Ask The Activities Director #1
Pamela Dalbo of the Fishkill Center For Nursing and Rehabilitation
Pamela Dalbo, Activities Director of the Fishkill Center For Nursing and Rehabilitation answers our questions about what she is looking for when choosing talent for nursing homes. This is one of the facilities I play in regularly, near Beacon, NY.
What type of new acts are you looking for?
My residents are open to all types of entertainment. Classical music/ opera, jazz, dance, accordion, ethnic music, a magician or some other variety of entertainer would be of interest. But they love the familiar musician, like yourself, who know them as well.
What has traditionally worked best?
Our music programs on Friday afternoons have been a staple of our calendar for many years. Residents love performers who really engage with them, joking, asking questions, taking requests etc. Playing familiar songs they can sing along to is very popular
How do you find talent now?
They find me or recommendation of others.
What are crucial "do’s and dont's" for musicians?
Do be professional and honor your commitments: arrive on time to set up and start at the scheduled hour, be prepared and communicate. No call, no show artists, if it’s the first time performing would probably not be considered again. Of course, illness and emergencies do happen so they should be sure to get all the contact information of the facility before they have to cancel: Recreation Director/ Rec. department and the front desk person who can page the director if needed.
How would you like to be approached by entertainers?
I am often sent material via email or regular mail, or get phone calls. I appreciate a web site with performance videos. Your idea of sending a post card with a photo and info was convenient to just put up on my board to remind me to contact you. Calling me also does help to remind me… however I don’t like pushy people who call me too much.
What are the circumstances where there may be room in the budget for a duo or trio?
Maybe for special occasions like Grandparents Day or National nursing home week. But it depends on the fee.
Do you see music budgets growing in the future?
That’s hard to say. Every facility is different in what they allot for activities. My budget is not just for music or entertainment but for all supplies and activities.
Have you tried room to room strolling programs?
Yes. But my priority for spending is the weekly entertainment so I’ve relied on our in house musician for strolling music.
Do you work with agencies as well as individuals?
I never work with agencies as I personally prefer to work with individuals
Any memorable experiences, good or bad, you’d like to share?
The worst experience was with one performer who called me constantly telling me what a great performer he was, then when I finally booked him, came late, had to change clothes before he was able to start the program, forgot his music at home, was very disorganized. He ended up not charging me and never called again.
Do you welcome volunteers? Yes!