It’s the time of year when ghosts, ghouls, and goblins come out for a hauntingly good time. It’s also a time when kids, parents and grandparents alike celebrate the season by dressing up, trick-or-treating, and carving jack-o-lanterns.
What makes it even more special for older loved ones is the time they get to spend with family and friends. Help your senior get into the holiday spirit this year by planning some fun, safe activities for them to enjoy.  Here are a few ideas that Freedom Home Care came up with that you and your older loved one can do together.
Decorate the Home
Find some inexpensive decorations. Candles, pumpkins, brooms and cobwebs are a few things you can use to make your house spooktacular. Create your own decorations by having grandchildren help make crafts.
Themed-Made Foods
With grandma’s recipes as a template, there are lots of Halloween-themed foods that you and senior can create together.  Make a Bewitched Chili by taking a triangular tortilla chip and placing it vertically on top of the chili for the witch’s hat or create Frankie cupcakes by using food coloring, candy-coated licorice, spearmint leaf, marshmallows, and pretzel sticks to decorate cupcakes flavors of your choice.
Pumpkin Painting
Pumpkin painting is an easy alternative to carving a pumpkin.  Simply find a pumpkin with a smooth, even surface that’s free of scratches, bruises and blemishes. Clean and dry the pumpkin and add a scary design for your creation. Use sealer for easier application of the paint or begin tracing your design directly on the surface. Have grandchildren come up with a few spooky ideas, include paint and embellishments and let your imagination be your guide.
Make a Costume
One of the best parts of celebrating Halloween is the costumes. Enlist children to help choose thread, materials, shoes and accessories for this family-friendly activity. Think of some cool, trendy designs or opt  for some classic scary favorites.
Halloween Puzzles
What could be more mysterious than a Halloween-themed puzzle? If your loved one is homebound and receiving in-home care, this activity might be suitable for them.  Gather up the grandkids, serve up some spooky snacks and make a night of it!  Little ones can solve puzzles, while celebrating the holiday with family.
Haunted Gingerbread House
Who says gingerbread houses are only for Christmas? By combining graham crackers, colored icing and Halloween candy, you and your senior can give a spooky, new meaning to this traditional holiday treat.