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VA Performances

There are more than 160 VA Medical Centers and 130 State Veterans Homes in this nation. Their hospitals, ambulatory care, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and domicillaries, and their extensive home-care programs, provide medical services for more than 5,000,000 Americans each year.

All Veterans facilities are part of a consistent management plan, but each center is unique in patient diversity and variety of facilities. Staff members in almost every facility welcome shows by outside entertainment groups, but each must adapt to local needs and conditions.

When entertainers volunteer a show, The Veterans Fund puts that group or individual in touch with capable staff members who will communicate need, opportunity, and caution before a showdate is set. Among other things, these considerations will be discussed:

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Patient populations: They differ widely. The kinds of shows that may be appropriate for one Veterans facility may not work well in another.
 
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Performance areas: Some groups will be asked to perform in auditoriums, some in day rooms, some in atriums, some in reception areas, some in cafeterias, and many in hallways, wards, and individual rooms.
 
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Sound equipment: Some facilities will have limited performance sound equipment, some will have public-address type systems, and many will have no sound equipment at all.
 
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Time of show. Some facilities can use shows almost any day at any time. Others are restricted to specific days and times by patient scheduling, facility use, staff rotation, and availability of volunteers to help with patient mobility.

Groups and individuals who provide shows for institutionalized veterans are rewarded by a smile, a glimmer in the eyes, a nod of the head, the touch of a hand, a mumbled "thank you", and the deep inner joy of being allowed the privilege of performing for men and women who have already paid for the show!