By Cara Murez 

HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, Oct. 27, 2022 (HealthDay Information) — When there are all of a sudden creepy decorations and plenty of knocks on the door from strangers, Halloween could be scary for somebody dwelling with dementia.

It’s attainable to maintain a beloved one dwelling with the illness calm and protected, whereas additionally together with that member of the family in celebrating the vacation quietly, consultants say.

“Like with many different traditions, there are diversifications households could make to assist their kin dwelling with dementia have a protected and fulfilling Halloween,” mentioned Jennifer Reeder, director of academic and social companies for the Alzheimer’s Basis of America.

“We encourage caregivers to observe a couple of fast and simple steps to maintain the ‘Comfortable’ in ‘Comfortable Halloween’ on Oct. 31,” Reeder mentioned in a basis information launch.

The inspiration’s consultants 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 your beloved wholesome snacks, similar to fruit. An excessive amount of sweet can improve agitation.

For some, it might be attainable to have a beloved one with dementia assist hand out sweet to trick-or-treaters, however by no means depart the individual alone to take action, which could possibly be scary, complicated and a security danger, the muse suggests.

Strive taking part in calming music, partaking in a quiet exercise similar to studying a e book collectively or offering soothing reassurance.

Reduce misery by avoiding doubtlessly scary decorations, similar to pretend skeletons, cobwebs, witches and monsters. It is particularly essential to keep away from publicity to interactive decorations that speak 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 residence.

Keep protected with the lights on inside and outdoors the house, so burglars and vandals don’t assume the home is empty, the muse suggests. An alternative choice for sweet is to go away a bowl outdoors the door with an indication that claims, “Please take one.”

The AFA Helpline at 866-232-8484 or by way of the web site www.alzfdn.org gives a chance 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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