LisaRee 0 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 I never turn down any entertainer who volunteers their time for my residents. but I have a serious problem with one certain entertainer who is ABSOLUTELY aweful! She comes complete with a small 1970's guitar amp and a very small cd player that most of our residents can't hear. I could overlook those things and have offered our stereo for her music, but the thing that I can not over look is the fact that my residents do not like her and any high functioning residents leave the activity room as soon as she starts singing. Her flyers promise a "Toe tapping good time", but her performance is far from that. I've tried to explain to her that she should try singing some songs that the residents know and maybe that would keep them awake, but she seems to not want to try anything different. Is is ok to tell a volunteer that we don't need her services? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillinDayton 0 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 I never turn down any entertainer who volunteers their time for my residents. but I have a serious problem with one certain entertainer who is ABSOLUTELY aweful! She comes complete with a small 1970's guitar amp and a very small cd player that most of our residents can't hear. I could overlook those things and have offered our stereo for her music, but the thing that I can not over look is the fact that my residents do not like her and any high functioning residents leave the activity room as soon as she starts singing. Her flyers promise a "Toe tapping good time", but her performance is far from that. I've tried to explain to her that she should try singing some songs that the residents know and maybe that would keep them awake, but she seems to not want to try anything different. Is is ok to tell a volunteer that we don't need her services? Of course it is... I'd be as respectful and polite as possible but if she won't cater to the residents, then she's clearly catering to herself. Why waste the residents time? If she's as bad as you say, how many residents are going to keep coming? Chances are you could replace her with a different volunteer that might very well get a better turnout... Good luck... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themusiclady 1 Report Share Posted June 6, 2008 I think it's as important if residents don't want something they shouldn't have to have it as if they do want something they should! Anyone who is serious about entertaining has to work on two main things- the tastes of their audience and their musicianship. I spend hours looking for music the seniors have suggested, and there's no more magical moment than when someone has memory loss and you've discovered 'their song', the one they'll always sing with you, the one which makes them happy... I am writing a book about this, I think some entertainers don't realise the techniques they can use to enhance their performances in nursing homes. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckimbal1 0 Report Share Posted June 6, 2008 I think it is more than acceptable to turn down entertainment. The next time she wnats to come in and sing just politely tell her the residents are not interested in the type of music she plays and you are trying to find an entertainer that plays music more their style. It is obvious that you have given her chances to accomidate the residents wants. This should leave her with not much room to complain, although she probably will, your residents will be much happier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplesky 0 Report Share Posted June 7, 2008 The way I get rid of bad entertainers is to phase them out gently. When they want to schedule next month's date, I let them know that I already have a full calendar with entertainment planned. I state that I will call them when I need entertainment. I will also let them know that we are trying new entertainment and there is not enough room in the calendar for their entertainment. I know this may sound rude. But as an AD we must cater to the resident's needs. If they don't get the hint when residents are leaving the activity, then they gotta go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillinDayton 0 Report Share Posted June 7, 2008 The way I get rid of bad entertainers is to phase them out gently. When they want to schedule next month's date, I let them know that I already have a full calendar with entertainment planned. I state that I will call them when I need entertainment. I will also let them know that we are trying new entertainment and there is not enough room in the calendar for their entertainment. I know this may sound rude. But as an AD we must cater to the resident's needs. If they don't get the hint when residents are leaving the activity, then they gotta go! Curious what % of them continue to call for dates over the next few months? As an entertainer, myself, I'd prefer the frank, candid approach. I'm fortunate that I haven't been "phased out" very often, lol. Without really understanding why you didn't like them, they really don't have any clue how to improve. Maybe they really believe you are all filled up? I'm 1000% for catering to the residents needs, but residents leave activities all the time for reasons that have nothing to do with entertainer's abilities. I don't think its rude, but its a little unprofessional. A short, respectful chat after their performance explaining what you didn't like and why you're not having them back is far better than hoping they get the hint or avoiding their calls down the road. Just my 2 cents... