Follow these Halloween safety tips for those with dementia to ease fears and anxiety.
Halloween is a delightful celebration enjoyed by individuals of all ages. Older adults often relish the joy of welcoming trick-or-treating children, indulging in seasonal treats, and embracing the festive decorations. However, for those grappling with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, Halloween can become an unsettling experience. The influx of unexpected surprises, visitors, and disruptions to routine, coupled with the challenge of distinguishing between fantasy and reality, can evoke fear and confusion in their world. It’s why implementing Halloween safety tips for those with dementia is so important.
Think of it this way: Without having any idea what Halloween is, you step into your favorite store and are confronted with spooky inflatables, cackling witches, huge spiders, and more. As you venture further into the store, you see shelves filled with scary masks, fake blood, and machetes. Has the world gone crazy?
It’s completely understandable that confusion, anxiety, and fear are elevated for someone with dementia this time of year, and it’s essential for family members to help loved ones maintain a sense of calm and routine. Alzheimer’s Universe provides the following recommendations:
- Limit decorations in the person’s home, or skip them altogether. In particular, anything with flashing lights or unusual noises can cause someone with dementia to be fearful enough to try to leave the home.
- If trick-or-treaters may cause agitation for the person, set a bowl of candy out on the porch with a note for children to take one. You may even want to turn the porch light off and skip handing out candy this year.
- If possible, and if it’s something the person may be comfortable with, consider taking them to visit a friend or family member who lives in a remote area without trick-or-treaters.
- If the person lives alone, make sure someone is staying with them that evening: a family member, friend, or professional caregiver from Home Matters Caregiving.
If the person still becomes upset or agitated in spite of these precautions, try:
- Helping the person move into a different room for a distraction from the cause of agitation.
- Turning on some quiet, calming music and bringing out an activity the person enjoys.
- Communicating in a soft, soothing voice, letting the person know they are safe and that all is well.
- With a little pre-planning and preparation, a loved one with dementia can remain content and calm during the Halloween season. Our specially trained care team is always on hand to help as well, with patient, compassionate, and skilled in-home dementia care services.
Contact us at 832-371-6600 to request a free consultation right in the comfort of the senior’s home, to share the challenges you’re facing, and to learn how our specialized dementia care can help.
Home Matters Caregiving proudly serves the Houston Metro area providing care for seniors wherever they call home.
