Most residents are hungry for attention.

Some residents want hugs.

Some residents want to shake hands.

The resident iniates the touch or indicates how to touch. I may offer my hand (or extend my arms), but won't shake hands (or hug) unless unless invited to do so.

Residents like to be called by name.

If the resident wants to be left alone, I give him/her a smile and leave him be.

When asked by a resident to give assistance, unless it's something very minor, I tell him/her a clown can't do that and promise to call a nurse.

Residents want their feelings acknowleged. If they seem upset when I approach them, I'll tell them I'm sorry they're having a hard day, and leave them alone (unless they seek me out).

Residents (and staff) warm up to me at their own rate of speed which can be anywhere from instantly (the usual) to a year. A few residents still (after 3+ years) don't want to interact with me, but will say "Hello". (See "A Special Acceptance" under the heading stories/experiences.)

I always give out stickers, and ask where the resident (or staff person) wants to wear/put it. Many residents have sticker collections - on wheelchairs, on the lamp in the room, on the window by the bed.

Sergio (a young, brain damaged man) is a good example of how excited some residents are to see me. He always comes running up to me saying "Clowney, darling, stick me" and gives me a big hug and kiss on the cheek, and goes on his way.

I shine their shoes and act silly with a feather duster. Sometimes I give clown hair cuts (all pretend with silly hair cutting utensils), a clown shave, a clown manicure. What I'm giving is a litte attention.

My clowning is generally one on one.I have had a clown day. Residents made clown hats and ties to wear. I gave out noses to whoever wanted one. We had a sing-a-long, open mike for joke telling (that has to be directed if you're going to do it), I ended with a magic tick. The activities director served ice cream. My husband and his 80+ year old aunt and uncle assisted me. Everyone had fun.

I recently brought my 93 year old bridge partner to clown with me at the nursing home. She was in a wheelchair and wore a clown nose ,wig, vest and tie.We visited. It was great. The residents love when I bring a "clown"friend.

Whenever I speak to a new clown who's about to clown in a nursing home, I stress that what they do isn't important. What's important is that they're there. Just make sure you always get permission before entering anyone's space, and you'll find what works for you by just visitng.You don't need a special chracter or special anything.
Residents always thank me for visiting.I've been told I'm their best friend; they live for two things: their children's visits and my visits; I'm all they have...Pretty powerful stuff.

Also, you will see many things that are not pretty.Can you imagine how wonderful it is for a disfigured man in a wheelchair, whose pants are wet and who's drooling on his stained t-shirt to have someone come up to him, smile, and hold out her hand to shake his? (I always carry antiseptic "WetOnes" and clean my hands frequently - not a problem.)

I've found that when I focus on the happiness I'm bringing rather than the trajedy I see (this applies to the hospital setting also),I have no problem coming back.
Any visit to a nursng home is good. Repeated visits are truly wonderful.

[This message was edited by Clown Dode on January 26, 2003 at 05:52 PM.]

I went to a clown school ten days ago and have been wondering if I'm cut out for this as I have no talents which lend themselves to clowning. After reading your post, I believe I could do this.

Sharon,

Do you have any sense of humor at all? You have the desire to participate, so the rest will come with experience. I remember the first rounds I made, and that was with another new clown, and I felt very inadequate. As time passed, I attended good clown training geared toward caring clowning, and my confidence went up. I now clown alone since I'm retired and can put in more time and don't have to fit into another's schedule.

The biggest factor in our form of clowning is "caring." If the patients feel a genuine attention and care from you, you've done your job. The clown entertaining part is secondary.

Good luck and be warned; it can become a huge part of your life!

Thanks, Dr. Getwell, for the words of encouragement.

Two weeks ago I was fortunate enough to observe Dr. Laffngiggl as he made rounds in nursing homes and hospitals in southeast Iowa. I think I can do it as I do care about people, especially children, and I think I have a sense of humor. Plus, I'll have the "power of the red nose." ;-)

Sharon, please share your first clowning experience with us.You're sure to inspire new clowns and may teach us old dogs a few new tricks!

Dr. Getwell's description of the caring clown's job is perfect.

Hi, I am Twinkletoes the caring clown and have been doing caring clowning in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospice. I was really pretty bad when I first started right down to the awful almost ugly makeup then went to Moosecamp, gained confidence and a new clown character and face. The residents love me now and I have two regular gigs in nursing homes and an assisted living facility keeps asking me back. I do things from joining the residents in their exercises (I am of course very silly) to just sitting and holding someone's hand. I have one resident at one of my nursing homes who giggles and claps everytime he sees me. I had a touching experience related to my clowning but as I was at my nursing job at Hospice. I went to attend a death in a patient's home and the family all expressed the relief and gladness they experienced when they found out that the "clown nurse" was coming at such an important time for them. These little experiences make it all worthwhile. Keep clowning and Bump a nose. Twinkletoes