Sydney Multisite Intervention of LaughterBosses and ElderClowns (SMILE): A randomised controlled trial of humour therapy in residential care

This study is testing whether humour therapy — including regular visits from professionally trained ElderClowns and staff trained as 'LaughterBosses' — can improve the quality of life and mood of older adults living in residential aged care. Many older people in nursing homes experience depression and disengagement. This large trial across 36 Sydney facilities aims to find out if bringing more laughter and joy into daily care routines really makes a difference. You may be eligible if: - You are 50 years or older - You are a permanent resident in an Australian government-approved residential aged care or dementia care facility in greater Sydney - You have been in fulltime residential care for at least 3 months You may NOT be eligible if: - You are in respite care (not fulltime residential care) - You have severe communication difficulties (such as being both blind and deaf) - Your primary language is not English and no bilingual support is available - You are receiving palliative or end-of-life care - You are expected to leave the facility within 6 months of the study starting - You are bedridden and cannot communicate Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.