Aged care residents take part in world-first Laughter Care program
Heritage Care, which owns and operates 11 aged care homes in Victoria and NSW, is partnering with The Humour Foundation to engage, uplift and improve their quality of life of residents.
The initiative, said to be a first, is taking place at Heritage Epping, in the suburb 18km northwest of Sydney’s CBD.
“Our mission as a residential aged care provider is to be the best at everything we do for the benefit of the community. Forging strong partnerships helps achieve this,” a Heritage Care spokesperson said.
“Our unique partnership with The Humour Foundation is a great example of the work we’re doing to provide residents with rich wellbeing environments, lifting sprits and improving health through insightful connection, creative play, and joyful humour.”
Heritage Epping includes a memory support unit catering for people requiring high dementia care – including humour therapy through Laughter Care.
Residence Manager, Julio Castillo, felt the power of Laughter Care lies in its ability to connect with dementia residents through humour, stories, and play.
“What’s important is that our residents have someone who listens and helps maintain their dignity,” he said.
Laughter Care, which meets ACQSC (Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission) standards, empowers residents by honouring and celebrating their capabilities through music, dance, props, stories, improvisation, and reminiscence - resulting in increased wellbeing, quality of life and enhanced interactions with their families and staff.
Positive results include reduced depression in residents, reduced behavioural disturbances, improved quality of life and happiness, greater staff job satisfaction, and increased interest in the residents as unique individuals.
Lauren, Heritage Care’s dedicated and highly skilled Laughter Care Specialist, said people are accepted for who they are, here and now.
“I love creating positive resident outcomes,” she said. “Stepping into our resident’s world relaxes them and helps them interact on their own terms.”
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/8i48ukUjJC8
