PatrickTheCop Loc: Spartanburg, SC

I am considering contacting a few of the local nursing homes and offering to donate my time and somewhat meager photography talents to do portraits for their residents. I know that often times those foks in their golden years don't have an opportunity for new photos and thought it may be a worthwhile effort both for the residents and their families. Anyone have any thoughts on whether this would be a good idea or not? The plan would consist of me doing the photos and having a 5x7 or 4x6 print made for each resident - depending on how much I can afford out of pocket - can't imagine it costing me more than $100 or so.

Sparkleplenty

Cheers to you, spreading sunshine is good for everyone..

PatrickTheCop Loc: Spartanburg, SC

Sparkle, I take it then, you think it is a good or worthwhile idea to pursue?

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

I think this is a great idea. A lot of those residents don't even have current photos at all so I think this is great.

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

Not wishing to sound like a 'kill-joy', but I think permission from the home management and relatives should be sought first.
Otherwise, I think it is a most kind and generous to do and I wish you well in your endeavors.
Let everyone on HOG know how you fair

Sparkleplenty

Oh yes.

PatrickTheCop Loc: Spartanburg, SC

Oh yes, you are certainly correct. That was a given. I would not venture to undertake such a task without the permission of the head administrator of the faccilty as well as that of the residents and/or their relatives.

tayco Loc: Wisconsin

I think it is a wonderful idea!! Let us know how it turns out.

tk Loc: Iowa

Some assisted living places (not nursing homes, per se) will do a fund raiser. I've seen some hilarious calendars done and they made quite a bit of money to donate or use for a special purchase they were making.
One was bathing suits. Most were in the water or covered partially by towels, beach balls, etc. One guy refused to be facing the camera and in every shot, including the group shot was turned so we only saw his back, hysterical.
Another, superhero t-shirts in poses.
Formal attire.
Sleepware.

PatrickTheCop Loc: Spartanburg, SC

Intersting! I had no idea that any of them did such a fundraiser. And sounds like it was quite a fun shoot for the photographer too!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I did this several years ago when my grandmother was in a nursing home. I approached the Walmart Photo Center about a break on pricing and when they heard what I was doing for free as a donation to the nursing home, they volunteered to process and print all my pics for free as a donation to the community also. (Yes, that was in the days of film.)
This might be something you could talk a local printshop into doing for you also.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Great idea.

But why do you need relatives' approval? By definition, you're dealing with adults...

Good luck!

Cheers,

R.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Because many residents of nursing homes are not there because of their own free will, but have been committed there by family members because of mental deficiencies that preclude their ability to make sound judgements. Albeit these people being in a small minority in these facilities, but you never know when talking to them most of the time. Quite often those family members are court-appointed Guardians for those older people and permission from that guardian should be obtained to avoid complications later on.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Fair point, but I'd have thought that the proprietors of these place would warn you about that before you take pics. I'd prefer not to insult someone by assuming that they're too senile to give informed consent.

Also, if it's free pics for the people who live there, you'd soon get an idea of the relatives' reactions when they saw the pics. Publication is another matter.

Cheers,

R.

Dave K

Both MT Shooter and Roger have cogent points, but I'd like to add another thought or two. I would think that the nursing facility administrator would tell you which residents would require a guardian's consent; however, it would be a good idea to specifically ask about this when you make your original presentation. It will send the message that you are, in fact, cognizant of that possibility and will show that you have thought the whole thing out - both points, I would think, that would leave the administrator favorably disposed toward you.

Another point you need to keep in mind is the HIPAA patient confidentiality laws, and I'm reasonably certain they apply as much to Extended Care facilities as they do hospitals, clinics, Paramedics, and all other medical institutions. If nothing else, it might behoove you to do some research on HIPAA before you approach the facilities.

With that said, I applaud you and your idea. That would be a most kind and compassionate thing to do, and I've no doubt that most of the residents would be overjoyed at it. Of course, there will always be the curmudgeons who won't want their pictures taken, and I'm equally certain you already know to honor those wishes.

Best of luck to you.

David H. Keith