by: Melanie Farley
With Halloween right around the corner, caregivers might be wondering how to ensure a safe and fun holiday for loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Scary holiday décor, spooky sounds, and strangers trick-or-treating at your front door could be overwhelming for your loved one.
But with a little preparation, you can create some Halloween magic for your senior with dementia without frightening and disorienting them. Read on for our tips to create a Halloween full of warmth and that helps improve memory as well!
Prepare Your Loved One
Communicate with your loved one ahead of time about what happens on Halloween. Explain that neighbors will likely stop by for trick-or-treating, and they that may notice some strange sights and sounds on the big day.
This extra preparation will help reduce stress, but you will likely need to explain it to them again when the day arrives. Remember to be patient with your beloved senior and cater your celebration to what they can do.
Create a Friendly and Familiar Environment
Do not use jump-scare toys, goblins, ghouls, flashing lights, or loud noises. While spooky décor might sound fun to many of us, for people with dementia, this décor is likely to trigger fear and confusion.
Instead, opt for a warm, cozy, autumn-themed environment. Use non-scary autumn décor like pumpkins and fall flowers, and play calming music to create a friendly, familiar environment at home. That way, your senior can relax and enjoy the comfort of home, where they are surrounded by loved ones.
Engage in Activities that Improve Memory
You might flip through an old photo album to reminisce about Halloween’s past or complete an autumn-themed puzzle. If you’re feeling more creative, you could also paint pumpkins or make a fall-themed treat together like apple cider or muffins.
Activities like these are like exercise for your brain. They stimulate memory and slow cognitive decline, which is perfect for a senior with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
A Final Word. . .
Halloween doesn’t have to be scary or disorienting for your senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia. With the right preparation, you can transform a spooky holiday into a cozy fall celebration that is fun for the whole family. Just remember to prepare you senior for the big day, and be patient as you adapt to their needs. Happy Halloween!
Would your senior loved one benefit from expert adult day care in a warm, welcoming environment? The healthcare professionals at Northeast Adult Day Care can provide skilled care, monitoring, and social interaction for your loved one! Reach out to learn more, info@northeastadc.com.