Elvis scopes out future retirement home at Vonderlieth

[May 16, 2009]  MOUNT PULASKI -- Vonderlieth Living Center in Mount Pulaski hosted a surprise visit by the King himself, Elvis Presley! To celebrate National Nursing Home Week, residents and staff had a '50s theme day and invited the residents down to the activity room for a root beer float. Unsuspecting folks gathered to wait for their treat, when in walked Elvis, portrayed by local impersonator Gregory Ray.

One resident refused to enter past the doorway. "I'm afraid I'll get trampled when the girls come rushing up to the stage," he said with a smile.

Elvis entertained an enraptured crowd for an hour, passing out scarves to residents and blushing staff and family members. It was, in fact, difficult to tell who loved the music more -- family members or residents. "I love this," Ray beamed. "They were all smiling. That makes my day." Everyone's day was made, judging by the look on their faces.

"Our residents and their families are very important to us," said Beth Tracy, resident services director. "Events like this give staff an opportunity to relate to residents on a more intimate level. A number of families were in the building and were able to join us, which was a wonderful bonus. We absolutely love how an activity like this can open doors with residents who don't respond to other attempts."

He will be back one of these days, he's promised, but for now ... Elvis has left the building.

[By JO HILLIARD, Vonderlieth Living Center administrator]