Halloween Safety Tips for Dementia Caregivers: Creating a Safe and Enjoyable Holiday

Believe it or not, Halloween can still be a festive and joyful time for people living with dementia. However, this holiday can also bring unique challenges. The excitement, decorations, and visitors can be overwhelming for someone with dementia. As a caregiver, it’s essential to create an environment that is both safe and enjoyable. Here’s a quick guide with actionable tips to help you navigate Halloween while keeping your partner's comfort and well-being in mind.

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1. Create a Calm Environment

The sensory overload of Halloween decorations, sounds, and lights can be distressing for someone with dementia. To ensure a calm environment:

• Keep Decorations Simple: Focus on familiar and non-threatening decorations like pumpkins, autumn leaves, and general decorations with Halloween colors. Avoid anything spooky, loud, flashing, or emitting smoke, as these elements can cause unnecessary distress.
• Involve Your Partner: Let them help choose and/or place decorations, which can give them a sense of control and reduce anxiety.
• Avoid Flashing or Dim Lights: Flashing lights or low "mood" lighting can create misperceptions in the environment, potentially causing confusion or anxiety.

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2. Manage Trick-or-Treating

Frequent knocks on the door or doorbell rings as well as strangers in unpredictable costumes can be unsettling. To manage this:

• Limit Knocking and Doorbell Use: Consider placing a sign on your door asking trick-or-treaters refrain from knocking or ringing the bell. Instead, leave a bowl of candy outside with a sign instructing trick-or-treaters to grab a piece of candy. If you and your partner would like to hand out candy in person, consider doing so at the start of trick-or-treating when it is still light and younger children are out.
• Schedule Visits: Friends and family can still visit on Halloween. Arrange visits at specific times to minimize surprises and help your loved one feel more at ease. If visitors plan to dress up, kindly ask them to choose friendly, non-spooky costumes that leave their face uncovered.

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3. Plan Costumes with Care

If your partner enjoys dressing up, choose costumes that are simple, comfortable, and easy to remove for toileting needs:

• Opt for Simple Costumes: Choose outfits that don’t obstruct movement, the ability to use the bathroom or visibility, avoiding masks, complex layers, anything too restrictive, or costumes with flowly elements that touch the ground.
• Provide Choices: Offer your partner the option to select between two familiar-themed costumes, ensuring they feel comfortable and in control.
• Respect Their Wishes: If they’re resistant to dressing up, allow them to enjoy the day in their regular clothes.
• Keep Faces Visible: If you or any children in the family dress up for Halloween, make sure faces remain uncovered so your partner can easily recognize everyone.

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4. Monitor Halloween Media

In October, Halloween-themed or paranormal TV shows and movies are more prevalent across many channels. Ensure that the content your partner consumes is appropriate, as people with dementia may struggle to distinguish between what is real and what is fictional, even on television:

• Avoid Scary Content: Choose family-friendly Halloween movies that evoke nostalgia or joy instead of fear and confusion.
• Monitor What They Watch: Keep an eye on what’s on TV or online to avoid accidentally triggering anxiety or other forms of distress.

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5. Prepare for Potential Wandering

The decorations and changes in scenery during Halloween can make the environment feel unfamiliar, increasing the risk of wandering. Ensure safety by:

• Inviting Your Partner Over: If your partner still lives alone, Halloween can be a confusing and frightening time. Consider inviting them to spend the day and night with you to avoid unnecessary distress and potential wandering.
• Securing Your Home: Make sure doors and windows stay locked, and consider using a wearable GPS tracking device such as a watch or tile in their shoes.
• Using ID Bracelets: Consider your partner's openness to wearing an ID bracelet or necklace with your contact information in case they wander.
• Distributing the "Dear Neighbor Wandering Letter": This letter encourages trusted neighbors to contact you or 911 if they see your partner wandering away from home. Paw Pass members can download this letter from the Treehouse.
• Joining MedicAlert: Each year, MedicAlert IDs and the Safe & Found program help locate over 500 individuals who have wandered off.
• Keeping Them Engaged: Engaging in meaningful activities can help reduce wandering by providing both a sense of purpose and a positive distraction.

If your partner goes missing and is not located within 15 minutes, call 911 to report them as missing. Be sure to inform the authorities that the individual has dementia.

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6. Adapt Treats for Dietary Needs

Halloween candy might not be suitable for everyone. Be mindful of dietary restrictions and swallowing impairments:

• Offer Safe Treats: Provide healthy snacks or sugar-free options that meet dietary needs and ensure the treats are easy to chew and swallow. Supervise as necessary to prevent choking and overconsumption.

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7. Stick to a Routine

Routine is crucial for people with dementia. Keep Halloween activities aligned with their regular schedule:

• Plan Around Their Routine: Avoid late-night activities that could disrupt sleep or cause confusion.
• Maintain Consistency: Try to keep meal and activity times consistent, even on Halloween.

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8. Offer Reassurance and Flexibility

The unusual activities of Halloween may cause anxiety. Provide reassurance and be ready to adapt:

• Clear Communication: Explain what’s happening in simple, clear terms to help them understand.
• Be Flexible: If your partner becomes distressed, be prepared to adjust plans or switch to a quieter activity. Having comforting items on hand, such as a favorite blanket, fidget toy, or photo albums, can also be helpful.

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9. Have an Exit Strategy

Whether attending an event or hosting one, have an exit strategy in place:

• Discuss Plans in Advance: Keep guest list small and make sure everyone involved knows what to do if your partner becomes overwhelmed.
• Prepare a Quiet Space: Set up a familiar, calm area where they can retreat and relax if needed.

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10. Celebrate in a Way That Feels Right

Halloween doesn’t have to be traditional. Celebrate in a way that suits your  partner’s needs:

• Low-Key Celebrations: Consider a quiet evening at home with simple activities that bring joy like pumpkin decorating, baking, crafting, or storytelling. We also have a Halloween Activity Pack with 7 activities and a Build a Jack-O-Lantern Kit inside the Treehouse.

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With thoughtful preparation, Halloween can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your partner living with dementia. The key is to prioritize their comfort and well-being while still partaking in the holiday spirit, if desired.

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