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Ironically, the spooky, scary Halloween season can bring so much joy. Who doesn’t love seeing the kids so happy as they scamper down the sidewalk on the lookout for candy? Delicious treats abound. And the social scene heats up as Halloween comes calling, ramping up to the longer holiday season ahead.
But Halloween can also come with some challenges for seniors and elderly adults. Those who have dementia or other cognitive issues might be frightened or upset by the scary costumes, strangers at the door, and even the sound of the doorbell ringing repeatedly. Some seniors might miss their grandkids terribly during this time. They could feel isolated, especially if they can’t get out to parties and other fun events like they used to. On the other hand, they might feel pushed into socializing when they really don’t feel up to it.
As a caregiver, with some planning and enthusiasm, you can find ways to help your senior enjoy Halloween in their own unique way. Here are some helpful tips.
Dressing Up is Fun to Do
One of the fun things about Halloween is the ability to be someone or something else for a change. Take advantage of that by helping your loved one choose the ultimate Halloween costume for them. Ask them what they wanted to be for Halloween when they were younger. Was there something they always wished they could dress up as?
The National Retail Federation has a run-down of the most common Halloween costume choices for adults. About five million adults dressed up as a witch in 2019, followed by vampires, superheroes, and pirates. Zombies and ghosts are high on the list too.1
Do a quick internet search to find easy-to-create and affordable costumes. Maybe you and your loved one can dress up as something different a few times during the Halloween season, just for fun.
Go to the Party (or Throw One)
Feeling isolated and alone on the big day (or night) can be difficult. That’s especially true for seniors who may have been highly social years ago and might now be missing that camaraderie and fun. So when an invitation to a neighborhood party comes, take it!
Look into the Halloween plans of your local senior center or community center, and watch for flyers concerning local events. Many organizations, churches, and businesses will host something in your area.
And if you don’t find anything suitable, consider throwing your own party. Since Halloween parties tend to be rather casual affairs, no one will be disappointed if you keep it simple with easy finger foods, a spooky movie on the television, and fun costumes for the young and young at heart.
Work the Door as a Team
One of the unique joys of Halloween is seeing the little ghosts and goblins at the door. Hearing a sweet chorus of “Trick or Treat!” can bring back incredible memories of doing the same thing yourself when you were a kid. However, it might be a bit overwhelming for some seniors. The sound of the doorbell could agitate those with dementia, and opening the door over and over could be tiring for anyone.
Weather permitting, one of the best ways to really enjoy the evening is to find a spot on the porch or front yard where you can sit down, get comfortable, and watch the kids go from house to house. Have a bucket of candy to offer the ones who come to see you. One of you can talk to the kids while another gives out the candy. If neighbors join you, so much the better!
Be Safe About Decorations
The decorations you choose for the home should be based on not only what you like, but what your senior loved one is comfortable with. For instance, someone with dementia might be frightened by certain decorations. Gauge what they enjoy before choosing decorations.
When you use outdoor decorations that require a power source, watch out for the inevitable extension cords that are used to power them. This substantial trip hazard will be a feature on many properties during the Halloween season, so stay especially alert for potential hazards while out and about in the neighborhood. Now is an excellent time for a mobile emergency alert system with fall detection and GPS to protect your loved one as they walk around and check out the fun.
Make Your Own Decorations
Improve your senior loved one’s hand-eye coordination by creating Halloween decorations. Let their imagination fly as they create things with construction paper, scissors, markers and glue. Paint or decorate pumpkins to set out on the porch in the lead-up to the big night. Carve a jack-o-lantern.
A fall alert can be a caregiver’s best friend. It gives you the peace of mind that if something goes wrong, reaching out for help is very easy. Simply press the button on the medical alert device and speak to the professionals at the monitoring center to get assistance right away.
Choose Candy Seniors Can Eat
Did you know that 95% of Americans spend money on Halloween candy during the season? Good Housekeeping tells us that the average person spends $92 during Halloween, and you can bet the majority of that goes to candy.2
It can be frustrating to offer a bowl of candy to others and not have any treats for yourself! Make a senior’s Halloween more enjoyable by ensuring that they can partake of the candy they’re handing out.
Consider soft treats, such as the mini versions of favorite candy bars. Ask them what they like and choose their favorites to hand out and enjoy. Just be aware of sugar content for those with diabetes or other health issues where sugar is a concern.
Have a Spooky Movie Night
Rather than go out, why not stay in with friends and family? Throw a movie party. Provide plenty of popcorn and apple cider and choose a movie that’s pure spooky fun. Look for family-friendly options to keep the themes light. Bring extra chairs into the room, offer cozy blankets or quilts, and settle in for the film. You can do this more than once during the Halloween season!
Need some help choosing a film? This is where the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) shines. Their list of 128 spooky movies is sure to provide you with something good to watch.3
Hit Up a Pumpkin Patch
The local pumpkin patch might have a lot more than just the big orange gourds to choose from this year. Many go all-out with hayrides, corn mazes, face painting, pumpkin carving contests, fruit pies, and so much more. Look into these fun events and figure out what might work for your loved one. For instance, someone with limited mobility might not be able to manage a corn maze, but they could likely enjoy a fun hayride. At the very least, many seniors will enjoy the fresh air, fun festivities, and change of scenery.
Whether you head to the pumpkin patch or the corn maze, remember that medical alert systems for seniors are perfect for this kind of thing. An on-the-go medical alarm option can help ensure that you are covered 24/7 no matter where you roam across all 50 US states.
It’s Okay to Stay In
While Halloween is a very social holiday, some seniors might not be feeling it this year. In that case, it’s okay to opt out of celebrating. If you want to make the kids happy, leave a bowl of candy outside the door for them to help themselves. Otherwise, turn off the porch lights so kids are aware that you aren’t participating.
Whether you and your loved one stay in and relax or go out and enjoy the Halloween festivities, Alert1 can help you stay safe and secure. It’s never been easier or more affordable to enjoy protection and peace of mind, whether in your own home or out in the world. We wish all caregivers and their loved ones a safe and happy Halloween!
