I used to play with a small group in adult living/nursing homes. We did a variety of songs the people knew and liked although most of the group did country music. I played the mt. dulcimer and it was a novelty, so I could get away with about any kind of music. I usually did old time folk music.
Our leader arranged for the playing and sometimes got paid and sometimes not. Sometimes the management provided punch and cookies and we talked to the people. There were usually 5 to 7 people in our group and I don't think I ever got paid more than $10. I usually drove myself and the leader to each gig.
Some players may have thought we should get more money, but I looked on it as giving back to older people for their contribution our community.   I guess the money really wasn't as important as the sharing of the music.