Halloween is here! This exciting time of year brings excitement to people of all ages. Kids are dressing up in spooky costumes and parents are decking the halls with cobwebs and jack-o-lanterns. Older adults enjoy the special spooky occasion as well. However, for many of them, Halloween can pose unique obstacles. This is especially true if they contend with mobility challenges.
Do you live with elderly loved ones? Needless to say, it’s important to be focused on their health and safety all year round. But what steps can you to take to create a safe and accessible Halloween for the older adults in your life?
Eliminate tripping hazards from your entrance.
Naturally, Halloween night is bound to bring you many new young visitors. With trick-or-treaters set to visit your home, it’s vital that you ensure a safe path to your front door. By doing so, you ensure both the safety of the little ones and the older adults in your home. As you know, seniors are more susceptible to slips and falls, which can cause catastrophic injuries. Be sure to remove all extension cords, decorations and loose leaves from your walkway.
Especially if your elderly loved one wishes to get in on the handing-out-candy action, you should place non-slip mats by the doorway. Remove any loose rugs from their pathway as well. This will help to avoid tripping on the way to answer the door. Proper lighting is also important. Dim lighting may seem like a great way to create a spooky atmosphere for the evening. However, it can make things difficult for those with limited vision. Use LED lights or lanterns to safely illuminate pathways without the fire risk of traditional candles.
Set up a candy station.
Does the front entrance of your home include stairs or uneven surfaces? If so, consider setting up a “candy station” at the bottom of the stairs or along the driveway. Not only does this make it easier for trick-or-treaters with mobility challenges, it can also be a great way for older adults who prefer to stay seated while greeting children. Use a portable table for your candy station to help keep all of your treats within reach.
Courtney Ryall of HGTV offers up an easy three-step process to create your own cute DIY Halloween candy stand. Insisting that it doesn’t require much time, effort or craft skills to create this stand, Ryall offers homeowners a way to inject some extra fun into the handing-out-candy experience for older adults.
Choose costumes with mobility in mind.
Halloween costumes aren’t for kids alone! Who says that the “big kids” can’t get all decked out in creepy costumes as well? Be mindful that some Halloween costumes can hinder movement. Especially for those who rely on mobility aids, it’s important to select a costume that allows your elderly loved one to remain mobile. In fact, a costume that includes mobility aids would be an awesome way to go!
Does the senior in your home use a walker, cane or wheelchair? Consider incorporating it into the costume! For example, a wheelchair can be transformed into a chariot, a pirate ship or a race car. Walkers can become part of a “wizard” look with LED lights wrapped around them for added effect. Remember, as well, to create costumes that are made of comfortable, non-restrictive fabrics. They help to reduce the risk of discomfort or skin irritation for anyone with sensitive skin or sensory concerns.
According to Wil Thomas of Seniors Bulletin, there are numerous Halloween costume ideas that are perfect for seniors. “From classic costumes like witches and vampires to more unique options like Mary Poppins or Uncle Sam, there are plenty of options to choose from,” she writes, “Seniors can also get creative and come up with their own costume ideas based on their interests and hobbies.”
Host an indoor Halloween get-together.
Of course, not every senior is going to be up for Halloween fun. In fact, most older adults are likely to want to avoid any noise, bright lights and chilly temperatures on Halloween night. For such individuals, it might be nice to host a small indoor gathering. At your event, include accessible indoor activities such as pumpkin decorating, Halloween bingo or a spooky movie marathon.
Consider setting up a game of Halloween ring toss or bowling using soft pins and rings. This can also be enjoyed by guests with limited mobility. As well, set up a Halloween treat station for everyone in the family. It can include grab-and-go snacks (include some healthy ones!) to make the evening more enjoyable for everyone.
“While older adults know not to feast on candy, there are all sorts of other Halloween favourites that your family can whip up in no time,” encourages Companions For Seniors, “Make caramel-covered candy apples. Bake apple fritters and scones, or decorate a batch of homemade sugar cookies with your favourite Halloween characters.”
Carefully prepare your Halloween route.
Does your elderly loved one wish to accompany your little ones during their trick-or-treating adventures? If so, it’s imperative to be prepared well in advance. Firstly, it’s wise to be familiar with the route you’re taking. Stick to well-lit streets and avoid areas with many stairs or uneven terrain. If possible, choose streets with accessible sidewalks.
Also, bring a flashlight. It will be helpful for spotting any uneven paths or steps, especially in dimly lit areas. Don’t forget to dress for the weather too. Late October in Alberta can bring chilly temperatures, so be sure to bundle up with comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing to stay warm.
Treat yourself to our “Travel Made Easy” promotion!
But, hurry as it’s almost over! Until 4:00 p.m. on November 3rd, our “Travel Made Easy” promotion will give you a pair of Juzo compression stockings for FREE when you purchase any of our select Travel Mobility Scooters. Select from all three of our Travel Buggy models, the Q50R Sunrise and the Folding Scooter by Golden.
Remember that, at Advantage Home Health Solutions, we always ensure that you have the complete picture to make an informed decision. You will know all of the possible options so you can choose which solution is best for you. Give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page! Happy Halloween!
