Keeping Your Senior Safe on Halloween

Halloween can be a night of great fun, but it can also pose safety issues to seniors. While they may enjoy handing out candy to young children that stop by, they can also be at risk for teenagers looking to pull pranks. Limited mobility can make getting up and down and continually answering the door a challenge. For those with dementia, they may become confused, agitated, or disoriented. Having a plan in place ahead of time can help your senior to enjoy the spirit of Halloween and trick-or-treaters while also staying safe.

• Buddy up: If you are worried about your loved one being home alone, make arrangements for them to go to a neighbor’s home. Here they can hand out candy together and the neighbor can provide assistance as needed. Seeing multiple adults together can discourage teenagers from trying anything sneaky.
• Celebrate together: Go to your senior’s home or invite them to yours. You can hand out candy together or take the grandchildren around the neighborhood. If mobility is an issue, your loved one can stay seated by the door as you hand out candy and they can still enjoy seeing the children dressed up.
• Keep the lights on: Not only will a well-lit home allow your senior and trick-or-treaters to see better as they navigate their way, it can also deter mischief. Even if your loved one does not want to hand out candy, leave the lights on so others do not think it is an empty home. Encourage your senior to watch a movie or engage in other activities to distract them from any knocking on the door.
• Discourage driving: Driving at night can be riskier for seniors anyway, but on Halloween there are many more people out. With small children running around and dark costumes, your senior may not be able to see as well. If they need to travel, go pick them up, or ensure that they have everything they may need the day before.

Talk to your aging parent about how they would like to spend Halloween. Are they planning on handing out candy or going to an event? Discuss options such as going to a neighbor’s house or spending the evening with you and your family. If they are planning on spending the evening alone at their home, ensure that the proper safety measures have been taken and be sure to check in periodically. Halloween can be a great holiday to spend together making memories and having fun. Your senior may be excited to see their grandchildren dressed up or get to partake in annual rituals. Communicate with them about plans so that everyone is on the same page and you can keep them safe while still allowing them to enjoy the evening.