Humor: no geriatric nurse should be without it.

Humor is an approach caregivers can use to assist the elderly in facing some of the disappointments of old age. The ability to laugh at oneself, at others, and at situations stimulates trust, commitment, and a positive sense of working together that is therapeutic to both staff and patients. Humor offers a tool for patients, families, and staff who deal with the elderly for stress management, coping, and to facilitate implementation of the nursing process. When humor is used it is important for the nurse to bear in mind that for patients who are cognitively impaired attempts at humor may be misunderstood. Sarcastic humor or humor that does not show respect for individuals should never be used. It is essential that when humor is used a careful assessment for appropriateness be made of the situation. An evaluation must also be made of the effect of the humor on the other persons in the interaction so a positive interpersonal relationship is facilitated.