Celebrating Halloween has no age limit. The occasion embraces everyone, from children to seniors, encouraging them to make the most out of this delightfully scary time of year. Lend a bit of spook to the season with these eight ways to celebrate at home with seniors.

What are the benefits of joining Halloween activities?

Seniors may find Halloween difficult due to isolation, dementia, or anxiety. The constant ringing of the doorbell and frightening costumes aggravate those with dementia. Older adults who live alone feel the sting of isolation and loneliness or feel anxious about opening the door to strangers.

But plenty of seniors feel exuberant about the spooktacular occasion. Aging adults who enjoy celebrating Halloween often have fond memories of trick-or-treating as children or decorating pumpkins. It’s also a social holiday to connect with family, friends, and the community.

What are ideas to celebrate Halloween at home?

Older people, whether they live with a disability or have mobility issues, can still participate in this joyous, fun-filled occasion from the comfort of home. Seniors might try the following Halloween activities, which can be enjoyed to the fullest in the company of loved ones or caregivers.

1. Hand out candy

Candy is the quintessential Halloween treat. Whether hard, chewy, or gooey, candy is appreciated by youngsters out trick-or-treating. Seniors who sit on their porch, while wrapped in a cozy shawl, have the opportunity to drop these sweet treats into the open bags of eager trick-or-treaters.

2. Host a Halloween potluck

A Halloween potluck is a food-lover’s ideal way to celebrate on October 31. When hosting, stick to a spooky theme or encourage guests to bring dishes that highlight autumn’s unique flavors. From savory to sweet, the wide range of foods of a Halloween potluck are sure to hit the spot.

Consider baking a batch of Witch Finger Breadsticks, with green olives for the fingernails and a zesty marinara sauce for bloody-good dipping. Hot Dog Mummies are another savory treat. Cake Eyeballs, prepared like traditional cake pops, are a deliciously icky dessert.

3. Watch a scary movie

Halloween night offers no shortage of scary movies to watch. Seniors and loved ones ready to be spooked can grab a throw blanket, plop onto the couch with a bowl of popcorn, and turn on their favorite Halloween flick. Movies can range from comedic to downright frightening.

Seniors might enjoy 1993s Nightmare Before Christmas, which can be watched on both Halloween and Christmas. Older adults might identify with the story of Halloweentown, where a grandmother is a central character. The Addams Family, centered around an eccentric family, remains a Halloween classic.

4. Tell spooky stories

Gather the grandkids in a circle, turn down the lights, and tell ghostly stories. In addition to spine-tingling tales, seniors might share their experiences of past Halloweens. A storytelling contest involves everyone in the circle and is fun way to spend Halloween with loved ones.

5. Play Halloween games

Halloween night without games is like a mummy without its wrap. Seniors and friends and family might engage in a murder mystery game, where a participant pretends to die, and others look for clues to uncover the culprit. The game is sure to result in plenty of lighthearted finger-pointing.

Play trivia games that stimulate the mind and boost mental health. Every older adult is familiar with a monster or two, from Dracula to Frankenstein. Trivia questions might focus on their knowledge of creepy characters or, if preferable, lighter topics, like Halloween candies.

6. Dress up in costumes

Costumes, whether purchased or handmade, are intended for every age group—seniors included. Dress up as a Popeye and Olive Oyl, the lion from The Wizard of Oz, or a clown to lend the occasion flair. Up the fun factor by encouraging youngsters to don granny costumes!

Even if the grandkids live far away, they can still be an integral part of a grandparent’s Halloween joy. Once the grandkids are dressed up for Halloween, ask them to show off their costumes via a video chat app, such as Facetime, Zoom, or Skype.

7. Craft on Halloween

Craft supplies are a senior’s best friend. Spend Halloween in front of the crackling fireplace with knitting needles and yarn, felt, or mason jars. Use these supplies to create yarn ornaments, spider webs, puffy ghosts, or mummy mason jars. Ghost wreaths and spooky candles are additional craft ideas.

8. Decorate the home

Hang the newly created crafts, like a painted skull print, on the walls of the home. Place succulent pumpkin planters on the center of the table for a festive look. Adhering black cat decals to the windows is sure to give trick-or-treaters goosebumps, especially under a bright full moon.

Halloween is celebrated at home with loved ones in a variety of ways. But when older adults are unable to be near friends and family due to immobility or living far away, companion care from Assisting Hands Home Care can make Halloween an enjoyable, fun time.

Our caregivers will help your aging loved one feel the spirit of Halloween with games, conversations about past Halloweens, and outings. We strive to connect socially with our care recipients, thereby preventing them from feeling loneliness or isolation during this time of year.

Companion care includes a comprehensive range of non-medical care services at home. We shop for groceries, like ingredients for cake eyeballs as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Caregivers prepare healthy meals, perform light housekeeping, and provide timely medication reminders.

Transportation to local destinations, like the medical clinic or pharmacy, is a part of our responsibilities. Caregivers provide discreet support with personal hygiene tasks, like bathing, toileting, and dressing. Fall risk assessments are performed, and hazards are removed to promote safety.

Halloween and every day of the year become more enjoyable when seniors receive quality, hands-on support from Assisting Hands Home Care. We serve the elderly in Boynton Beach, BallenIsles, Jupiter, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, Wellington, West Palm Beach, FL and surrounding areas. Call us at (561) 566-5989 to schedule a free in-home consultation and learn more about the benefits of senior companionship.