Halloween Safety Tips for Seniors
Halloween can be a fun holiday for most, but it can be a very stressful time for seniors, particularly those with mental and/or physical complications. Some seniors may be concerned with their safety during this time, as strangers coming to their home can inflict fear. However, it is very possible to protect yourself, or a senior in your care, for a safe and happy Halloween by engaging in a few precautions.
Also, remember to keep in mind that not all older adults dislike Halloween, some enjoy handing out candy to trick-or-treaters. Ask a senior you care for what they’d prefer on the holiday and adjust your plan based on their preference.
Halloween Safety Tips
Halloween increases safety concerns for the elderly, especially those with mental and/or physical complications (such as Dementia). Some factors that contribute to these concerns include:
- Decorations
- Costumes
- Wet pavements
- Falling leaves
- Fewer daylight hours
- Changing weather conditions
Consider the following are tips to help alleviate these concerns:
If you or a senior you care for does not want to hand out candy, remove outside pumpkins and decorations. Also, turn off all outside lights and close curtains.
- You can also place a sign on the door that says, “No More Candy!” or something similar to keep trick-or-treaters away.
- Add night-lights to hallways and rooms. Keep the home well lit.
- Do not place window decorations that block the light or views of main entrances, such as the front door.
Here are some other fun ideas for the holiday for seniors:
- If carving pumpkins, use safe carving tools and light them with fake candles. If you do not want to use pumpkin carving tools, try painting them instead. In addition, keep pumpkins outside to keep the decaying and consequent bugs outside.
- Try spending the evening with friends and family. Invite them to spend the holiday with the senior you care for.
- See if the local senior center is hosting any Halloween activities such as their own trick-or-treat or Halloween cookie decorating.
- Consider having a Halloween movie marathon.
- Play Halloween-themed charades as acting out different Halloween-related characters and themes can be a very fun activity to do.
Halloween does not have to be stressful. Try these precautions and have a safe and happy Halloween!