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kellbell68 0 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 I have dealt with this as well. I agree that it is a great idea to tell the entertainer that your calendar for the next month is full. Or if your entertainer has a standing date each month, plan something special that day and explain to her you already have something going on. Let her know you will give her a call when you may need her again. Maybe she will get the idea Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillinDayton 0 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 I have dealt with this as well. I agree that it is a great idea to tell the entertainer that your calendar for the next month is full. Or if your entertainer has a standing date each month, plan something special that day and explain to her you already have something going on. Let her know you will give her a call when you may need her again. Maybe she will get the idea Kelly Not commenting directly on Kelly at all, but I'm really surprised at the number of AD's who think the deceptive, "maybe they'll get the idea" strategy is best. You are all professionals...None of you would appreciate your supervisors handling you this way. Part of being a department head, in my opinion, is having the professional grace and skill to speak candidly but professionally with your entertainers about things you do like as well as the things you don't like. It's perfectly fine to voice concerns or even let them go if they're not doing the job. Not targeting anyone specifically, but would like to add this in a general sense: Universally, AD's want their entertainers to be professional. (And they should!) The same standard should be applied to yourselves as well. I'm in a terrific situation where, thankfully, I've not been let go too often. But my respect for the AD who sat me down 12 years ago and explained why she wouldn't use me for awhile was a lot higher than the others who just slowly faded me out. It's as much about how you treat people, as any thing else I guess... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casinera79 0 Report Share Posted June 23, 2008 I never turn down any entertainer who volunteers their time for my residents. but I have a serious problem with one certain entertainer who is ABSOLUTELY aweful! She comes complete with a small 1970's guitar amp and a very small cd player that most of our residents can't hear. I could overlook those things and have offered our stereo for her music, but the thing that I can not over look is the fact that my residents do not like her and any high functioning residents leave the activity room as soon as she starts singing. Her flyers promise a "Toe tapping good time", but her performance is far from that. I've tried to explain to her that she should try singing some songs that the residents know and maybe that would keep them awake, but she seems to not want to try anything different. Is is ok to tell a volunteer that we don't need her services? Lisa I used to be a talent buyer as well as a booking agent. This odd job from my college days, strangely enough, prepared me for buying talent for my community in my activity career. You've done the right things so far by gently offering this bad entertainer some ideas in how to make her performance better. You gave her a chance to improve. But now that you've given her a chance and she hasn't taken it, it's time to move on. Your residents deserve better and it's ok to tell her that. Perhaps you can let her down easy by explaining that if she takes your tips for improvements, you'll invite her back in a few months for a trial run. Good luck! Maria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catlover30 0 Report Share Posted June 26, 2008 Curious what % of them continue to call for dates over the next few months? As an entertainer, myself, I'd prefer the frank, candid approach. I'm fortunate that I haven't been "phased out" very often, lol. Without really understanding why you didn't like them, they really don't have any clue how to improve. Maybe they really believe you are all filled up? I'm 1000% for catering to the residents needs, but residents leave activities all the time for reasons that have nothing to do with entertainer's abilities. I don't think its rude, but its a little unprofessional. A short, respectful chat after their performance explaining what you didn't like and why you're not having them back is far better than hoping they get the hint or avoiding their calls down the road. Just my 2 cents... Very well said! I think if we do have a problem with an entertainer we should let them know what exactly it is and offer to help in any way especially since it is a volunteer! The AD who worked before scared away all of my volunteers and you have no idea how hard it was fro me to try to go out and reach them again! We need to have a good honest professional relationship with our volunteers if you need music you can email me your fax number and i can fax you some with lyrics and music! popeyeluv30@sbcglobal.net but please don't discourage volunteers I'm pretty sure that you have at least one resident happy with that voluteer! I wish you the best and good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ella 0 Report Share Posted June 26, 2008 I agree with Bill in dayton. We are all professionals and need to be that way with ALL our volunteers. They are wonderful people and feel that they are helping us so we need to help them. The first step is being honest with them. Let them know what we really need from them. It sounds like you have done just that with letting this volunteer know what type of music your residents prefer. The problem may be that she does not have the resources to obtain new material to fill your requests. You may be able to utilize this volunteer for one-to-one room visits for those residents that do enjoy her music rather than letting her go completely. Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BartMan 0 Report Share Posted June 26, 2008 I agree with Bill in dayton. We are all professionals and need to be that way with ALL our volunteers. They are wonderful people and feel that they are helping us so we need to help them. The first step is being honest with them. Let them know what we really need from them. It sounds like you have done just that with letting this volunteer know what type of music your residents prefer. The problem may be that she does not have the resources to obtain new material to fill your requests. You may be able to utilize this volunteer for one-to-one room visits for those residents that do enjoy her music rather than letting her go completely. Good Luck! I have been an AD for almost 16 years now at the same facility. I have seen my fair share of "Bad Entertainment" .... I have always used the head on approach and confronted the problem quickly. I have never had a