LAUGHTER UNLIMITED – REVIEWS
Quick Answer: Laughter Unlimited is a clown outreach program that visits institutionalized seniors, including those with dementia and Alzheimer's, to build relationships and improve quality of life, according to reviews from activity directors, nurses, and journalists.
LAUGHTER UNLIMITED – COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The East County Observer Thurs Oct 27, 2005 Bill Rosenberger “In this environment, laughter isn’t the reaction you’re looking for,” Sidlow says “It’s nice when it happens, but with (institutionalized seniors), it’s a brand new reaction you feel.
Style Mag. June 2004 Deborah Seeber “The simple act of placing a hand upon a hand, the comfort of a caring arm around a shoulder… is something that every living person needs, and something that the elderly and handicapped are frequently denied.”
Herald Trib Sept 24, 2005 Tilde Herrera “All you have to do is look into somebody’s eyes and you see their soul,” Bell said. “And you see their history.”
Venice Gondolier Sun 2005, Jeremy Rottgen “It’s more about building relationships than just having a clown visit the elderly,” said Chuck Sidlow. “I’ve worked very closely with them (clowns) since I’ve been here, said Pinebrook Activities Director Colleen Tempier. “They come here every week meet the residents. It’s just amazing how the residents react to them. Dementia residents who don’t really have much of a reaction to anything.” “Residents who are cognitively impaired, some of them have so many things going on with them they might e depressed or just not up to things and the Laughter Unlimited program is the one thing. They’ll actually go up and talk to the clowns and they react differently to them. It’s been very beneficial and it’s really neat to see. Even in our Alzheimer’s unit. They just get such a response,” said Tempier.
“It’s truly being friends and listening to what they have to say because a lot of times their families are living elsewhere.”
Pines of Sarasota 1-25-05 John Overton “Our philosophy of care addresses clearly the three plagues of aging…loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. The Laughter Unlimited Program also focuses on each of those plagues in a n exemplary manner.”
SFC-Venice Kathleen Simonds “LU lightens hearts, puts a sparkle in eyes, and promotes recall in our clients with dementia and Alzheimer’s”.
Pinebrook, Linda Fazio 10-28-08 “Patients that are dependent upon others for care ‘light up’ with pride and joy as their strengths and assets are quickly identified and supported by the clowns.”
Springwood rehab and nursing center, Amy Paine and Debra Simmons, 9-9-07 “We have seen over the course of 2 years, how this program provides quality of life for all our residents who, even in spite of some memory deficit, do not forget Laughter Unlimited!”
At a Glance
Key Facts
- The program was covered by publications including The East County Observer, Style Mag, Herald Tribune, Venice Gondolier Sun, and SFC-Venice.
- Pinebrook Activities Director Colleen Tempier said clowns visit weekly and even dementia residents react positively to them.
- Chuck Sidlow described the program as being more about building relationships than just having a clown visit the elderly.
- Pines of Sarasota's John Overton said the program addresses the 'three plagues of aging': loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.
- Kathleen Simonds of SFC-Venice said LU 'lightens hearts, puts a sparkle in eyes, and promotes recall' in clients with dementia and Alzheimer's.
- Springwood rehab and nursing center staff reported that over two years, residents with memory deficits still remembered Laughter Unlimited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Laughter Unlimited?
Based on the reviews, it is a program involving clowns who regularly visit institutionalized seniors, including those with dementia and Alzheimer's, to build relationships and provide emotional support.
How does Laughter Unlimited affect residents with dementia?
According to Colleen Tempier and Kathleen Simonds, the program produces reactions even in residents who normally have little response to anything, lightens hearts, and promotes recall in clients with dementia and Alzheimer's.
What philosophy does the program address?
John Overton of Pines of Sarasota said the program addresses the three plagues of aging: loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.
Who has reviewed the Laughter Unlimited program?
Reviewers include journalists from The East County Observer, Style Mag, Herald Tribune, and Venice Gondolier Sun, as well as staff from Pinebrook, Pines of Sarasota, SFC-Venice, and Springwood rehab and nursing center.
