There are any number of people on this forum who play retirement homes and nursing homes. So there are likely different approaches used by different folks and you’ll probably read about them in other postings as well. I can only comment on my experiences playing in this type of venue over the past 7 years or so.

I have found that the people I play for like up-beat, happy music and tunes they recognize from their past. They also like a variety of tunes, with different beats and tempos.

I’ve created 45 minute programs of songs that vary from month to month but which I sometimes will repeat the following year. For example, in December I include some seasonal music and I may use the same program the following year – or I may modify it a bit. But if I have a program I’m satisfied with I tend to reuse it again each year. Of course I save the registrations that go with the program. I use a 45 minute program because I play two sets back to back. I’ll typically play in a medical center where many of the people are in wheel chairs and when I finish there I move my gear to another building, which is the assisted living facility, and I repeat the same program.

While I do have quite a few different play lists in my nursing home file, below is just one example. I’ve found a polka now and then goes over well. Also I generally try to sing about five of the numbers, spacing out the vocals as evenly as I can. And I’ve made it my custom to use Vaya Con Dios as my closing number each time. Hope this helps.
Paul C.

Anytime
Isle of Capri (cha-cha tempo)
Melody of Love
Margie (dixie tempo)
I Don’t Know Why I Love You Like I Do
Adios Muchachos
My Little Grass Shack
San Antonio Rose
Hound Dog
Hello Dolly
My Shawl
Beer Barrel Polka
South (dixie)
Cielito Lindo
Kansas City
Vaya Con Dios