than 30 seconds. I would also suspect that because they actually got to touch the egg, touch the bag, drop the egg in the bag, pull the bag insideout and eventually reproduce the egg themselves that the impact was greater due to more senses being involved. Best, Dorian Rhodell |
ThomasJ Special user Chicago 999 Posts |
Hey Thomas,
I used to do this as well. I've found that all card tricks are out of the question. Focus on stuff you do for kids, but change the presentations for the older folks. Stuff with silks, colors, money, etc. seemed to work well. Sponge balls are also good for this group. Keep the effects focused on one clear moment of magic. Avoid multi-phased routines and effects that require them to remember things. And if you have anything signed, uncap the marker for them...many don't have the strength to do this. Sometimes you have to explain things for them, as well. So focus on good presentations, but don't forget that they might not be privy to some of the terms and lingo nowadays. Best of luck. T.J. |
MickeyPainless Inner circle California 6065 Posts |
I like the egg bag idea!
TJ is right about simplicity! When I do the sponge balls for my wifes students (5-7 years with varying degrees of mental and physical disabilities) I keep the routing minimal and usually go for either a very large ball or manyyyy small ball finale! Her suggestions the first year I did it was keep it simple and direct, short and easy to follow with minimal memory requirements! This is (based on experience with Alzheimer patients) it's about the same thing! Maybe a Square Circle bit?!?!? Good luck and keep us posted! MMc |
Lawrence O Inner circle French Riviera 6811 Posts |
A Chop cup routine would probably work.
Magic is the art of emotionally sharing live impossible situations
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bouche Regular user 146 Posts |
I have done some shows in long term care facility. If you do any card work just use one card. For instance I once used a blank card and had everyone who could initial it.
You can use it for a couple of effects and then an impossible location. No memory work and keep it easy to follow. Keep in mind that some or many people will have difficulties with: -memory -vision - hearing -attention Things they all enjoy -laughter - music and companionship Try using the coordinator in a couple of tricks. Get that person to really ham things up. Music is probably preferred over chatter - a challenge to close up. A short manipulation routine would suit this. When I performed close up I did not do too many card tricks. Some story tricks worked good - Poker Dan, Gyspy Curse. When doing sponge balls or coin work please remember their hands might be sore when you place objects inside and close their fingers. |
Robert M Inner circle 2482 Posts |
My 92 year-old mother has early onset Alzheimer's. It's hell to get old, but as my mother says, "It beats the alternative".
Great advice from everyone. Robert |
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