April is National Humor Month, a month that people of any age can celebrate together. In fact, when caregivers and older adults laugh together, they can both gain some important health benefits. Experts at the Mayo Clinic say that laughter can help alleviate stress, such as the kind of stress caregiver duties can cause, or stress caused by failing health. Laughter may also help relieve pain and give the immune system a boost. One way seniors and their caregivers can laugh together is by watching comedy movies. It’s the perfect activity since it allows the caregiver to take a little rest and it’s one that seniors of any ability can enjoy. Need some movie suggestions? Here are five hilarious movies seniors and caregivers can watch together.

1. Roxanne (Steve Martin, Daryl Hannah)

This 1987 movie is a re-imagining of the classic play Cyrano de Bergerac, by Edmond Rostand. It’s about a loveable, intelligent firefighter who falls in love with a beautiful, smart astronomer. There’s just one thing standing in their way—his nose.

2. Secondhand Lions (Haley Joel Osment, Michael Caine, Robert Duvall)

Both funny and touching, this movie examines the relationship of a boy cast off by his irresponsible mother into the care of his grouchy, larger-than-life elderly uncles. It’s an equal mix of fantastic tale and poignant drama with some moments that will make you roar with laughter.

3. Calendar Girls (Helen Mirran, Julie Walters, Penelope Wilton)

When the husband of a member of the Women’s Institute dies from leukemia, her friends are determined to raise funds so they can buy a comfortable couch to place in the visitor’s lounge of the hospital where he died. Their idea for raising funds? Pose nude with traditional women’s activities, like baking and knitting.

4. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith)

Seven retirees are enticed to India to live in what they think is going to be a luxurious hotel. When they arrive, they find it’s not quite what they expected. Their new accommodations start to grow on them in unexpected ways, and their friendships begin to bloom.

5. Space Cowboys (Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, James Garner)

Proving you’re never too old for new experiences, a retired engineer is pressed into service to repair a broken satellite. The adventure leads him and three of his elderly friends all the way to space. Though billed mainly as a drama, there are certainly some hilarious moments as the older gentlemen prepare for the challenge.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable caregiver services in Duluth, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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