Posted 10-30-19
Halloween, like all holidays, has the potential to be a wonderful experience for patients who struggle with dementia, but there are certainly pitfalls to consider. Keep these things in mind as you navigate this spooky season to keep your loved one happy and safe:
- I won’t go so far to say that you should hide completely away, but it might be wise depending what stage your loved one is in. Confusion and anxiety is common enough whenever his or her routine is shaken up. Add costumed kids (and adults, pranksters, and the like) and you might be better off limiting the outside visitors by shutting off your porch lights and having the kids/grandkids come by and let them in separately. You can leave a big stash of candy on the porch if you feel so moved.
- If you are open for business, remind your loved one early and often that there may be visitors and that they will not be coming in. Having a caregiver pre-screen visitors at the door wouldn’t be a bad plan.
- Avoid things that can cause trip hazards and confusion such as flashing or dim lights and certain decorations. Use a solid light in your Jack-O-Lantern rather than a flickering one.
- Avoid dressing up your loved one with a mask for the same reason. If they request it and you want to dress them up for family visitors, keep his/her eyes and ears free of coverage.
- Monitor the TV closer than normal since it seems all the rage to have anxiety-causing demonic and/or slasher films rule the night on TV. Slap in a fun DVD if you want or just leave it off.
- Spend time coloring some decorations at the kitchen table. Carving a pumpkin may be too risky depending on their stage of illness, but painting a face with a marker or water soluble paint makes for fun time.
- Treats need to be monitored. Memory patients often loooooove sweets. My mom and the Sweet 17 would raid the pastry/candy dishes much more than they should when left unattended. I won’t go so far as to say eliminate them completely on special occasions…but keep an eye on them. Sugar free candies of all varieties and healthy sweets are available everywhere.
- If you are going to let your loved one hand out candy, never leave them alone even for a minute. If they live alone, spend the evening with them and join them in passing out candy if they insist. Shady people use Halloween as an opportunity to scout out targets.
- Remember, as one article said wisely, if it will scare a 6-year-old, it could scare your loved one…and not in a fun way.
- Instead of bothering at all, perhaps start a new tradition. Break out pictures old songs and reminisce. As always, replace “Remember when” questions with declarative sentences like “Look how fun this was” or “Wow, we sure loved to trick or treat! Look at this picture”. They may be experiencing them for the first time all over again….there is no sense making them upset or sad that they cannot remember.
Here is another excellent and positive article on the subject for your consideration.
Last notes: If your loved one gets stressed/anxious, shut off the lights outside and put on some soothing, period music. Move into an interior room with no decorations and away from anxiety triggers. Step up your distraction/redirection protocol that you are already familiar with doing. (Preaching to the choir here, I know). Maybe a nice cup of a fall beverage like hot (warm) cider or cocoa would be in order? Hold his or her hand and just visit in a quieter/slower tone than normal. Keep an eye on him/her and watch for non-verbal cues. You likely know the drill. 🙂
Update: Mom’s lower GI infection is much better now. It appears they caught it quickly enough to treat it. She was happy and in good spirits. I sure miss the 1980’s Halloweens with mom and with dad…lots of good times.
#EndALZ
Last note: My clinical trial that I mentioned yesterday fell through, but another one is in the works. I will let you know once it is finalized. 🙂