Laughter
Care
Improving the quality of life for aged care residents throughout Australia.
See the smiles from a Laughter Care visit
Laughter Care Program in Gippsland
What is Laughter Care?
The Laughter Care™ program is a world-first, bringing together medicine and the arts in a professional partnership that improves the quality of life for aged care residents in a unique, person-centric way.
Previously known as Elder Clowns, Laughter Care performers are chosen for their sensitivity and empathy, and undertake ongoing professional training to equip them for the unique demands of working with people living with dementia (52% of aged care residents), and those experiencing social isolation and withdrawal.
How it works
Performers chosen for sensitivity and empathy
Laughter Care Specialists undertake ongoing, professional training to adequately equip them for the unique demands of working with people living with dementia (52% of aged care residents), and those experiencing social isolation.
Invites play and interaction
Clowning is an artform that encourages residents to become actively involved. Our performers enter as friends paying a ‘special visit’ to people living with dementia, in what is now their home. They engage each resident using music, props, stories, improvisation, and reminiscence.
Costumes speak to a bygone era
Carefully put together costumes speak to a period associated with a more active time in the resident’s life. Their red noses are an invitation to play – enabling each resident to relax and interact on their own terms. This person-centred approach results in real relationship building and connection – with excellent and often astounding outcomes.
Evidence-based
The SMILE Study undertaken by The Humour Foundation, measured the impact the Laughter Care program had on aged care residents living with dementia. The core findings showed agitation levels of residents decreased to the same extent as antipsychotic drugs – but without the side effects.
Laughter Care on Nine News
Our very own Laughter Care Specialist, Monty, speaks with Mike Dalton from Nine News about the impact of Laughter Care on aged care residents.
Laughter Care on Nine News
Thank you so much, what more can I say, what an awesome visit from the clowns yesterday.
The residents interacted so well with them and enjoyed every minute, the staff had a laugh too which was probably well needed after having to lockdown again due to the recent Covid outbreak.
Gloria and Bunny were so talented and we all loved the way they fell into different cultures, Scottish, Italian etc; to engage specific residents, wonderful.
We would certainly love to have them back here.
– Claire at Paynesville Gardens
