We had a particularly responsive day at Dimensions Living in Burr Ridge, in the memory unit. As we were about to leave, a daughter of one of the residents on the second floor flagged me down and asked if she could talk to me for a second. She went on at length about how grateful she was for our visit, saying that her mother was excited when she found out we were coming because, in her opinion, we were the best thing at the facility. The daughter also commented on the way we connected to everyone as individuals, recognizing and appreciating the skills and experience required to engage this particular audience. When I responded that we love making connections and we really care about the people, she smiled and said “Well, it really shows!”
– After a circus-themed performance at Citadel Wilmette (a surprisingly culturally diverse facility), something lovely happened. A man was with his wheelchair-bound mother for her first day at the Citadel. Artie told the Activity Director that he really loved how we interacted with the audience members, especially how we treated his mother, who had been nervous and scared to move into a new place. The Activity Director told me to go talk to Artie right away. I did, and it turns out he is a documentary filmmaker and wanted to make a film about Vaudeville Chicago and the effect of laughter, music, and improvisation on seniors with dementia and memory problems. Note: Artie filmed us at several performances, interviewed us, and made some studio video, so this project is happening.
– We’ve had several Activity Directors who changed facilities have us come to their new places. However, it was more remarkable when this happened with a Chief Administrator. Jon Ragsdale was the Executive Officer at Norwood Crossing for years. We’ve been appearing there since 2004. When he moved to the same position at Central Baptist Village in Norridge, he insisted that we “work our magic” at his new facility. This is what “becoming a part of the culture” at an institution can mean.