Performing for residents in long-term care an honour, says 'Elvis'
Monday March 10, 2008 -- Deron Hamel
While crowded nightclubs and pubs might do the trick for some entertainers, Scott Handel says nothing beats performing his Elvis Presley routine for residents in long-term care homes.

Having performed in nightclub bands for years, Handel says crowds often lose interest in the performance as the noise level increases. Not true with residents in long-term care homes, he says.

Handel performed for 33 of the 62 residents at Frost Manor in Lindsay on March 4. Hitting the stage dressed in several of his Elvis costumes, Handel performed many of the King’s hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Along with Frost Manor, Handel performs gospel numbers at two other long-term care homes.

An Elvis impersonator for 35 years, Handel, whose parents reside at Frost Manor, says the reaction he gets from residents in long-term care is unmatched to any other venue.

And the benefit his performance has for residents is obvious, he notes.

Elvis impersonator Scott Handel

“If they know the words, I try to encourage residents to sing along,” says Handel, who also had one-to-one visits with those residents who were unable to make it to the activity room to see him sing.

“The amount of people that come up to you and say how much they appreciate it is a real honour. . . . I try to take them down memory lane and it really goes over well.”

Handel adds that because Elvis is an entertainer almost everyone is familiar with, his act is well-received by residents.

Handel’s recent performance at the home marked his first daytime appearance. In the past, life enrichment co-ordinator Vi O’Leary has always booked Handel to perform evenings. However, since most residents prefer afternoon entertainment, O’Leary got requests to try to arrange a matinee performance.

O’Leary says Handel is one of the home’s best-loved entertainers. Residents find his Elvis impersonation to be very convincing, she adds.

“One lady sitting outside the door actually thought he was Elvis,” she says.

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