VISITING ANGELS PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 561-328-7611
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HALLOWEEN CAN BE FUN FOR SENIORS TOO

Halloween fun for Seniors

Family members of all ages look forward to Halloween each year. Costumes, candy, and festive parties make the occasion fun, but how do you help a Senior loved one celebrate in a safe and healthy way? It’s a great time for Seniors to put on a mask, do some seasonal crafts, and eat “healthy” goodies. Here are several Halloween night activities your Senior loved ones can enjoy:

1. Make it a Night at the Movies.

What’s Halloween without a spooky movie? Here are some favorites that are fun for all ages:

  • Hocus Pocus: a light-hearted comedy about witches seeking revenge, featuring Bette Midler.
  • Casper: based on the comic book character, this movie is about a ghost who wants to make friends.
  • Ghostbusters: The original – all about a bunch of scientific misfits ridding NY of goblins and ghouls.
  • The Witches: a humorous movie about outsmarting an evil witch, played by Angelica Houston, and her plan to turn all children into mice.

2. Paint a Jack o’ Lantern Monster.

Anyone can paint pumpkins! Make a creepy monster or cute witch. All seniors need are simple craft supplies like paint, paint brushes, googly eyes, glitter glue, pipe cleaners, and a medium size pumpkin. Get the grandkids involved and make a monster family!

3. Take Spooky Kooky Photos.

Photos are great for creating fun Halloween memories with Seniors. Raid the closets for old clothes and accessories, then stuff them with old newspaper to make props that can sit on chair, sofa or bench. Add the pumpkins you painted (see above) on top, and stick on a hat or cap. Then gather the family around Halloween night and take lots of photos to cherish the memory.

4. Have Healthy Halloween Snacks.

Limit the candy!  Instead, be sure to enjoy a few healthy Fall snacks, like pumpkin muffins – they are fun to bake and provide a nice activity in the kitchen. For a senior-friendly take on candy apples which are hard to bite and chew, buy caramel apple dip at the market and serve with sliced apples. Create a special Halloween snack by mixing candy corn with fresh microwave popcorn and some peanuts (beware nut allergies). You can even get slice and bake sugar cookies and use a few candy corn for decoration. Use the leftover candy corn to play Bingo!

5. Make a Mask.

There is no need for a full costume when seniors can be just as festive in a simple mask. It’s easy to make your own with a plain masquerade mask and craft supplies like feathers, rhinestones and glitter. Have your senior parent wear the mask on Halloween night to surprise their grandkids or unexpecting trick-or-treaters. Make sure they don’t run to the door and have a companion at home to help with the trick or treaters.

6. Set the Mood with Music.

Don’t forget to play fun creepy Halloween Songs from the 1910's, 20's, & 30's – The Halloween Party Playlist is here: https://youtu.be/ColqqmE-0qM

7. Make Goodie Bags for Trick or Treaters

A big part of the Halloween fun is seeing all of the neighborhood children dressed in creative costumes, but unrecognizable visitors knocking on the door can be scary and intimidating for seniors living alone.  Plan to spend some time with your loved one at their home or invite them to yours – there’s plenty of ways to celebrate.

Remember that the time spent having fun and making memories is what counts, not what the finished product looks like. If you can’t be with your loved one over this or any other holiday, consider companionship services from Visiting Angels. Our caregivers and companions are specially trained to provide the care and activities that help Seniors thrive not just survive, no matter what the time of year.

Till Next Time!

Irv Seldin, JD, President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches

This article is not intended as medical advice.

 

Serving Palm Beach Gardens, Palm City, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Hobe Sound, Stuart, West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County, FL

Visiting Angels PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL
8645 N Military Trl #407
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561-328-7611
Fax: 561-328-7607

Serving Palm Beach Gardens, Palm City, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Hobe Sound, Stuart, West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County, FL

Visiting Angels PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL
8645 N Military Trl #407
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561-328-7611
Fax: 561-328-7607

"My 90 year old mother fell and broke her arm a year ago and was in real need of home care. Knowing the great reputation of Visiting Angels, I called them after checking their recent(wonderful) reviews. This gave me the confidence to start services. We had to do 24 hour care for many months as mom couldn’t do much for herself. Our experience has been very positive, the caregivers have been competent and caring. Honorable mention needs to go to our care coordinator Jackie who has always been willing and able to meet requests, listen attentively to mom’s changing needs and make any adjustments in hours and staffing! I am out of state and knowing that my mother’s needs are met for safety and compassionate quality care is priceless!"

– Debbie D. (More reviews here)

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