Enjoy Halloween the dementia-friendly way

Halloween season is upon us, which means things might get a little spooky in your community. While this holiday brings fun and excitement, the decorations, lights and sudden noises can be overwhelming to people living with dementia.

If you’re celebrating with someone living with dementia, try these tips for a calmer, more enjoyable evening.

Keep lighting consistent

Sudden darkness or flashing lights can be confusing or frightening for those living with dementia. Instead, use gentle lighting that creates a festive atmosphere without overwhelming the senses.

Avoid masks and heavy costumes

Familiar faces and voices help reduce anxiety. Halloween masks and heavy costumes can be frightening and disorienting for someone living with dementia, who may struggle to recognize that a familiar face is hiding behind a disguise. Opting for simple touches like a festive hat or a favorite sweater helps everyone celebrate while keeping your loved one calm and connected.

Play gentle background music

Trick-or-treaters, costumes and noises can be confusing or cause discomfort to someone living with dementia. Keeping the home environment calm is key. You can play relaxing music, do a quiet activity like reading a book together and provide verbal or physical reassurance to help decrease distress.

Greet visitors together

If someone living with dementia wants to interact with trick-or-treaters by giving out candy, have someone familiar there to assist, or arrange for them to go to a family member or friend’s house for the evening.

If you want to invite trick-or-treaters but would like to avoid the continuous knocking and “trick-or-treat!” shouts, consider leaving a bowl of candy outside with a note that says, “Please take one.”

With a few small changes, Halloween can remain full of connection and shared joy.