Have been following this thread with interest although I don't have much to contribute since most (but not all) of my playing specifically for older people has been unpaid so far.

Marion's description of the requirements for being a hospital volunteer included a TB test, and she mentioned outbreaks of infection etc. do occur. This made me aware of a potential problem for me. Would like to know whether it's really likely to be a problem.

Here's the thing: I had a heart transplant almost 7 years ago. I take medications to suppress my immune system, and my white blood count (first line against infection) keeps getting lower. I stay pretty healthy, but I also don't work outside my home.

I can call my doctors and ask whether it would be a problem I guess. What I'd like, is your gut reaction to whether there's likely to be any real increase in exposure to infectious this-and-thats if one is playing in a nursing home. I'm hoping you will feel that this is a non problem.

Rita