Fun Halloween Activities for Seniors and Grandkids in Peoria, IL
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To summarize:
- For quick planning, pick two fun Halloween activities and schedule them early in the day
- Try to keep noise and lighting gentler to prevent overstimulating all ages
- Pair generations together so that everyone can participate in different parts of the family
Halloween can be an excellent time for everyone to get together, as it is relatively inoffensive to most families. Kids and adults also derive different benefits from it, with adults reminiscing about happy times from their childhood and the costumes they once wore.
Below, we explore how to make this a key time to spend with seniors by organizing fun Halloween activities that cater to the needs of your older relatives. Read on to learn how sensory-friendly crafts can bring everyone together and why such activities suit Peoria to a T.
How Do You Throw a Senior Halloween Party?
Set a clear schedule by contacting Heartis Peoria to ensure that you are not overlapping any other key events, and then confirm it with your loved one. It is essential to ensure that they feel included in all the preparations.
You can then organise decorations, food, and invitations to your family so that everyone knows where to go.
Ensure you use LED candles and avoid bright lights and loud noises. So, if you have music, keep it at a level below the talking volume so your loved ones can hear one another.
Whether you are going for spooky themes or something else, print large door signs to ensure that people know which room you will be in and to set the mood before people even enter.
What Time Should You Start an Adult Halloween Party?
Start sometime soon after midday, offering plenty of time after lunchtime and before dinner to fill with intergenerational Halloween fun.
Then, separate the time into key slots. At the very least, a clear and welcoming speech should be given, where you inform everyone about what is going to happen to avoid surprises, followed by an activity or simple socializing. Then, when it is nearing the end, deliver another brief speech thanking people for attending and ensuring everyone feels welcome.
If you have any fall family traditions, this event may also be the perfect opportunity to share them, allowing everyone to cherish the time you spend together as a family.
Assisted Living Celebrations For Seniors And Grandkids
Consider making things as an activity, or asking about the events already occurring in the community, and if there's any activity your loved one has done that you can refer to. Doing this offers several opportunities for creativity and putting one's own experiences into something they craft.
You can even all make something separately in teams of two, then bring them together to forge an item that acts as a symbol of your family. For example, if each of you creates the spooky pillow limb you can attach to a Frankenstein, then your loved one can keep it, reminding them of the time they had with you.
Memory Care crafts, such as this, can be vital in helping a loved one remember the specific times you shared with them.
However, if that is the case, you may need to investigate the best way to handle celebrations for those with memory issues. They may need occasional reminders about the activity they are participating in, for example.
Then, at the end of the evening, be sure to take plenty of photos. Use an instant camera, and then share the pictures with your loved one, ensuring they have plenty of ways to remember the day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Do Millennials Like Halloween So Much?
Those aged 25-30 often lead the way when it comes to early shopping, and many will usually be able to plan a party "fit for Instagram" that is enjoyable in its own right. They can even achieve this on a lower budget, regardless of the celebration format, due to having sufficient experience in doing so before the Internet era.
They are also the kings of nostalgia, being the last generation without a sizable online presence, often relying on "cosplay" to create better costumes.
How Do You Throw an Epic Halloween Party for Adults?
Pick a key theme and stick to it across all of the party, including the décor, music, and even the food if you want to go the extra mile. Then, when people have arrived, the party should revolve around a key activity, even if that is socializing.
Other elements that can add to the theme include:
- Themed mocktails
- Simple contests
- Photo opportunities with instant prints
- Costume themes
You could even involve your senior family member from the start by collaborating on the theme with them, regardless of what that might ultimately become. If they choose something unique to them, lean into it and offer support for other guests to help them select costumes, making your loved one feel accepted.
At what Age Do Most People Stop Celebrating Halloween? Do They?
Adult participation in Halloween is strong year after year, with many parents either heading to parties or accompanying their children "trick or treating".
It's even the case that 47% of consumers plan to shop for Halloween costumes long before October even begins, according to the National Retail Federation. This pattern suggests the kind of pre-planning that is more likely to revolve around adult life.
Many senior communities even host celebrations in Assisted Living or other situations, keeping the tradition going long into retirement.
Bring Fun Halloween Activities Home in Senior Care
Make sure that senior holiday activities are not too bright and loud, and make your loved one feel welcome at every moment. Fun Halloween activities can be a key event that brings your family together in your loved one's senior years and a real opportunity to celebrate.
If you'd like to learn more about the fun Halloween activities we plan to host here at Heartis Peoria, or if you're considering recommending our community to a loved one, please get in touch today. We can even offer a tour, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision for your family moving forward.