problem handling a situation this way. Just be honest , maybe that person doesn't even know that they could improve , or maybe they do and they just like to give their time and help in any way they can. Try to give then other things to do if that's the case. But in any case I recommend confronting the person, in person, with whatever the situation might be. It will be the best in the long run , trust me.... Try to never "phase" someone out for anything.... Not meant to be pointing any of your opinions out , just don't agree with it is all.... I-CARE , Integrity , Compassion , Accountability , Respect and Excellence !! BartMan in Tally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaRee 0 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2008 I appreciate all the feedback. I decided that "honesty is the best policy" so I sat down with her and had a good talk. I explained everything to her and asked her to modify her entertainment towards our residents...sing old gospel songs that they can get involved in too...and she did just that but still not singing well. This time she brought in opinion cards for my activity aides to fill out and they were completely honest with her also. She hasn't called to set up a date for July...hmmmmm Bart in Tally...WOW 16 years, huh? I've been at my facility for nearly 9 years. Wanna let me in on some secrets of avoiding burn-out? I could realy use it right about now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BartMan 0 Report Share Posted June 26, 2008 I appreciate all the feedback. I decided that "honesty is the best policy" so I sat down with her and had a good talk. I explained everything to her and asked her to modify her entertainment towards our residents...sing old gospel songs that they can get involved in too...and she did just that but still not singing well. This time she brought in opinion cards for my activity aides to fill out and they were completely honest with her also. She hasn't called to set up a date for July...hmmmmm Bart in Tally...WOW 16 years, huh? I've been at my facility for nearly 9 years. Wanna let me in on some secrets of avoiding burn-out? I could realy use it right about now! LisaRee , Listen to me very carefully and do as I say , are ya ready ? Here it goes , VACATION !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BartMan ;o) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplesky 0 Report Share Posted June 26, 2008 Curious what % of them continue to call for dates over the next few months? As an entertainer, myself, I'd prefer the frank, candid approach. I'm fortunate that I haven't been "phased out" very often, lol. Without really understanding why you didn't like them, they really don't have any clue how to improve. Maybe they really believe you are all filled up? I'm 1000% for catering to the residents needs, but residents leave activities all the time for reasons that have nothing to do with entertainer's abilities. I don't think its rude, but its a little unprofessional. A short, respectful chat after their performance explaining what you didn't like and why you're not having them back is far better than hoping they get the hint or avoiding their calls down the road. Just my 2 cents... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillinDayton 0 Report Share Posted June 27, 2008 Not sure I follow you, purple... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaRee 0 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2008 I'm on top of that, Mr BartMan. SInce I've been here I've always worked on the fourth but this year I'm taking vacation time. Thing is, I have nowhere to go. Oh well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjspeights 0 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 I'm sorry you have a bad entertainer. A good way to let someone still feel appreciated might be to ask them to volunteer in a different capacity, like helping with music appreciation or aerobics - where you can decide on the music - and also have them feel good about helping. If thier ego is involved, then there is nothing you can do but say thank you but we don't need your services at this time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaelicpaddy 0 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 I never turn down any entertainer who volunteers their time for my residents. but I have a serious problem with one certain entertainer who is ABSOLUTELY aweful! She comes complete with a small 1970's guitar amp and a very small cd player that most of our residents can't hear. I could overlook those things and have offered our stereo for her music, but the thing that I can not over look is the fact that my residents do not like her and any high functioning residents leave the activity room as soon as she starts singing. Her flyers promise a "Toe tapping good time", but her performance is far from that. I've tried to explain to her that she should try singing some songs that the residents know and maybe that would keep them awake, but she seems to not want to try anything different. Is is ok to tell a volunteer that we don't need her services? It is always difficult to turn down entertainers/volunteers. Finding a replacement program and person is a stressful event and your programming suffers as a result. However, if your volunteer is really bad and residents are starting to leave when she comes, then your programming is already suffering. You may have to discuss with her in private changes the residents have asked for when she is there and pose it the way you have on your post (tell her residents can't hear, etc.). She should be willing to change. If she is unwilling. maybe she doesn't know any older songs and doesn't want to admit it. Try giving her a sing-a-long book. Or, it sounds as if your higher functioning residents don't like her because they cannot hear her in your activity room. Why not have her do something in a different room where there may not be as much noise for residents. (A longe area, maybe?)? You might have to let her go, and tell her that you like having her help, but the singing program isn't working and you want to suspend it until you can figure out why. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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