Free Entertainment For Elderly

[san070160]

I recently started a wondeerful job as an Activities Co-ordinator in a Residential Care Home. I arrange various activities for the Residents, but sometimes it rings the changes to get "outside entertainment". I do have a small budget for such things, but I was womdering if anyone out there could suggest some "value for money", or better still, free entertainment for my lovely Residents. They are aged 70 - 100 and they like to have a good time. We are in the Bradford area in West Yorkshire. A suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[mallyh]

could you ask school choirs to come and sing

[Tilly2]

Why not contact some local schools or local curches.and see if they can come and sing some carols.

[Tilly2]

mallyh! Greta minds!

[mallyh]

lol x

[mallyh]

local dance schools always like to perform too

[san070160]

Yes, I've done that and it's been really good. Any more ideas? And thanks.

[Tilly2]

^ Greta? You know what I mean.

[albaqwerty]

Would any local am-dram groups come along to rehearse their play?

It would provide a change of venue for them, and a good giggle for all when there are faux pas.

Also, I wouldn't know where to start, but maybe a local college or university where they might have ventriloquists or other performers needing to hone their skills?

[daffy654]

Get them a Karaoke machine with some song tracks they would be familiar with and organise a sing along night.

[Tilly2]

I am going to the Christmas Party at my Dad's home, later this afternoon. The staff are doing a little pantomime. That should be good.

[san070160]

I'm loving some of these suggestions! Especially from albaquerty, despite to strange name. Lol. Cheers.

[albaqwerty]

Tilly, he's behind yooo!! x

Many thanks for best,, san, very kind.

[Tilly2]

Another thing thay do at Dad's is to show a DVD in the small lounge and invite the residents to 'Come to the Pictures' They give out popcorn and ice cream and drinks during the film.

[gness]

Magicians quite like an audience to try out new tricks on....

Beauty and massage students have to do some work in the community as a rule....my oldest guinea pig was 99........☺

[Tilly2]

That's a good idea of Alba's . The Performing Arts Dept. at the local college would be a great place to start.

'Oh, no he isn't!'

[anneasquith]

a salvation army band. always enjoyable.

[Maydup]

Get a bingo machine and see if you can find a local "outsider" to do some entertaining calling from time to time. Prizes need only be soap or biscuits etc!

Quiz and chips is always popular.

Get a DVD and serve pizza and popcorn.

[sunny-dave]

Have you thought of contacting a local PAT (Pets as Therapy) group and seeing if they might like to bring some friendly pets to visit?

http://www.petsastherapy.org/

[san070160]

I'm already doing most of the things suggested, but keep 'em coming.
Cheers everyone. x

[Tilly2]

I can't think of any more. You are obviously doing a good job. Off to the party now.