Halloween Activities for Adults in Chico Assisted Living
To summarize:
- Pick out activities that people can engage with at different stations around a space to support different social engagements
- Use calm lighting and familiar music while retaining the Halloween mood, but account for quiet rooms
- Keep the decorations flame-free and ensure pathways remain clear of debris to reduce accidents
Marbella Chico is a caring senior community that offers Assisted Living and Memory Care in the Chico area. While the region is not inherently known for its Halloween activities for adults, there are plenty of parties that do occur, and many people enjoy attending them.
Below, we offer suggestions for how you can share these with seniors who might benefit from the potential boost to health and mental wellness such a social event might bring.
As you read, discover options for:
- Welcoming guests
- Adapting ideas to the guests of honor
- Fall holiday crafts and games
- Memory care celebrations
Discover how assisted living parties can be some of the best social events for seniors before the end of the year.
How Do You Entertain an Adult at a Halloween Party?
Instead of throwing a loud party, consider organizing a themed social event with open seating. You can still maintain this style while incorporating Halloween elements, and you can even opt for a gentler playlist that continues the theme.
When it comes to actual activities, seasonal engagement ideas include:
- Halloween craft stations
- Game tables
- Photo booths
- Social spaces close to food and drink
- Calm corners or spaces
Ensure that you use large-print signs to help people understand the purpose of each space, and clearly explain to all guests that the goal is to engage with those who are less frequently seen.
How Do You Make an Adult Halloween Party Successful?
Make sure to send out invitations well in advance, encouraging people to add the event to their calendars.
Keep the party to only around 90-120 minutes. More than that, and it will mean both the very old and very young will find that their attention and energy will start to slip. So, you may want to arrive an hour ahead of time, as any later and your organization will consume a significant portion of the party time.
Ensure people arrive on time by reminding them that it's not far, and then make a welcoming announcement at the start. Then, at the end, explicitly offer a thank you to everyone so that they will not linger longer than necessary.
Calm Memory Care Celebrations
You want to make it easier for one in a senior living community. For example, make sure to:
- Avoid strong scents or loud noises
- Offer mocktails with low acid to reduce discomfort
- Use finger food and softer party food options
- Keep playlists familiar
- Label items with a lot of sugar in them
- Offer wide-grip cups to avoid spills
Accessible Fall Holiday Crafts for Residents
Set out prepared kits with pre-cut shapes and large-grip tools to prevent the 3,200 yearly Halloween injuries reported by AAOS. Also, ensure that everything is within easy reach of the chairs to avoid spills.
For those with poor vision, offer bold and contrasting colors, and then encourage them when they create something without patronizing them. Display any finished pieces in shared spaces, or ask people to discuss them after making them, to recognize effort and promote pride.
These days, no-carve pumpkins are gaining popularity, making it more enjoyable for people of all ages and helping seniors and grandchildren bond.
Social Events and Group Games That Work in Assisted Living
For those in Assisted Living, where movement is harder, you have several options for games and activities, including:
- Family Halloween-image bingo
- Team trivia with questions about Chico and Halloween
- Photo booths with costume props
- Family drop-ins via webchat on the big screen
- Ring or beanbag toss
Whatever you choose, ensure it is easy to clean and that your loved one will likely cherish the items they keep afterward.
FAQ on Halloween Activities for Adults
Can Adults Participate in Halloween in Assisted Living?
Of course! While the party might not be as immature as those you might find at a purely children's party, there are many of the same activities. After all, children often enjoy games and crafts not because they're childish, but because they're entertaining.
For seniors, offer seated options and ensure they have alternatives if their dexterity is not strong enough to adapt to crafting.
If the event brings together multiple families, you may even benefit from inviting families to assist where appropriate.
What Time Should You Start an Adult Halloween Party?
A late afternoon start has several benefits to it, including:
- Daylight means that attending is simpler
- Shortly after lunchtime means that catering is easier
- People are less likely to be busy on a weekend
- Early finishes often mean simpler attendance
If you serve light finger food, then people can enjoy it without you needing to worry about a full meal. The quiet early finish also helps you and others avoid filling out a whole evening with the event.
How Can I Have Fun on Halloween as an Adult Without Leaving Assisted Living?
In addition to utilizing our exclusive programs and regular events, several options are available for organizing activities that you can do with your loved ones.
You could, for example:
- Organize a Halloween door decoration contest with the family
- Cook a Halloween recipe with your loved ones
- Schedule a photo slideshow of family memories
- Offer a craft swap table with others interested in sharing what they have made
- Host a movie night with comfortable seating and large captions
Of course, these should all be Halloween-themed, so expect plenty of pumpkin imagery all around.
Prepare for the Season at Marbella Chico
Simply-organized plans and calm spaces can make a Halloween celebration both fun and accessible for everyone you invite. If your family member needs assistance with engagement, our Assisted Living and Memory Care teams are available to help.
If you have any questions about Halloween activities for adults or organizing them in our community, please don't hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, if you would like to learn more about what we offer to those in our care, book a tour today.
