A Guide for Care Facility Directors
Whether a Contagious Joy group has reached out to you about visiting or you’d like to invite one in, this page is your guide. Here you’ll find what to expect, how to help a group succeed, and the benefits your residents and staff will experience.
Contagious Joy groups bring the Good News of Jesus to care facility residents through songs, skits, and plays — at no cost to your facility. The program is entertaining, interactive, and filled with enthusiasm by young people in your community who want to make a difference.
“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” — James 1:27
Lifted Spirits
When young people show up to share their time and energy, something remarkable happens. Residents who may feel forgotten or alone discover they are valued and loved and their outlooks become brighter.
“I have seen the elder generations burdens lifted, smiles brighten their days, and voices lifted up in singing. Only God.” — Leica Nissen, Founder
Energy and Movement
Among the many benefits of connecting the younger generation with the older is that young people have a way of bringing energy and increased movement to the residents. The indirect results of the elderly interacting with children are increased movement, more time outside their rooms, and greater confidence in their physical abilities.
Interacting with toddler's can help residents forget their own physical limitations and have a greater desire for involvement.
“I took part in a Contagious Joy play when I was four years old. That was 15 years ago! I still remember my experience to this day. I felt a sense of community and hope and had a lot of fun in the process." Brynn Keiser
Faith Sparked
When residents hear the Good News of Jesus through joyful songs, skits, and heartfelt visits, something stirs inside. Faith is sparked, hope is renewed, and spirits are lifted. As one family member shared after her aunt’s experience with Contagious Joy: “It was as if Contagious Joy had sparked her faith.”
“My Aunt Margie’s greatest happiness was meeting the Contagious Joy team and becoming their friend. It all started when my Aunt was in an assisted living home where she was not happy. Contagious Joy came in and did a play then everything changed. Her outlook became brighter, and her spirits were lifted. It was as if Contagious Joy had sparked her faith. She believed that God works things out for us if we trust in Him. Contagious Joy = trust in God and find happiness in your faith.” — Jeanmarie Stiles
Intergenerational Connection
One of the beautiful things about a Contagious Joy visit is the connections formed between generations. According to The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults: “Teenagers and young adults experience improved peer relationships and higher levels of self-esteem and self-confidence. Younger children develop greater social acceptance and increased respect, compassion, and empathy.” There is also an opportunity for the younger generation to learn from your residents.
"Faith once felt distant to me, but through Contagious Joy, God met me in an unexpected way. I built meaningful friendships, found a safe place to grow, and connected with elderly residents in ways I never had before. What began as serving others became a powerful, life-changing exchange between generations." Taylor Breinich
When someone becomes old, frail, lonely, or isolated, God sends people to encourage them and remind them of His love. As you watch the residents’ faces brighten into smiles when visitors perform and interact with them, you will see firsthand His faithfulness — He never leaves us or stops loving us.
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” — John 13:34-35
Helping Groups Succeed at Your Facility
New groups coming to your facility may need assistance as they become familiar with the environment and build relationships with your residents. Your guidance and hospitality can make all the difference in creating a joyful experience for everyone.
Practical Ways to Help
- Set up the performance space — Arrange your activities room or common area with space for performers, and provide microphones, tables, and chairs as needed
- Add to your activities calendar — Schedule the visit and include it when printing the monthly calendar for residents
- Post on your activities board — Let residents know about the upcoming visit so they can look forward to it
- Introduce the group to residents — A warm introduction from a familiar staff member helps residents feel comfortable and sets the tone for the visit
- Consider memory care residents — Ask the group if they can also perform separately for your memory care residents, giving every resident the opportunity to receive joy
- Provide a visitor list — After the visit, share a list of residents who would welcome additional visitors for follow-up visits
Groups visiting for the first time may not know your facility’s schedule or routines. Help them find a time that works well — let them know which days tend to be better, whether weekdays or weekends are better for your residents, and how far in advance they should reach out so the visit can be added to your activities calendar. A little guidance from you goes a long way in setting up a successful visit.
Groups Come in All Sizes and Experience Levels
The groups that contact you will vary — some may be planning their very first visit. Feel free to ask questions to guide the group as they plan their visit.
- Skits — Require little to no practice and are great for new or small groups. A short skit runs 3–15 minutes
- Plays — Require more preparation and suit experienced or larger groups. A full play runs 35–50 minutes
- Even one person can make a difference — The dedication of one person can change the world. One on one visits are powerful— Jesus ministered to the one
Tell Groups What Your Residents Would Enjoy
Be sure to make suggestions for future visits. You know your residents best. Are there residents that do not receive visitors that would benefit from one-on-one visits? Would residents enjoy a short skit (3–15 minutes), a longer performance (35–50 minutes), or something for a specific holiday or theme?
Types of Content Available
- Patriotic themes — Memorial Day, Labor Day, 4th of July
- Holiday celebrations — Easter and Christmas readers theater
- General Bible story skits — Short, engaging stories from Scripture
- Full plays — Longer dramatic performances with multiple roles
Tell the group about any special occasions, holidays, or themes your residents would enjoy. The more you share, the better the group can tailor their visit to bless your residents.
Find an Existing Group Near You
Contact: leica@contagiousjoynow.org
Participating Care Facilities
Contact: leica@contagiousjoynow.org
Ready to Bring Joy to Your Residents?
Whether you’d like to welcome an existing Contagious Joy group or express interest in having one form in your area, we’d love to hear from you. The program is offered at no cost — we simply cannot put a cost on bringing your residents the best news they have ever heard.
Reach out and let us help connect your facility with a group that will bless your residents and staff alike.
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” — Matthew 25:40