To summarize:
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:
Discover how assisted living parties can be some of the best social events for seniors before the end of the year.
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:
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.
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.
You want to make it easier for one in a senior living community. For example, make sure to:
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.
For those in Assisted Living, where movement is harder, you have several options for games and activities, including:
Whatever you choose, ensure it is easy to clean and that your loved one will likely cherish the items they keep afterward.
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.
A late afternoon start has several benefits to it, including:
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.
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:
Of course, these should all be Halloween-themed, so expect plenty of pumpkin imagery all around.
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.