Is there any research available re clowning in geriatrics? I would also like to know how clowns work with patients with dementia.
Thanks

Hi Susan,

My wife Pixie and I clown at a local Nursing Home. My favorite wing is the dementia "lock-down" ward. The people are sweet and appreciate the clowns. Our clown faces and costumes sometimes elicit memories.

The clowning we do includes holding hands, singing songs (old favorites and silly songs both). They like bouncing balloons and wearing balloon hats made by Pixie. Some like simple magic tricks like lighting thumb-tips and disappearing hankies.

I have a spring puppet (Rocky Raccoon) that often goes over well. They love to pet him and usually believe he is real.

Blowing soap bubbles also is fun - they try to catch them or just watch them.

Each person is different and requires that we seek what works for him or her. Patience, understanding, listening, and being open to almost anything helps.

Good luck - it is a rewarding experience.

Nursing home residents love to sing and laugh. I'm a nurse in a home and don't have alot of spare time but I love to get them involved by singing their old songs like "Baby Face", "Bicycle built for 2" "Take me out to the ball game" etc. I ask them if they would like to dance and then I move their wheelchair and sing "I could have danced all night". Sometimes I even get them to arm wrestle with me and ahem they usually win!