Halloween & Bonfire Night
Unexpected loud noises and unwanted visitors have the potential to unsettle most of us. People Living with dementia and Care-Partners may have additional issues to deal with during Halloween and Bonfire Night.
It’s important to look at these special holiday dates from the perspective of each individual Person Living with dementia: some people will react better than others to changes in routine, different noises and unusual decorations.
Decorations and lights have now become an integral part of Halloween but houses and shops that suddenly look different to normal can feel unsettling, strange and confusing. This can sometimes leave a longer-lasting impression and People Living with dementia may refer back to the skeletons, ghosts, witches, spiders, bonfire piles etc that they have seen and remembered earlier in the day. It’s important not to ignore, argue or try to brush these conversations aside - they are genuine thoughts and fears that need to be listened to and addressed without adding to them. Listen calmly and try not to be frustrated that you have said this before. You could also say that yes, you saw them too and that they will all be gone very soon. The Person Living with dementia may not fully comprehend or understand the words you are speaking but they will remember and appreciate your facial expression and tone of voice.
It is a huge compliment that someone would share their thoughts and confide in you. Perhaps you could try to gently steer your conversation onto a more positive topic or start and finish a useful task together. This conversation may return to the same topic, question or concern at a later time but keep listening and gently steer as you think appropriate for the individual Person.
Children and adults enjoy Halloween (usually when it’s not raining!) and ‘Trick or Treating’ has become increasingly popular. Decorated houses usually attract greater attention from small visitors looking for sweets and admiration for their fancy dress costumes.
So, if you do not want an evening stream of doorbell-ringing, excited visitors you could avoid Halloween decorations and maybe even put up a polite sign on the front door explaining that someone in this home is unwell and that you’re not able to open the door this evening. You could leave a bowl of sweets outside for children to help themselves to if you wanted to be involved in the festivities. People are normally very respectful and will not disturb your evening.
Living with dementia does not mean that People are not able to attend organised or home firework displays. Sometimes it’s difficult to manage body temperature so make sure extremities are kept warm, layers are worn and comfortable foorwear is chosen. Look out for negative reactions to loud noises, crowds of people and unexpected bright flashes of light. You may be able to reassure someone by holding their hand, linking arms or keeping your hand gently on their upper arm or shoulder. Your calm voice and physical presence will also help to ease any fears, concern and doubts in a new, sensory-challenging environment.
If you do decide to stay at home you can still plan a lovely evening: close the curtains, shut the blinds and put on your favourite TV or radio show, talking book or select some music to create a cosy interior and minimise any outside disturbance. Plug in a calming aromatic diffuser and maybe sit with a calming (weighted?) blanket, cushion, soft toy or pet animal to hold and stroke. Winter evenings are all the better with cosy clothing, hot chocolate and marshmallows……..
Unexpected loud noises and unwanted visitors have the potential to unsettle most of us. People Living with dementia and Care-Partners may have additional issues to deal with during Halloween and Bonfire Night.
It’s important to look at these special holiday dates from the perspective of each individual Person Living with dementia: some people will react better than others to changes in routine, different noises and unusual decorations.
Decorations and lights have now become an integral part of Halloween but houses and shops that suddenly look different to normal can feel unsettling, strange and confusing. This can sometimes leave a longer-lasting impression and People Living with dementia may refer back to the skeletons, ghosts, witches, spiders, bonfire piles etc that they have seen and remembered earlier in the day. It’s important not to ignore, argue or try to brush these conversations aside - they are genuine thoughts and fears that need to be listened to and addressed without adding to them. Listen calmly and try not to be frustrated that you have said this before. You could also say that yes, you saw them too and that they will all be gone very soon. The Person Living with dementia may not fully comprehend or understand the words you are speaking but they will remember and appreciate your facial expression and tone of voice.
It is a huge compliment that someone would share their thoughts and confide in you. Perhaps you could try to gently steer your conversation onto a more positive topic or start and finish a useful task together. This conversation may return to the same topic, question or concern at a later time but keep listening and gently steer as you think appropriate for the individual Person.
Children and adults enjoy Halloween (usually when it’s not raining!) and ‘Trick or Treating’ has become increasingly popular. Decorated houses usually attract greater attention from small visitors looking for sweets and admiration for their fancy dress costumes.
So, if you do not want an evening stream of doorbell-ringing, excited visitors you could avoid Halloween decorations and maybe even put up a polite sign on the front door explaining that someone in this home is unwell and that you’re not able to open the door this evening. You could leave a bowl of sweets outside for children to help themselves to if you wanted to be involved in the festivities. People are normally very respectful and will not disturb your evening.
Living with dementia does not mean that People are not able to attend organised or home firework displays. Sometimes it’s difficult to manage body temperature so make sure extremities are kept warm, layers are worn and comfortable foorwear is chosen. Look out for negative reactions to loud noises, crowds of people and unexpected bright flashes of light. You may be able to reassure someone by holding their hand, linking arms or keeping your hand gently on their upper arm or shoulder. Your calm voice and physical presence will also help to ease any fears, concern and doubts in a new, sensory-challenging environment.
If you do decide to stay at home you can still plan a lovely evening: close the curtains, shut the blinds and put on your favourite TV or radio show, talking book or select some music to create a cosy interior and minimise any outside disturbance. Plug in a calming aromatic diffuser and maybe sit with a calming (weighted?) blanket, cushion, soft toy or pet animal to hold and stroke. Winter evenings are all the better with cosy clothing, hot chocolate and marshmallows……..
