Do keep interiors well enough lit that your loved one is able to safely navigate the living space.
Do emphasize lightheartedness over horror.
Do instruct love one’s not to open the door. (But! Many cognitively impaired individuals are forgetful and unreliable.)
Do keep a careful and close watch over your loved one.
Do respond lovingly to obvious signs of upset.
Do have a designated “safe area” or “safe space” to retreat if things get a bit overwhelming for your loved one.
Do have quiet activities (family photograph albums, familiar movies or music, etc.) and games (e.g., simple puzzles) to prevent — or address — over-stimulation.
Do reassure if necessary.
Do remove decorations that cause cognitive or emotional difficulties.
Do remove car from sight (e.g., by relocating it to a garage, if practical) if you think that doing so would discourage trick or treaters from approaching your house, without inviting burglars, pranksters, or vandals.
Don’ts
Don’t leave your loved one alone, if at all feasible.
Don’t take your love one into a busy or boisterous space. (Avoid loud parties, malls, or places that are likely to be populated by youthful revelers who might agitate or fatigue your loved one.)
Don’t leave your outside or porch lighting illuminated. (Again, only do this if you are trying to dissuade trick or treaters from coming up to the house, but don’t think that a dark exterior would invite criminals.)
Don’t over-decorate.
Don’t use disorienting illumination. (Flickering candles and strobe lights may exacerbate balance and perceptual problems.)
Don’t display horrifying or unsettling material on the computer, tablet, television, etc.
Don’t over-stimulate or overwhelm your loved one with party guests or too many out-of-the-ordinary activities. (Familiarity is comforting — especially to an Alzheimer’s or dementia sufferer.
Don’t put your own fun over your loved one’s well-being.
