Celebrating Halloween Safely with Loved Ones

ZANESVILLE, OH – Halloween is meant to be a fun time but for those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s, it can truly become a nightmare.

About 236,000 adults in Ohio are living with dementia and age-related neurological diseases that can make Halloween confusing, disorienting, and frightening for your loved one.

Sarah Vincenzo, the Executive Director of Traditions Senior Living, talked about some things to keep in mind and maybe avoid this spooky season.

“When you have a dementia patient, you want to be aware that it naturally comes with a component of struggling to understand reality at times, increasing anxiety, and fear.” Vincenzo explained, “Something as simple as cobwebs and doorbells can cause increased confusion, kids running around in costumed faces, not easily able to recognize them can generate a lot of anxiety.”

Vincenzo also recommends not overdoing it on trick-or-treating goodies and to never leave a dementia patient home alone to pass out candy.

She says instead to take the time to leave a bowl out that’s self serve, looking through old photos, and just being with your loved one.

“You want to lean into fall and decorate with pumpkins and leaves, maybe have some family crafts.” Vincenzo said. “Look at photo albums and paint pumpkins, also maybe bake their favorite recipe, pumpkin bread, take a fall foliage drive and stop atA local fall festival, enjoy some cider, and fresh apples.”

For more information or tips, you can follow Traditions on Facebook.