SMILE Study

Centre	DCRC Assessment and Better Care Outcomes
Node	Centre based project
Project Title	The Sydney Multisite Intervention of LaughterBosses and ElderClowns (SMILE)
Researchers	Prof Henry Brodaty, Dr Lee-Fay Low, Prof Lynn Chenoweth, Mr Richard Fleming, Dr Peter Spitzer
Description	The Sydney Multisite Intervention of LaughterBosses and ElderClowns (SMILE) is a randomised controlled trial of humour therapy. About 400 residents from 36 low care (hostel) and high care (nursing home) residential facilities will be randomly assigned to receive the SMILE treatment or usual care. The SMILE treatment involves ElderClowns visiting weekly for 12 weeks, and staff volunteers trained to be LaughterBosses and bring humour to daily care routines. SMILE will evaluate whether humour therapy improves resident quality-of-life, mood and behaviour, and reduces staff turnover.
Anticipated Completion	31/12/2011
Products	TBA
Contact	Dr Belinda Goodenough

Volunteers Wanted!

The SMILE Study Team are looking for Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF's) in the greater Sydney area to be involved in this project.
Information for RACF's is available here.
For more information contact Dr Belinda Goodenough.