Rethinking Halloween in Dementia Care: Leading with Understanding and Heart

Halloween is everywhere these days—shop windows, TV adverts, and sometimes even the corridors of our care homes and social support clubs. But as managers and leaders, our responsibility is different. We’re not just following trends; we’re shaping environments where people living with dementia can feel safe, settled, and truly at home.

The Hidden Impact of Halloween Décor

It’s easy to see why Halloween decorations appeal. They’re bright, bold, and promise a bit of fun. But when we look through the eyes of someone living with dementia, the picture changes. Unfamiliar and startling images—like skeletons, giant spiders, or dark window dressings—can turn a once-comfortable space into something confusing or even frightening.

Research from the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling, as well as guidance from the Alzheimer’s Society, makes it clear: predictable, familiar environments help people with dementia orient themselves and feel secure. Sudden changes or visual clutter disrupt not only their ability to find their way, but also their sense of peace and belonging.

Whose Memories Are We Celebrating?

For most of today’s older adults in the UK, Halloween as we know it wasn’t part of childhood. Their autumns were shaped by harvest festivals, Bonfire Night, and the warmth of community gatherings. When we fill our care homes and social support clubs with modern Halloween décor, we’re not just introducing something new—we’re replacing the familiar with the unfamiliar. This can be unsettling, even isolating, for people whose strongest memories are rooted in different traditions.

Leadership Means Putting People First

It’s natural to want to create a lively atmosphere for staff or visiting families. But true leadership in care is about putting people’s needs, histories, and wellbeing at the heart of every choice. When we insist on modern Halloween decorations, we risk prioritizing outside expectations over the lived experiences of those in our care.

Instead, we can make autumn special by celebrating what’s meaningful to those we support:

Gentle seasonal touches like autumn leaves, pumpkins, and conkers

Reminiscence activities about harvest festivals or Bonfire Night

Warm, familiar colours and nature-inspired displays

These choices aren’t just safer—they’re more likely to spark joy, conversation, and a sense of belonging.

Supporting Your Team and Community

Change can bring questions. Staff or families might wonder why you’re skipping Halloween. This is your opportunity to share the evidence and your commitment to person-centred care. Invite them to help create an autumn atmosphere that’s inclusive, comforting, and rooted in the real memories of your community members.

If someone genuinely enjoys Halloween, of course, honour their individual preferences—just keep decorations gentle and familiar, and avoid anything that could cause distress to others.

Moving Forward Together

Small changes in our habits—like rethinking seasonal décor—can have a profound impact. By leading with empathy, knowledge, and respect for those we support, we create care homes and social support clubs where everyone feels secure and valued.

If this message resonates with you, I invite you to share it with your team, your colleagues, or anyone you know working in care. Together, we can create environments where every season is celebrated in a way that truly honours the people at the heart of our communities.

Further Reading & Resources:

Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC), University of Stirling: Design Principles

DSDC: Good Practice Guidelines

Alzheimer’s Society: Dementia-friendly environments

A design manual for people with dementia – Marquardt et al. (2014), Dementia Journal (abstract)

Thank you for all you do to make care settings safer, kinder, and more meaningful. If you have thoughts or experiences to share, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.