Bringing joy and laughter to dementia care in the home

They say laughter is the best medicine, and for St Luke’s Care in Sydney, this sentiment rings true in their innovative approach to dementia care.

This small not-for-profit organisation, with residential and home care services in the eastern suburbs, has been partnering with the Humour Foundation for over a decade, bringing joy and connection to those living with dementia.

While many recognise the Humour Foundation for its Clown Doctors program, which supports children in hospitals, its Laughter Care services are transforming the experience of dementia care. 

St Luke’s Care has fully embraced this service, leading to the launch of Laughter Care at Home – a program designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers in the community. 

This program was an original concept floated between Cindy Woods (Chief Executive Officer) and David Symons (Artistic Director at The Humour Foundation) following the successful implementation of the Laughter Care program in Lulworth House. 

“The reason we have partnered with the Humour Foundation is that we’ve seen firsthand how laughter, fun, and play can unlock memories and facilitate connections,” Matt McLean, St Luke’s Care Chief Operating Officer, shared with Hello Leaders. 

“In some cases, we’ve had nonverbal residents start to speak again through the power of the program.”

Initially starting as one day a week at Lulworth House, the partnership has grown to four days a week, becoming an integral part of the care experience for both residents and families living in Lulworth House, St Luke’s Care Aged Care Facility.

The new program was officially launched during Dementia Action Week, coinciding with a celebration of 10 years of partnership. The first of six workshops brought together participants – people living with dementia and their primary caregivers – for a series of laughter-filled activities, including games, singing, and storytelling.

In one touching instance, a nonverbal participant began to engage actively, astonishing her husband, who had not seen that side of her in years. The joy that this brings to families is immeasurable.

But the impact of Laughter Care extends beyond the sessions. The six-week program also encourages caregivers to forge connections and support networks with one another, an essential aspect often overlooked in dementia care.

Primary caregivers need support and these programs provide opportunities for them to connect with other carers and form friendships. 

This dual focus on joy and community is particularly relevant given the current landscape of dementia care. As the prevalence of dementia rises, especially among the baby boomer generation, the need for innovative support systems becomes increasingly critical.

St Luke’s Care leadership team were heavily involved in the development and execution of all their community programs. Matt McLean (Chief Operating Officer) and Cindy Woods (Chief Executive Officer) were present for the first workshop, demonstrating their commitment to understanding the challenges faced by those living with dementia. 

Participation in the programs allows them to grasp the real impact of their initiatives, enabling them to adapt and evolve their community offerings based on direct feedback.

Looking ahead, St Luke’s Care has ambitious plans to position its community programs as an essential component of a dementia care pathway for families living with dementia. It hopes to engage more medical professionals, including General Practitioners and geriatricians with the benefits of these community programs. 

As they pave the way for a more compassionate approach to dementia care, St Luke’s Care and the Humour Foundation remind us that, indeed, laughter and joy can be powerful tools in nurturing connection and enhancing the lives of those affected by dementia.