Teatro do Sopro/ FEMPTEC

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Uma Bela Visita

Treating depression and dementia in the elderly at nursing homes through clown therapy

The elderly population in Brazil is growing, and is estimated to expand by 63 million by 2050, according to IBGE. According to the World Health Organization, the elderly living in nursing homes have higher rates depression. Furthermore, more than 60% pass away within the first year of admission. Still, there are unfortunately few initiatives to develop living spaces that meet the special needs of this age group.

With 12 years of experience in the field, Olivier Hugues Terreault uses clown therapy to treat depression, Alzheimer’s and dementia in the elderly in nursing homes. The clown therapy method, already used in Brazil on children in hospital settings, will now be adapted for the Casa de Santa Ana elderly group home and other similar entities in the City of God, in Rio de Janeiro.

With support from BrazilFoundation, the project aims to:

• Implement a pilot project with eight therapeutic institutions for the elderly;
• Be a reference in the area of ​​elder care.

IMPACT

•650 elderly benefited
•45 caretakers trained
•2,600 family members counseled

“The lack of information on how to work with elderly afflicted by mental incapacitation makes them even more distant. With a new form of communication comes a new bond. “