Marion, the key here is - did the residents enjoy your playing? You said they did.

Let's face it - music can be enjoyable at any skill level. I think if you talked to the residents, they'd be very happy that 1) you put in the work to learn how to play, and 2) you gave them a gift - you played for them just because you could. Your music affects far more than their ears - they probably remember other tunes and other fiddlers when they hear you, or times in their lives that were accompanied by music. Let them judge.