Trick or Treaters: “Be Aware”

- Private group -
Mon, 10/22/2018 - 10:15am
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Halloween is a fun time of year, but for some of us it can be stressful and scary.

Those of us who care for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease are already aware of everyday adjustments needed to help our loved ones feel safe; but have you stopped to consider Halloween from the perspective of a person with Alzheimer's Disease?

 

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Trick or Treaters, “be aware.” There are many people living with Alzheimer’s Disease. In the early and mid-stages, patients are often experiencing cognitive deficits that change their perception of what they hear and see around them. If a loved one has a difficult time recognizing the faces of family and friends, imagine how much anxiety they feel from strangers in costumes repeatedly coming to their front door yelling “trick or treat!” This anxiety can trigger fight or flight behaviors that can lead to combativeness or wandering.


There are a few things to “be aware” of to ensure the safety and well-being of people with Alzheimer’s Disease this Halloween:


· While you are out trick or treating, if you come to a house with no lights on; don’t go knocking – it may be grumpy people who do not want to celebrate; or they may be caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease.

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·  If you come to a home where the lights are on and a bowl of treats out, be courteous. Take one, but do not assume that they are just too lazy to come to the door. Consider that they may be taking care of a loved one.

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·     Be aware of things that may trigger anxiety for people with Alzheimer’s Disease.


Decorations and costumes can be confusing for people with Alzheimer’s Disease; they may not be able to distinguish the difference between what is real and what is “Make believe.” A good guideline is that a decoration or costume that will frighten a toddler will likely be frightening to a person with Alzheimer’s Disease.