Welcome back to our blog page for our Manor Lake Hoschton Assisted Living and Manor Lake Hoschton Memory Care community! One of the most common questions we receive this time of year is:
“What ideas do you have to make this Halloween holiday special for my memory care loved one?”
Well, we thought we’d share another special edition blog post on the subject in hopes that it provides some ideas you can put into action.
Halloween’s main purpose is to create joy and fun while reveling in a bit of spookiness. However, for those who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s, Halloween can bring a different set of experiences — sometimes including triggers, anxiety, or agitation.
It’s important to be aware of potential challenges the holiday may pose. For example, scary decorations, flashing lights, or spooky costumes can cause confusion and distress. The good news is that with a little planning, you can create a festive, safe, and enjoyable Halloween experience for your loved one.
Here are a few dementia-friendly Halloween activities to try this year:
Activity #1: Painting Pumpkins
Painting has been shown to have therapeutic effects for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It helps engage attention, encourage creativity, and promote social interaction.
Make it festive by painting pumpkins instead of carving them! This is a fun, inexpensive activity that can be done with family members of all ages. You can find small pumpkins at your local grocery store or pumpkin patch — just grab some paints, brushes, and let the creativity flow. It’s a wonderful way to start a new, dementia-safe Halloween tradition.
Activity #2: Halloween Charades
Charades are a lighthearted and social way to celebrate Halloween together. They encourage laughter, movement, and participation — all while being gentle and non-threatening for your loved one.
Keep it simple with Halloween-themed prompts such as “witch,” “black cat,” or “pumpkin.” This is a great way to get everyone into the spirit while keeping things fun and interactive.
Activity #3: Make Halloween Slime
Slime isn’t just for kids! It’s a fun, tactile activity that provides sensory stimulation — something that can be especially beneficial for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Making slime is easy, safe, and engaging. You can even add festive touches like orange or purple coloring, or small Halloween-themed trinkets. It’s a hands-on activity that can bring smiles and keep your loved one engaged for hours.
Halloween is Joyous Here at Manor Lake – We Hope Yours is Too!
We hope you’re enjoying this beautiful Fall season and looking forward to one of the most fun holidays of the year.
Of course, you’re warmly invited to join us for our Halloween celebration here at both our Manor Lake Hoschton Assisted Living and Memory Care communities. But if you’re celebrating at home, we hope these ideas help make your loved one’s Halloween both joyful and stress-free.
Happy Halloween from all of us at Manor Lake Hoschton!