Halloween Can Be a Scary Time for Folks With Dementia. Here is Assist
WebMD Information from HealthDay
By Cara Murez
HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, Oct. 27, 2022 (HealthDay Information) — When there are out of the blue creepy decorations and plenty of knocks on the door from strangers, Halloween will be scary for somebody residing with dementia.
It’s potential to maintain a cherished one residing with the illness calm and secure, whereas additionally together with that member of the family in celebrating the vacation quietly, specialists say.
“Like with many different traditions, there are variations households could make to assist their kinfolk residing with dementia have a secure and fulfilling Halloween,” stated Jennifer Reeder, director of instructional and social providers for the Alzheimer’s Basis of America.
“We encourage caregivers to comply with a couple of fast and straightforward steps to maintain the ‘Completely satisfied’ in ‘Completely satisfied Halloween’ on Oct. 31,” Reeder stated in a basis information launch.
The inspiration’s specialists counsel adapting the celebration by reminiscing about previous Halloween costumes or actions whereas taking a look at previous household footage. Watch a non-threatening program about Halloween.
Give the one you love wholesome snacks, equivalent to fruit. An excessive amount of sweet can improve agitation.
For some, it could be potential to have a cherished one with dementia assist hand out sweet to trick-or-treaters, however by no means depart the individual alone to take action, which might be scary, complicated and a security danger, the muse suggests.
Strive enjoying calming music, participating in a quiet exercise equivalent to studying a e-book collectively or offering soothing reassurance.
Reduce misery by avoiding doubtlessly scary decorations, equivalent to pretend skeletons, cobwebs, witches and monsters. It is particularly vital to keep away from publicity to interactive decorations that discuss or scream when somebody passes by or which have flashing or flickering lights. These can scare and trigger somebody with dementia to get lost, even from their very own dwelling.
Keep secure with the lights on inside and outdoors the house, so burglars and vandals don’t suppose the home is empty, the muse suggests. Another choice for sweet is to go away a bowl exterior the door with an indication that claims, “Please take one.”
The AFA Helpline at 866-232-8484 or through the web site www.alzfdn.org presents a possibility to talk with a licensed social employee seven days per week.
Extra info
The U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention has extra on dementia.
SOURCE: Alzheimer’s Basis of America, information launch, Oct. 24, 2022
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