Whether it's a cackle, a giggle, or a snort — there's nothing much more uplifting or life affirming than a good laugh. In fact, laughter is good medicine — clinically proven to reduce anxiety, relieve stress, alleviate depression and reduce pain associated with certain chronic conditions. Just ask the Mayo clinic or check out the seminal work by Norman Cousins, Anatomy of an Illness.
That's why we love Laughter on Call, a one-of-a-kind service that is dedicated to engaging and entertaining older adults as well as caregivers. This includes leading workshops on how to create connection among adults through shared laughter (regardless of different levels of cognitive ability). They refer to their services as "Comedy Care," and work 1-on-1 with individuals at home as well as with small groups at various independent and assisted living facilities. They also employ phenomenally funny people – most of whom have worked as professional comedians – and all of whom follow a family-friendly "curriculum" loaded with fun games, exercises, improv, and more. Not surprisingly, the company's been featured in numerous main stream media outlets, including the Washington Post and the Saturday Evening Post.
Now, with all the recent "sheltering in place," Laughter on Call is offering more Zoom-based sessions than ever. In fact, they're promoting this service with a daily series of webinars called Lunchtime Laughter.
These are 30-minute sessions — Monday through Friday at noon PST — that are free to attend and welcome to anyone. If you or a loved one could use a good midday giggle, we urge you to check it out! (One caveat: If someone with cognitive decline is interested in attending, please be sure to have a caregiver or a loved one there to assist.)
And, if you need a hand getting up to speed on Zoom, check out the company's latest "how to" video featuring Jeneta and Max! : )
To learn more about the Laughter on Call or it's very smart and funny founder, Dani Klein Modisett, go to www.LaughteronCall.com!