A JOHNSTONE woman has become an internet sensation after a video of her serenading care home residents proved to be a smash hit.

Amanda Erasmus, 29, was filmed performing Elvis Presley’s hit ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ and dancing with elderly residents at the town’s Ranfurly Care Home.

The fun Facebook video gained more than 280 likes and 80 shares after just one day, with many people praising Amanda for her efforts to cheer people up in these gloomy times.

Care assistant Amanda, who was born in South Africa but has lived in Johnstone for 18 years, admits she has been left somewhat surprised by the positive response to the video.

“I was shocked,” she told The Gazette. “I was just doing my day-to-day routine with the residents, so I didn’t expect this at all.

“Singing to them is a habit, I do it all the time because it makes them happy and they love to join in.

“I don’t know a lot of older songs, so I normally stick to ones by Elvis Presley and ABBA, so they are getting up and moving.”

Singing is one of many activities the carers at Ranfurly do with the residents, with staff keen to make sure the older people are as active and entertained as possible throughout the day.

With ‘social distancing’ being used to halt the spread of coronavirus, residents have been using Skype to keep in touch with family members, as well as taking regular walks in the care home gardens to get fresh air.

Amanda said: “The activities stimulate the residents’ minds and get them thinking about other things because, obviously, they’re missing their families, especially at a time like this.

“It’s important to make sure they don’t feel lonely and everyone has been so supportive, with all the carers getting involved in the dancing and singing.”

Amanda is pleased that her memorable performance has managed to bring some light to others during these dark times.

She added: “I’m really happy that people watched the video and got to see that the residents are all doing okay, especially the family members.

“I’d like to say thank-you to everyone who liked and shared the video and all the lovely comments, because it does mean a lot.”

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