Perhaps a reveal box, which produces a small animal (hamster?) - subject to approval of the appropriate authority - and your performance "insurance cover".
People love small animals, which give a very calming peace of mind.

I have done a few independent living senior centers as well as the assisted living - and all of the suggestions are great! When you are in a group I try to find the one person who likes to laugh and talk - and get them involved, usually a follow me card trick - pretty soon the entire room is laughing. They love the attention - so I bring a stuffed rabbit in a hat - they interact very well with stuffed animals too.