Person-centred care involves having fun with people living with dementia.

Did you know that laughter, humour, and comedy have been used as therapies for people living with dementia? While we aren't all stand up comedians, we can appreciate those moments where we share a smile with the person we are supporting. Having fun together is an extremely human thing to do.  It reflects what person-centred care is really aiming for: noticing, celebrating, protecting, and responding to the essential humanity of the people living with dementia that we work alongside.

Leota's story

I was working with a lady who told me I should get a new job because I was “such a bright wee thing” and shouldn’t work with old people like her. 

 I told her the truth: “I love this job!  I want this job!  I love meeting people like you – you are why I do this job.”  

She said “Oh, I feel so good!” and we enjoyed our time together.

What do we see in Leota's story?
  • Leota's attitude of being positive and having fun helped her to enjoy her role.
  • It helped her to strengthen positive relationships with the person she was supporting.
  • It helped the person she was supporting to enjoy herself, and feel better about herself.
Thinking about laughter

Have you heard the saying that "laughter is the best medicine"? Laughter is pretty amazing. Here are some of the benefits that research has found (Bethseda, 2022)

  • Laughter can have positive physical effects. Laughter relaxes the body and can release "feel good" endorphins, and may even help our body to fight off infection and reduce heart disease..
  • Laughter can reduce stress, which can help us to think more clearly and reduce negative emotions.
  • Laughter can help strengthen relationships.

What does it mean, to have fun? It could mean:

  • Being playful
  • Being spontaneous
  • Seeing the humour in things
  • Looking at things in a different way
  • Using what’s to hand as part of play
  • Being creative
  • Joining in
  • Making sure we all know the rules of the game we are playing
  • Removing some of the barriers that separate us

Here are some very simple ideas for making room for fun.

Tip 1: Shake off the moment before
  • You have probably heard the saying that people living with dementia often live in the moment. 
  • We can try to not carry our stress, worry or frustration into the moment we are sharing right now.
  • This might mean taking some calming breaths before you go to see someone when you've had a stressful day.
  • This might mean letting go of the irritation or hurt you felt earlier in your interaction.
Tip 2: A smile goes a long way
  • Walking into a room with a smile on your face sends a lovely positive message.
  • It can help put the person you are supporting at ease.
  • In terms of emotions, we often get back what we put in! 
  • It may even help you feel more confident and in a better mood. Smiling and laughing can trick our brain into feeling happier!
Tip 3: Be open to fun and laughter
  • We never laugh at people or mock them, but we love the opportunity to share a smile or laugh. 
  • It may be seeing the funny side of  situation - laughter can be about releasing tension.
  • It may be music or getting involved in an activity - smiling and laughter can be about enjoyment and pleasant feelings
  • It may be in a conversation.
 
But wait, aren't we here to work?

Having fun doesn’t automatically mean:

  • That we are being unprofessional – in fact, having fun can enable us to use our professional skills where before there was a barrier.
  • That we give up on ‘getting the job done’ – in fact, having fun can make participating in some tasks possible where before they were impossible.
Would you like to find out more about having fun?
  • You can read an article about laughter and humor as complementary and alternative medicines for people living with dementia here
  • You can watch Teepa Snow talk about rediscovering joy through meaningful activities here
  • You can watch an engaging introduction to having fun as a caregiver by Dr. Natali Edmonds here. Unfortunately the follow-up videos do not seem to be currently available.