Lake Macquarie Retirement Village, NSW
Laughter therapy group
The Lake Macquarie Aged Care Complex identified a need for a special therapy group based on resident lifestyle and leisure assessment given on admission and at six-monthly intervals. It was also illuminated as an area for improving residents' satisfaction based on outcomes from the resident satisfaction questionnaire. This need developed into the facility deciding to develop a set program for the purpose of enhancing resident lifestyle and health thereby improving resident satisfaction. The laughter therapy also has the added benefit of promoting physical health.
Evidence suggests:
- laughter increases blood flow by more than 20%
- keeps artery walls fit
- reduction in heart disease risk and sense of humour
- laughing boosts the immune system
- increase dopamine production
- assist in managing pain
- assist in managing blood sugar levels.
Psychologically laughter therapy has attributed to:
- reducing cortisol levels
- improving mood and increasing the ability to deal with loss and grief
- improves ability to deal with hospitalisation and major medical procedures
- improves the ability to deal with a medical illness.
Group dynamics of the laughter therapy group promotes trust, support, acceptance, sharing, openness, cooperation and health benefits for the individual as well as the group and increases well being and acceptance.
