Trick-Or-Treating At The Nursing Home

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Do you invite trick-or-treaters to your nursing home on Halloween? If not, I hope you’ll consider it. This is a highlight of the year for our residents and their families—as well as our employees and their kids.

Why a nursing home is an excellent place for trick-or-treating

• It’s always warm inside the nursing home. Kids can show off those cute costumes instead of hiding them under their jackets.

• A nursing home is a safe place. You need not worry about traffic, and you need not worry about what strangers might give to your kids.

• Residents love watching the little trick-or-treaters, and it adds variety and enjoyment to their lives. Many of our residents enjoy dressing up in costumes, too.

• Events like this make work more enjoyable for the employees at the nursing home.

• Trick-or-treating allows kids to interact with elders and see them having fun.

Tips to make your Halloween a success

• It’s important to let people know in advance what hours you’ll be open to trick-or-treaters. Children will be disappointed if they come to visit, and the staff has put away all the candy. You also don’t want people coming for treats when residents are getting ready for bed.

• We give each resident a little paper bag filled with a variety of miniature candies. (You can get great deals on bulk candy on Amazon.) Volunteers make the rounds and refill the bags as needed.

• Passing out simple maps of the nursing home helps kids maneuver through the building while not missing any residents who are giving out candy. You’ll also find this helpful if there is an area where you prefer not to have trick-or-treaters visit.

• Encourage staff to dress up by offering prizes for the best costumes. Our employees often dress up according to themes in various offices or departments. We’ve had everything from “The Wizard of Oz” to “Three Peas In A Pod.”

• We always ask staff to avoid costumes that might be scary for the residents or the trick-or-treaters.

• It’s helpful to have candy alternatives available for kids who have allergies or other concerns. This article offers a list of 25 great options.

 

How do you plan to celebrate Halloween in your senior living community? Please share in the comment section!