The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America's Jennifer Reeder shares advice make Halloween safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable for loved ones with dementia.
As Halloween approaches, families look forward to celebrations, costumes, and candy. However, for individuals living with dementia, the holiday’s sudden noises, flashing lights, and eerie decorations can be overwhelming or frightening.
“Halloween is full of scary sights and frightful sounds that create additional challenges for someone living with dementia, which is why being a proactive caregiver is so important,” said Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Director of Educational & Social Services Jennifer Reeder. “Following a few quick and easy steps can help keep the ‘Happy’ in ‘Happy Halloween’ for someone living with dementia on October 31.”
Here are three of Reeder’s recommended steps to make Halloween safer, more comfortable, and enjoyable for loved ones with dementia.
1. Skip the scary seasonal decor
If your spooky holiday guest list includes someone living with dementia, Reeder recommended against interactive or frightening decorations. Decorations that move, scream, or flash can cause anxiety or even prompt wandering behavior in those living with dementia.
“Fake skeletons, cobwebs, witches, and monsters, even if non-interactive, can potentially be upsetting for someone living with a cognitive impairment, as they perceive them as real,” she said. Instead, Reeder suggested, be festive with pleasant autumnal decorations — think: pumpkins, autumn leaves, or gentle lighting. These more neutral visuals create a festive atmosphere without overwhelming the senses.
2. Consider your audience when picking holiday activities
Halloween’s trick-or-treaters, costumes, and other stimuli can create confusion or discomfort for someone with dementia, so keeping the home environment calm is key, Reeder said. Consider playing soothing music to keep things relaxed. And rather than focusing on traditional Halloween activities that may no longer suit them, Reeder suggested adapting the holiday to make it enjoyable and accessible. Consider replacing candy with a healthier snack, as too much sugar may increase agitation. Simple activities like reminiscing over old Halloween photos, painting pumpkins, or watching a non-threatening seasonal movie can help them feel connected without stress. Reeder suggested focusing on “what the person can and likes to do now, rather than what they used to do before the onset of dementia.”
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3. Make trick-or-treating less tricky
Opening the door repeatedly to strangers in costumes may be frightening and confusing for someone with dementia. If your loved one wants to participate, stay with them as they give out candy, or consider going to a family member’s home where they can engage in a smaller, more controlled environment. Always have someone familiar there to provide support, and only invite known friends or relatives inside the home.
For safety, Reeder also suggests keeping interior lights on, and if you want to invite trick-or-treaters without all the knocking, consider leaving out a bowl of candy outside with a sign saying, “Please Take One.”
According to Reeder at the AFA, these small steps will help ensure Halloween is a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone — including a loved one living with dementia.
