The Memory Unit OT

Celebrating holidays on The Memory Unit is so valuable – it is an easy, natural way to engage your residents in activities that often make sense to them. I’ve got some favorite activities for Halloween on the Memory Unit.

Pumpkin Painting and Carving

Alright, who among us hasn’t carved or painted a pumpkin at least once. This is timeless tradition that will likely feel familiar to your residents. I like having the option to either carve or paint because it accounts for safety concerns and sensory needs. And have you seen that trick that uses a rubber mallet and metal cookie cutters?! So easy and safe and something I know my residents will enjoy!

Costume Contest

I think it goes without saying that if you can find a costume that’s easy to wear while working, do it. I’ve seen so much joy in my residents when most of the staff get dressed up for Halloween. There are some great and easy ways to also make simple costumes together that the residents can also wear and feel comfortable in. Try to pick costume ideas that are either generic or that relate to the era in which your residents lived and thrived. In other words, dress like characters they would recognize. Keep it relevant for your residents rather than for you, it’s more fun that way.

Halloween Jazz Hour

You might not realize how many jazz songs there are that have somewhat of a Halloween feel to them. I’ve got my favorite link here – it’s got Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, the Great Pumpkin theme – lot’s of classics and oldies that I think your residents will recognize and love!

Indoor Trick-or-Treating

This is a great way to get the whole facility involved. Encourage each officed staff member to have a Halloween bucket filled with treats to share with the residents and staff. It could be candy, little sensory items (safe ones of course), or little Halloween costume accessories like headbands or necklaces. This will encourage goal-based ambulation/mobility throughout the unit and can be tailored to meet various cognitive levels.

Door Decorating

Setting up decorations is such an easy way to get everyone involved. It’s a task that can be broken up into several sessions and the finished product can be enjoyed by everyone. I like to use things that are both visually pleasing and familiar. Leaves, pumpkins, bats, ghosts, black cats, candy. Nothing scary, just fun Halloween decor to spruce up the facility. In years past, we’ve actually assigned a staff member to each resident door. This gets everyone involved and allows the staff to interact directly with the residents to help them create a fun door decoration.