By Cara Murez
well being day reporter
THURSDAY, Oct. 27, 2022 (HealthDay Information) — When there are abruptly spooky decorations and plenty of knocking on doorways from strangers, Halloween could be scary for somebody dwelling with it. dementia.
In keeping with consultants, it’s attainable to maintain a liked one dwelling with the illness calm and secure, whereas together with that member of the family within the quiet celebration of the vacations.
“As with many different traditions, households could make variations to assist family members with dementia have a secure and pleasant Halloween,” stated Jennifer Reeder, director of instructional and social providers for the Alzheimer’s Basis of America.
“We encourage caregivers to comply with a number of fast and simple steps to maintain ‘Comfortable’ in ‘Comfortable Halloween’ on October 31,” Reeder stated in a press launch from the muse.
Basis consultants counsel adapting the celebration by reminiscing about previous Halloween costumes or actions whereas viewing outdated household photographs. Watch a non-threatening Halloween present.
Give the one you love wholesome snacks, reminiscent of fruit. An excessive amount of sweet can enhance restlessness.
For some, it might be attainable to have a liked one with dementia assist hand out sweet to deceivers, however by no means depart the particular person alone to do that, which could possibly be scary, complicated and a security threat. suggests the muse.
Strive enjoying soothing music, partaking in a quiet exercise like studying a ebook collectively, or reassuring your self.
Decrease misery by avoiding doubtlessly spooky decorations, reminiscent of faux skeletons, cobwebs, witches and monsters. It’s particularly necessary to keep away from publicity to interactive decorations that discuss or shout when somebody walks by or have flashing or flickering lights. These can scare and trigger an individual with dementia to wander far, even from dwelling.
Keep secure with lights on inside and outdoors the home, so burglars and vandals do not assume the home is empty, the muse suggests. An alternative choice for sweets is to depart a bowl exterior the door with an indication saying, “Please take one.”
The AFA Helpline at 866-232-8484 or by way of the web site www.alzfdn.org presents the chance to talk with a registered social employee seven days every week.
Extra info
The US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention has extra on dementia.
SOURCE: Alzheimer’s Basis of America, press launch, October 24, 2022