Enjoy Halloween as an Older Adult
For older adults living with Dementia or in need of extra assistance, holidays such as Halloween can bring a sense of nostalgia.
Celebrate the Magic of the Season
While many of us associate Halloween with trick or treating and costumes, there are plenty of ways for older adults to engage in the spirit of the holiday without feeling left out. In fact, Halloween can be an opportunity to bond with others, stimulate creativity and spark joyful memories.
Here are some fun ways you can make Halloween accessible for an older adult:
Decorate their Space
Transforming their living space can help bring the Halloween spirit to life. Get them involved in decorating to make it even more fun. Decorations can be simple and seasonal, such as pumpkins, autumn leaves and wreaths, and string lights, but they can make a big difference to a room. If they enjoy crafting, consider making your own decorations together!
Pumpkin Carving or Decorating
Pumpkin carving is a popular Halloween tradition, and it can be easily adapted to suit the abilities and preferences of those taking part! People living with Dementia may struggle with dexterity and can find carving a pumpkin too challenging, but pumpkin painting is a great alternative! It also allows for creativity without the same level of mess. Use the pumpkins to continue decorating their space.
Share Halloween Stories and Memories
We know our clients love to share stories of their lives with our Care Professionals, and we love to listen. A Halloween sharing stories of childhood Halloween memories over some cake and tea sounds like the perfect night for someone wanting to do something less active on the night. Sharing stories can spark meaningful conversations and is a great way to connect with others.
Bake some Halloween Treats
Last year we shared some delicious Halloween treat recipes you can make at home. Baking is a great autumnal activity only made better by being on theme for Halloween! If you do take part in any baking activities, please do share with us on social media!
Create a Halloween Treat Bag
If you loved one isn’t up to answering the door to trick or treaters, they can still enjoy a night in! Why not make a Halloween gift bag and drop it off for them to enjoy on the day? Fill with things such as a Halloween themed movie, some movie snacks or your home baked treats, a card and a note to say your thinking about them. Small gestures like this can be so meaningful to them.
Go on A Walk
Head out on a walk to spot all the Halloween decorations or autumn changes. Watching the leaves fall, seeing the colours of autumn and grabbing some fresh air can be the perfect way to spend a few hours on a morning or afternoon, as well as keeping active and getting exercise too.
If your Loved One is Worried about Halloween
We know that people knocking on the door can be stressful and worrying for some people, or not being able to anticipate if someone will knock or not. However, here are a few simple adjustments you can do to hopefully make the night less stressful.
- Set boundaries for trick or treaters. Put up a sign asking them to skip your house after a certain time or altogether that you are not handing sweets out this year.
- Put a bowl of sweets at your front door to children can help themselves without needing to knock.
- If they want to take part, ask a friend or relative to come round on the night to help with answering the door.
- Dim the lights, close the curtains and put on relaxing music to create a calming home environment.
- Simplify decorating with autumnal decorations only rather than spooky ones. Usually children skip houses that are not decorated for Halloween.
