Ethical issues of clown interventions in the homes of older adults

This article examines the ethical issues raised by clown interventions in the homes of older adults. Situated at the intersection of artistic, gerontological and academic domains, these interventions bring together diverse professional logics that may conflict. Using the principles of bioethics as a framework, the article explores tensions between the interests of older individuals, the artistic aims of clown practitioners, research requirements and specific home-based contexts. The analysis highlights the interactions between professionals – artists, researchers and caregivers – and the influence of their respective ethical codes and professional guidelines. The article also investigates how institutional practices can (or cannot) be adapted to home settings. Ultimately, it argues for an interdisciplinary approach to ethics in ageing and home care, showing that professional codes alone are insufficient to ensure ethical practice – and that ethical action must emerge from contextualized, collaborative reflection.