‘Our role is to listen more than entertain’: A qualitative study of techniques used by Laughter Care Specialists with people who have dementia in long-term care

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the techniques that Laughter Care Specialists (LCSs) use to promote engagement of people living with dementia in long-term care. 

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with LCSs (n = 8) and analysed inductively using thematic analysis. 

Results: The overarching theme was that techniques used to promote engagement reflected ways of valuing personhood. Sub-themes reflect the distillation of techniques according to ways LCSs approach and connect with people and ways that they then engage. When willingness to interact is indicated, LCSs assess environments to individualise their approach. Ways of engaging include creating opportunities to contribute, identity appreciation, reminiscence, enacting generational norms, presence and play. Engagement techniques were described as supporting identity and personhood through techniques that are individualised, supportive, empathetic and gentle. 

Conclusions: Techniques reflect person-centred, strengths-based approaches that attempt to meet psychosocial needs of persons living with dementia and highlight ways of valuing people living in long-term care.