Laughter Care Expands Reaching More Hospitals Across Australia
Clown Doctors Australia’s Laughter Care in Hospitals program is reaching more older Australians than ever before, bringing warmth, wit and a whole lot of heart to older people, especially those living with dementia or experiencing social isolation in hospital settings.
Building on the success of the program at The Repat Health Precinct in South Australia, where Laughter Care in Hospitals first launched in 2022, the program has expanded significantly throughout 2026.
Laughter Care commenced at Fremantle Hospital in Western Australia in May 2026, followed by Nepean Hospital in New South Wales in July 2026. In September 2026, a further four hospital programs are scheduled to commence across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, extending the reach of this specialised program to even more older Australians.
This growth reflects an increasing recognition of the importance of person-centred care, and the role emotional wellbeing plays alongside physical health. Working in partnership with healthcare teams, specially trained Laughter Care Specialists engage older patients through humour, music, conversation and personalised interactions that help reduce anxiety, ease feelings of isolation and create meaningful moments of connection.
The expansion is supported through a combination of hospital partnerships, hospital foundations and grant funding, demonstrating strong confidence in the impact of the program. Encouragingly, the Fremantle program is already set to increase from one day to two days per week in October, just months after commencing.
Supporting Wellbeing Through Connection
The program’s growth is underpinned by a strong and growing evidence base. Research and evaluations have shown that Laughter Care can improve mood, reduce agitation and anxiety, increase social engagement, and enhance quality of life for older people receiving care.
Healthcare workers also report benefits including improved morale, stronger connections with patients and a more positive ward environment. At The Repat Health Precinct, 92% of patients surveyed said they enjoyed spending time with a Laughter Care Specialist and would like them to visit again.
As Laughter Care continues to expand nationally, Clown Doctors Australia remains committed to creating more compassionate, connected and age-friendly healthcare environments where older people feel seen, valued and supported throughout their hospital journey.
