Laughter is the Key to a Happy Health Life

Wearne Cottesloe is the first aged care home in WA to introduce Elder Clowns.

Wearne Cottesloe is owned by not for profit organisation Curtin Care and operated by Bethanie to delivery high quality residential aged care to residents in its local area of Cottesloe, Mosman Park, Peppermint Grove and Claremont.

Now half way through the 12-week program, the Bethanie team at Wearne are seeing some very positive results from the participating residents. The program, presented by The Humour Foundation, brings a professionally trained performer from the Foundation (the Elder Clown), into the home, who encourages humour and laughter and works with staff to improve the quality of life of residents.

Each week the Elder Clown visits Wearne Cottesloe, and meets with the Bethanie team to plan the session. Then, accompanied by staff, the Elder Clown visits individual residents, many of whom are living with dementia, encouraging laughter, song and movement in an engaging and fun session.

As an introduction to the Elder Clown Program, The Humour Foundation provided a one-day workshop for staff to help them develop the skills and confidence to bring laughter as therapy to residents.  

Alex Fergusson, Bethanie Occupational Therapist confirms, “The program is a fantastic opportunity for staff to learn new techniques to improve the daily lives of residents.”

"Bethanie is very forward thinking and keen to adopt new strategies, such as Laughter Therapy. It’s been proven to relieve pain, reduce blood pressure and decrease stress and we can see the results already. There’s a much more positive and warm atmosphere amongst the residents, following a session with the Elder Clown,” Mr Fergusson said.

Click here to find out more about Bethanie's aged care services.