“Bingo, Bible Studies, and Birthdays!”
This, apparently, is the long-standing joke about the typical traditional nursing home activity program. I heard it echoed at the Northern Nevada Activity Professionals Association Conference by the Education director and emcee of the conference, Jon Young. Of course, we all chuckled knowingly.
Fortunately, I was thrilled to discover a group of ageless seniors who help break that mode in long-term care communities in the Kansas City area. Ironically, while in the middle of conducting a Bible study for some residents while filling in for an Activity Professional, I heard an unexpected announcement.
“The Band is here!” someone called out from the entrance of the skilled nursing facility.
“What band?” I inquired, puzzled that this had been inadvertently omitted from the calendar.
In minutes, the room where I was hosting the Bible study soon filled up with instruments, a large PA system, and four amazing country musicians with a bunch of talent and enthusiasm. They invited me to join them with my guitar, and the five of us had a blast entertaining some grateful residents.
Note, the ornery gentleman to the far right, happens to be a very talented 86-year-old fiddle player and country singer. The other guys are in their late 70′s, and the female, who is the youngest, is a mere 70 years young.
Never too old to be the icing on the cake!
Kareen King is a Registered Drama Therapist and founder of The Golden Experience™, offering keynotes, concerts, and workshops to enrich lives in long-term care. For booking information, contact her at kking@thegoldenexperience.com or visit www.thegoldenexperience.com. You may also signup for our newsletter and receive a free download.
{ 1 comment }
>Kareen,
What a wonderful surprise. Just be blessed that God have you the talents to play an instrument and to sing!
You are still a blessing to the elderly. Spread your love for they will remember your deeds! 
Carrie Hanson