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How to make Halloween safe for dementia patients: Expert shares tips
Halloween can be especially challenging for people with dementia because of the scary decorations and trick-or-treaters. Jennifer Reeder of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America shares tips for caregivers, including avoiding interactive decorations, creating a quiet environment, and supervision during trick-or-treating to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for people with dementia. Doing is involved.
How to make Halloween safe for dementia patients: Expert shares tips (Image credit: iStock)
Halloween, known for scary sights and sounds, can be especially disturbing for such people Alzheimer’s disease or dementiaSudden noises, flashing decorations, and costumed strangers can cause confusion and anxiety. Jennifer Reeder, director of educational and social services at the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), emphasizes the importance of proactive care during this time to ensure that the day remains safe and enjoyable for individuals living with dementia.
“Following a few simple steps can help keep someone with dementia ‘happy’ this ‘Happy Halloween,'” Reeder advises.
AFA offers practical tips to help caregivers navigate the holidays with ease:
1. Avoid scary or interactive decorations:
Halloween decorations like screaming skeletons, flashing lights, or moving figures can be overwhelming and disturbing to someone with dementia. Even seemingly disturbing decorations, such as witches’ or spider’s webs, can be disturbing. Stick to neutral, calming seasonal decorations like pumpkins, autumn leaves, or other non-threatening items.
2. Create a calm environment:
As costumed trick-or-treaters roam the streets, helping your loved one relax can make a big difference. Play soothing music, engage in quiet activities like reading, or give them calming reassurance if they become agitated. It is important to keep the house peaceful and predictable to reduce any anxiety related to Halloween.
3. Make Halloween dementia-friendly:
Consider tailoring Halloween traditions to better suit your loved one’s current abilities and preferences. Replace candy with healthier snacks like fruit, which can help avoid the cravings caused by sugar. Enjoy simple, non-stressful activities such as reminiscing about old Halloween photos, painting pumpkins, or watching a light-hearted Halloween movie together. Focus on what they enjoy and can participate in without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Supervise During Trick-or-Treating:
Having strangers in costumes repeatedly knocking on the door can be frightening and confusing for someone with dementia. It is essential to ensure that the person is not alone during these times. If your loved one wants to hand out candy, go with them and make sure they are safe. Avoid inviting tricksters or fraudsters in unless they are familiar to you.
5. Keep the lights on:
A well-lit home can deter thieves and vandals, who may target homes that appear empty. Leave both interior and exterior lights on to show that someone is home. If you want to avoid trick-or-treaters, consider leaving out a bowl of candy that says, “Please take one.”
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