There’s certainly no age limit in experiencing the fun of Halloween! Older adults are often thrilled by visits from trick-or-treaters, as well as the chance to delight in fall treats and fun decorations. Nonetheless, if a cherished older adult is struggling with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, certain elements of the Halloween season might be downright frightening. Without warning there are unexpected surprises, visitors, and changes to routine, and it can be difficult to separate fantasy from reality.
Imagine, in your own daily life, if Halloween was a foreign concept. You head into your favorite store and are met by larger-than-life inflatables, glowing witches, ghosts, and oversized spiders. In the section where you commonly find housewares, the shelves are instead filled with spooky masks, fake blood, and machetes. Has the world gone mad?
Naturally, the distress, anxiety, and fear inherent in Alzheimer’s disease is often increased at this time of the year, and it’s necessary for family members to make a plan to help senior loved ones maintain a sense of calm and routine. Alzheimer’s Universe gives the following suggestions:
In case the older adult becomes distressed or agitated in spite of taking the preventative measures above, try the following tips from the National Institute on Aging:
With some advance planning, people who have Alzheimer’s disease can remain calm and content during the Halloween season. The highly trained care team at Compassionate Nursing Services is always on hand to provide strategies to help with the various intricacies of dementia, and to partner with families with professional in-home care – as much or as little as needed, and always provided with compassion, patience, and skill. Contact us at 314-432-4312 to find out more about our expert Oakville dementia care team and the surrounding communities we serve.
“I’m going to force myself to run three miles each day.” “I’m going to eat…
Coughing. Shortness of breath. Wheezing. If you’re caring for a family member with COPD, you…
Aging is accompanied by a host of common changes. Shifts in eating and sleeping habits,…
Ready or not, the holiday season has arrived! As you prepare for family gatherings, there’s…
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and with more than 130 million Americans diagnosed with the…
If you have ever felt underappreciated and unrecognized in your role as family caregiver, this…