Keeping spirits high: How laughter shapes life at HillView Care

Imagine this: your loved one is sitting around a table at HillView Care, playing cards with friends, and suddenly the whole room erupts in laughter over a cheeky joke or a funny memory from years gone by. Moments like these are more than just lighthearted fun, they’re at the heart of what makes HillView feel like home.

At HillView Care, our team believes laughter isn’t just an extra; it’s essential to support the well-being of our residents. Let’s explore why laughter matters, how we weave it into daily life, and the positive impact it brings to our residents and their families.

Why laughter really matters

Laughter is a powerful tool for health and well-being, especially in later life. Research from The University of Queensland shows how humour can boost mood, reduce stress, ease loneliness, and even help people cope during difficult times. 

Whether it’s residents swapping stories, enjoying a comedy movie night, or simply sharing a giggle over morning tea, laughter plays a huge role in keeping spirits high and building connections here at HillView Care. 

How we make laughter a part of life at HillView Care

Lifestyle and activities: Our lifestyle team organises a variety of activities, events, entertainment, outings and games that our residents can enjoy every day. Whether it’s a trivia night, a dress-up party, or a bus trip into the community, these experiences always bring plenty of laughter and encourage HillView Care residents to have a good time.

Social spaces: We designed our two Gold Coast aged care homes to incorporate lounges, verandahs, gardens and a cafe to give our residents natural opportunities for connection and laughter. It could be chatting with family over a coffee, enjoying a shared meal with other residents, or strolling through our gardens with friends. These social spaces are where connections grow and happy moments come easily.

Special shared moments: Sometimes laughter comes from the simple, unexpected moments. Our staff go the extra mile to bring light-hearted moments to the lives of our residents. It could be through shared jokes, or when celebrating a resident’s birthday, we love seeing our residents laugh and reminding everyone that aged care isn’t just about support, it’s about connection and fun too.

How residents benefit from laughter

It’s not just about fun, laughter has real benefits for individuals living in aged care. It can lift mood, reduce feelings of loneliness, and support better mental health. When you share a laugh with others, it strengthens friendships and builds a sense of community. This helps residents feel more connected.

Challenges residents face and how to overcome them

Of course, life in aged care comes with many challenges, including health, dementia, grief, loss, and physical limitations. At times, laughter can be more difficult to come by. At HillView Care, our staff are trained to always have compassion and creativity – no matter the situation.

Through gentle humour, our staff can help residents engage and smile, even in harder moments. By focusing on each resident’s personality and abilities, we create moments of joy that lift spirits and bring laughter into daily life.

Book a tour at HillView Care

We take pride in our approach to aged care and believe in providing a home where joy is built into every day. Come see how HillView Care at Merrimac or Ashmore brings everyday moments to life with laughter. Book a tour today and experience the HillView Care difference.