Comedians Are Being Hired by the Hour to Help People With Dementia

Former stand-up comedian and author Dani Klein Modisett in 2017 founded Laughter on Call, which hires comedians to entertain people with dementia and Alzheimer's, reports the Washington Post . The group also hosts workshops and live comedy shows at care centers. Families and care communities arrange a fee in advance with the performers — typically $25 to $50 an hour for one-on-one visits. "Comedians can use the work, and people with memory loss can use the laughter," said Modisett. Laughter on Call's 24 comedians mainly work in California, but some performers also have clients in other states. Modisett noted memory care centers across the United States have contacted her. "Bringing laughter to seniors, especially seniors with Alzheimer's, is so heartwarming," said comedian Marty Ross. "The realization that many of these people don't have regular visits from family makes it even more special." Workers at care centers that host group shows with Laughter on Call have observed changes in memory-impaired residents. "It helps them with their health — not just the mind, but the mind, body, and soul," said Juliana Rocha, who's on staff at a Silverado Alzheimer's care community in Los Angeles.