One of the most difficult jobs for PR people is promoting a nursing home, extended care facility, retirement community or even a senior citizens center.
That’s because some of these places don’t have that much going on. But I got an idea for a terrific angle just now, thanks to Janet Podolak, a good friend and former co-worker who’s travel editor at The Lake County News-Herald, near Cleveland, Ohio.
Ask this question: “What technology has made the biggest change in your life?” And then report on the results of your survey.
That’s what Janet asked while touring various Cleveland attractions with a group of seniors from the nearby Breckenridge Retirement Community. Here are some of the answers she received:
“The garage door opener”
“Super highways”
“Refrigeration.”
You can read the rest of the answers in her blog post here.
Technology-related angles usually increase your chances of getting coverage, and there are so many opportunities to use this idea:
—To coincide with the opening of a nursing home, extended care facility or senior center.
—To coincide with an annniversary being celebrated by those facilities.
—To promote an upcoming event like an open house.
—To promote an upcoming program or class for the eldery, particularly if it’s tech-related, like a class on how to use the Internet.
When pitching an idea like this one, be sure you’ve lined up a few elderly people who would agree to be interviewed and photographed. It’s a good idea to also get permission forms signed by their family members. (See “How to Use Photos & Graphics in Your Publicity Campaign.”)
I’ve blogged about other ways to promote these facilities here and here. Now let’s hear your best ideas.
Literally, it can be hundreds of ideas… but internet should be the first option.
there are a lot of options, but the media and going on online campaigns and viral videos would be a good bet to promote your campaign.