Originally Posted by MarioD
Steve, I have seen videos of lifeless elders in nursing homes come to life when their favorite music is played. <...snip...>
Years ago, we started out by doing volunteer gigs at the V.A. Hospital's nursing home sections. It was a way to show appreciation to those who served and came back damaged.

A few nursing homes and assisted living facilities and nursing homes got wind of this, and started hiring us. Short gigs, mid-weeks, low pay, but fill-in work.

It is amazing to see people who are in a non-communicative state suddenly brighten up and sing along to songs they know. It makes me feel like we are doing something important for that person.

Years later, we are getting paid by the VA to come when they want us, instead of us stopping by once or twice a year in our slow season. We also have a few assisted living facilities that hire us. One, once a month, another every other month, and the rest once in a while.

Like I said, the pay isn't great, but it's on days we wouldn't otherwise get booked, and the rewards are not the money, but the feeling that we are doing something good for health-compromised people.

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
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