“Always laugh when you can, it is cheap medicine.”  English poet Lord Byron.

“Can I help you find something?” the librarian asked Katy.

“Yes, please. I’m looking for a book of clean jokes that will appeal to seniors in their eighties, give or take a few years,” responded Katy.

“Sure. Follow me – joke books are over here in aisle nine. You’ve got me curious. Why are you looking for joke books that appeal to that crowd? Are you picking one out for a grandparent?”

“Well, my grandpa would love to read them, but that’s not why. I’m an in-home caregiver. Many of my clients struggle with health and other issues. They’re often bored, lonely, and/or face daily struggles. Bringing humor into their life and giving them something to laugh about really makes a difference: For example, a good laugh can –

• Give a boost to their mood, lowering their tension, worries, and feelings of being isolated.
• When they can share that humor with their caregiver, or family and friends who come to visit, it helps them feel connected and build stronger relationships.
• Humor also makes an impact on their mental health. It stimulates creative thinking and helps strengthen their memory recall.
• It helps improve their physical health and boosts their immune system.  According to the Mayo Clinic, ‘laughter enhances your intake of oxygen and stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles. Positive thoughts can release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses.’
• Finally, laughter potentially eases pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers. Laughter and feelings of joy release endorphins in the brain. According to researchers, the release of endorphins can also control physical pain.”

“Wow. I guess there is truth in the adage “Laughter is the best medicine. Well, here you are – if you have trouble finding the perfect book, I’ll be glad to help you.”

So, now you're wondering, “How can caregivers - and family members - bring humor into their clients' or family members’ daily routine? Consider these tips.

1. Treat them with respect and kindness. Smile. Encourage them to laugh at the little bumps in the road as they adjust to being cared for, rather than caring for others. Gentle, appropriate teasing or laughing at your own mishaps can set the tone for humor. Start small and pay attention to what brings a smile to their face or generates a chuckle.
   
2. Take time to listen. Encourage them to share humorous stories from the past. Often, one story can lead to another, not only bringing laughter and joy to the teller but also a sense of being loved and valued.
3. Spend time with them reading comics, playing word games, or even watching a rerun from their younger days. Promote humor through light-hearted activities. Be sensitive and attuned to them. Everyone responds to different types of humor. What one senior thinks is funny might offend another one. While one person might respond to a comedy show, another might prefer listening to music from their childhood or reading a humorous article.
4. Above all, be genuine and present. Shared humor brings the best results.

Humor is just one tool in our caregivers’ belts here at HomeAides. Our caregivers pay attention to each client’s needs and the best ways to help them enjoy being in their homes for as long as possible. We have been providing high-quality in-home care services in Northwest Pennsylvania since 2012. We understand that choosing the right Home Care Agency is essential for your peace of mind. Contact us today.