This article is going to focus on loved ones with dementia, loved ones without dementia, and loved ones in care facilities.
Loved ones with dementia...
If your loved one has dementia such as Alzheimer's, Halloween can sometimes be overwhelming. There are decorations all over, loud haunting noises, and lots of children knocking at the door in different costumes. This does not mean that you and your loved one cannot celebrate Halloween.
TIPS
1. Inform your loved one about Halloween and prepare them for what happens on Halloween night. Let them know that children will be knocking at the door or saying trick or treat.
2. When decorating your home, keep it at a minimum. If you are like me, you love to cover the house in Halloween decorations. However, too many can be very confusing to your loved one. In addition, some of the decorations are quite scary, so choose those decorations that you know will not frighten your loved one. You can try cats, witches, ghosts and pumpkins. The decorations that are gruesome should be avoided. If you are not sure which decorations are appropriate, you can show your loved one the decoration to see if you get a response. They may comment on how great it looks or they may shriek back as if to say, "That is horrible."
3. If you like to make your own decorations, your loved one can help you. This activity can be a lot of fun for you and your loved one. Crafts are part of most adult day care programs because they assist with exercising the hands, hand/eye coordination, and self-creativity.
4. Avoid loud noises as much as possible. Some houses have haunting noises such as doors creaking and wind blowing, while others have loud witches laughing or ghostly "boos." These noises can frighten your loved one especially if they are taken off guard.
5. Once you have accomplished the decorating, now you can prepare for the big night. Start by having a nice dinner.
6. You can have your loved one help with placing candies in the bowl. Just make sure that the candy makes it to the bowl! I have caught many clients sneaking the candy into their mouths. This is especially important if your loved one is not supposed to have sugar.
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