HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR THE ELDERLY

Photo by David Menidrey on Unsplash

Halloween is just around the corner yet as fun as it is, it increases safety concerns for the elderly- especially those with mental and/or physical complications, such as Dementia and increased risk of falls.
Some factors that contribute to these concerns include:

• Decorations
• Costumes
• Wet pavements
• Falling leaves
• Less daylight hours
• Changing weather conditions

Consider the following tips to help alleviate these concerns for your elderly loved one, friend or neighbour:

• Keep all floors, entry ways and porches free of decorations.
• Add night lights to hallways, walkways and rooms, and keep well lit.
• Avoid window decorations that block light or view of front or side doors.
• Use only safe pumpkin carving tools, light pumpkin with flame-less votive.
• Place carved pumpkins outside to keep decaying smell and bugs outside.
• Spend the evening with them, be available to help answer door, keep them safe.
• When done with candy, or at dusk: Put a sign on door, “Sorry No More Candy”.
• There is debate on turning off porch light, which can increase security risk

Don’t leave an elder with Dementia or physical limitations home alone on Halloween…

• Take them to a community event or family home, and return home after dusk.
• Send a companion to be with them from 4:00pm-10:00pm or overnight if needed.
• Help them answer the door and hand out candy if they wish.
• Watch a movie or listen to music in another room away from front door if possible.
• Be prepared; books, albums, crafts, favourite foods, etc. to enjoy and distract.
• Follow dietary instructions; avoid over indulgence of chocolate or sugar.
• Remember Halloween may not be a happy time for our elderly with Dementia and they may be scared from the added stimulation of doorbell, knocks, noise outside. Be sensitive to what they can tolerate and do your best to keep them safe and enjoy the evening with you.