Most of my nursing home shows (which isn't many right now) I start with Blue Suede Shoes--you know "One for the money, two for the show. . .) They ALWAYS sing along right from the first line.
My theme for nursing homes and retirement centers is "Old Time Rock 'n Roll and Classic Country".
For a few years I did a song I wrote for the opening song. It went something like this:
"Hello friends, how you feeling tonight?
I'm feeling good, hope you're doin' all right.
You can dance, or just listen for a while,
And I hope that what you hear will make you smile."
There was another verse, and it was just as corny, but it worked!
Dinner jobs I start with a medium speed song that might appeal to a broad spectrum of people. I often use A Fool Such As I to a swing style. Then I follow with a Latin style like Spanish Eyes, then a belly-rubber, such as Wonderful Tonight. After that it's mostly requests, but I try to alternate slow/fast songs.
For years, when I played in "smoky old bars" my opening song was "Swingin' Doors".
DonM