Halloween may not be one of those holidays where you traditionally gather to celebrate with family, but it’s a great opportunity for fun at any age. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a sweet treat, a good laugh and some quality time spent together? Seniors may not be the right demographic for trick-or-treating, but there are still plenty of ways to help them enjoy some spooky October fun.
Here are a few easy ways to bring a little Halloween spirit to your aging loved ones. If you’re interested in learning more about homecare services in Toronto, please contact us! We’d be glad to answer your questions and provide a personalized quote.
Check out local decorations
While many families simply place a Jack-o-lantern on their porch or front steps, others go all out for Halloween with yards full of ghosts, skeletons and more. Consider picking up your aging loved one in the early evening, grabbing a thermos of tea hot chocolate and taking a drive around your neighbourhood (or another location) to see what’s on display. The Toronto Star recently created a list of the best Toronto neighbourhoods to see spooky decorations, and if you aren’t too far from Milton, you can also visit a drive-thru Halloween event like Pumpkins After Dark.
Watch a spooky movie together
Halloween doesn’t need to be horrific—you can skip the horror flicks and watch a family-friendly film like Hocus Pocus or The Witches (a classic from 1990). There are a number of other options on Netflix and other streaming services including gentle cartoon films that may provide less-spooky entertainment and comfort to individuals with dementia (for example: It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown). Use your best judgement, as you know your loved one’s needs and preferences best. Be sure to include some Halloween-themed treats to make the evening feel extra special! There are even sugar-free options for individuals with diabetes or other dietary concerns. If you’re unavailable to join in yourself, our caretakers are also available to help create a Halloween-themed movie night for clients.
Help them hand out treats
If your aging loved one lives in a house or an apartment building with a lobby, consider helping them hand out treats on October 31st. Your loved one will enjoy seeing kids in costume and will be able to socialize with some of their neighbours throughout the night. They can even dress up in a simple costume if they’d like to—a witch’s hat or cat ears, for example. Just make sure they’re dressed appropriately for the weather and if you’re worried about the spread of germs, encourage them to keep some distance or wear a mask. Again, our caretakers can also assist with this upon request! Please let us know if you’d like to discuss this further.
Thanks for reading—we hope you have a delightfully spooky Halloween!