Elderflowers
The Elderflowers are healthcare clowns who visit people living with dementia in hospitals and care homes across Scotland. Their music, objects, and relationships encourage interest, offer meaningful connection, and enhance wellbeing. Our Elderflower duos visit people with an early onset dementia diagnosis through to people in end-of-life care. We work in partnership with healthcare staff whose referrals ensure our performers receive an in-depth understanding of each person's needs.
The Elderflowers’ work does not depend on what a person can remember. It builds on what remains, adapting minute by minute to each individual’s needs, interests and abilities. Seeing the person, not the diagnosis.
The Elderflowers’ programme was developed in 2001 in collaboration with the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at University of Stirling. It was the first healthcare clowning programme in Europe to be developed specifically for the benefit of people living with dementia.
Compassionate Care
People living with dementia often feel isolated, confused, and frightened. They may feel they are losing their sense of who they are. Elderflowers celebrate the humanity of each person they meet, valuing and connecting with their unique vital spark. Together with them, the Elderflowers co-create moments which can be as boisterous as a sea-shanty fueled voyage across a ward; as beautiful as a first dance in an imagined ballroom; or as playful as a whispered conversation between best friends.
The Elderflowers tune in to each person’s energy and feelings, whether they are restless, still, joyful or sad. Their ways of connecting are as varied as the treasures in their suitcases, helping each person feel understood, valued and less alone.
“That’s the first time she talked & smiled in ages” — Daughter, Elderflower Participant
Listen to this Podcast!
Rachel Colles speaks about the Elderflowers in this UCL podcast with host Professor Rochelle Burgess and Dr Carrie Ryan about Ageing Playfully.
Phyllis Logan speaks about The Elderflowers
Our Elderflower Ambassador and Honorary Elderflower Phyllis Logan speaks about the difference The Elderflowers can make to those living with dementia.
Professional Artists
Our Elderflowers are professional theatre-clown performers, specially trained to work in dementia care. They are trained in clowning techniques including improvisation, surprises, music, slapstick, celebrating mistakes and rhythm. After successfully auditioning to join our team, they receive continuing training in healthcare clowning, as well as training specific to the hospitals and care homes we visit.
Training sessions throughout the year focus on topics such as trauma-informed practice, safe-guarding, disability awareness, and sensory communication. We provide team facilitation sessions to support well-being and reflective practice.
“You bring people out of their isolation, and you give them the warmth of human contact” — Nurse on the Elderflowers
Where the Elderflowers visit
Our Elderflowers currently visit the Borders General Hospital, and Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre, Sauchie. We have been visiting Borders General Hospital for over 20 years.
Previous Elderflowers programme locations include Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Findlay House (Edinburgh), Murray Royal Hospital (Perth) and Queen Margaret Hospital (Dunfermline). When funding allows we are able to visit other dementia services and homes across Scotland.
Through our Kinections and Rights Made Real projects in residential care homes, we also co-created a range of Carers Resources for families and dementia carers.
Looking Forward
“As Scotland’s population ages, creative approaches to wellbeing, dignity and human connection are becoming increasingly important. Healthcare clowning offers an evidence-informed arts and health intervention that supports not only individuals living with dementia but the wider care environment around them.” — SAGE Journals, October 2025
