A Rock ‘n’ Roll Treat For Cotman House Residents
It was an unforgettable afternoon at Cotman House Care Home in Felixstowe earlier this month as Elvis Presley made a surprise visit — or at least, someone bearing an uncanny resemblance to Elvis arrived to perform for residents!
Elvis Plays Cotman
A special gig from Elvis impersonator, Andy Ottley, transported residents back to the days of rock ‘n’ roll, featuring classic hits and plenty of nostalgia. Andy has been bringing the magic of the King of Rock and Roll to care homes across Suffolk and residents of Cotman House were thrilled when he took to the stage.
“Thank you, thank you very much!” Elvis shouted, to the delight of the crowd, clad in full Elvis regalia and sporting the iconic slicked-back hair. The set kicked off with “Jailhouse Rock” and residents, many of whom grew up listening to Elvis’s music, couldn’t help singing along. Some even swayed in their chairs or tapped their feet, caught up in the rhythm of the timeless tunes.
Memories Inspired By Iconic Hits
“I haven’t heard these songs in so long,” said resident Lillian, who was visibly moved by the performance. “It brings back such wonderful memories of when I was young. Elvis was my hero!”
Throughout the session, Elvis belted out iconic hits such as “Hound Dog,” “Suspicious Minds,” and “Love Me Tender,” engaging the residents with his charisma and energy. The crowd cheered, clapped, and some even joined in with the hand jive, bringing a sense of joy and excitement to the afternoon.
The event was part of Cotman House’s ongoing efforts to provide enriching activities for its residents. With music being known for its therapeutic benefits, particularly for older people, the care home regularly hosts live performances to enhance the wellbeing and emotional health of its community.
Performance Brings Joy and Sparks Conversation
“It’s not every day you get an Elvis impersonator at your door,” said Maria, the Wellbeing Coordinator at Cotman House. “Our residents love music and welcoming performers like Elvis brings a lot of joy and also sparks conversation.”
For some, the performance provided a sense of connection to the past. “Elvis reminds me of my youth — of the fun times and the good music,” said resident Lillian, who fondly recalled the days of listening to Elvis on vinyl. “It’s wonderful to feel that excitement again, even if it’s just for an afternoon.”
With a promise to return soon, Elvis left Cotman House on a high note, but not before offering one last iconic salute: “Thank you, Cotman House, it’s been a pleasure to entertain you. Until we meet again!” The spirit of rock ‘n’ roll lingered in the air, leaving everyone at Cotman House with a little extra spring in their step and smiles that would last well beyond the performance.
Discover Cotman House
Cotman House Care Home is situated within the beautiful seaside surroundings of Felixstowe and our environment is matched by the standard of care we deliver, where care is not just a service, but a commitment tailored to every resident. Our focus goes beyond the physical; we extend our care to encompass the unique needs of each individual, whether it's assisting with memory loss, providing specialised dementia care, or offering support with end-of-life care.
At Cotman House, we understand the challenges families face during difficult times, and that's why we take pride in our accreditation for 'End of Life' care. We're here to support not only your loved ones but your entire family through this journey.
Our vibrant and happy home isn't just about the physical space; it's a thriving community. Perfect for those who may be feeling lonely, Cotman House fosters an environment where residents find companionship and joy.
