Elvis has Aged Care Plus residents on the dance floor
June Hoffman, Elvis and Berry Guymer at Rosedurnate Aged Care Plus Centre during the Parkes Elvis Festival. (Photo: Sally Chapman)
Elvis impersonator, Rick Gattenhoff, kicked off his annual Parkes Elvis Festival tour this year with a performance at Rosedurnate Aged Care Plus Centre.
“We had residents dancing and tapping their feet and everybody was singing along,” says Michelle Symington, Recreational Officer at Rosedurnate Aged Care Plus Centre, describing the great afternoon they had.
For the past six years, Rick Gattenhoff has travelled to Parkes for the Elvis Festival. He volunteers his time at the beginning of the festival to put on a show for the residents of Rosedurnate Aged Care Plus Centre.
Eagerly awaiting Elvis’ appearance, residents dressed in ‘Elvis Lays’. The centre was decorated with Elvis paraphernalia and an afternoon tea was held after the show.
“It’s a fun way to start the festival,” says Rick Gattenhoff (aka Elvis), “they know all the songs and some people get up and dance, others just jig in their seat. My wife gets people dancing and singing too!”
For the residents at Rosedurnate, Elvis’ visit brings back memories, says Michelle: “mostly it’s good memories, but for some a certain song triggers memories of a loved one that has passed on or a time in their life they had forgotten.
“So it can be a really sentimental day too.”
Rosedurnate Aged Care Plus centre is committed to resident wellness and quality of life. Daily activities, social outings and special events like a visit from Elvis, all help to maintain a healthy balance. “We really can’t thank ‘Elvis’ enough, it’s excellent for the residents, especially for those that aren’t able to easily leave the centre during the festival,” says Michelle.
“With so many people in town over the weekend, it’s great having a special show in our facilities, we just love it.”
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