Why should kids have all the fun on Halloween? We’ve created a list of 10 fun and easy Halloween crafts for seniors below. Research shows that crafting fosters mindfulness, eases depression, and may lessen your chance of cognitive decline, according to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry[1]. That makes it one of the best Halloween activities for seniors. Of course the best reason of all to craft is that it’s fun and something grandparents, parents, and grandkids can all enjoy together. The ideas below can be made with household items you already have and include options suited for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
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Witchy Pinecone Owl
Here’s the perfect excuse to take a fall nature walk together. The adorable faces on these witchy owls get glued on pinecones. Collect different shapes and sizes to create a fun variety of personalities. From there, simply construct your hat from black felt and blue ribbon, cut out eyes from craft foam, and glue it all together. See full instructions from All Free Kids Crafts.
Photo: Elizabeth Lampman
Pumpkin Apple Stamps
There’s no need for stencils to paint these pumpkins. Cast-off apples from your family orchard visit do the trick. Cut your apples in half, dip in orange craft paint, and press to paper. Add a green stem at the top and use black paint to make it a jack-o-lantern if you wish. See full instructions from Frugal Mom Eh.
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Ghost Milk Jug Lanterns
Carving pumpkins is messy and not easy for seniors with arthritis or little kids. These lanterns require minimal cutting and no scraping, just some rinsing and drawing. Clean out old milk gallon jugs, draw on faces with black permanent marker, and light with white holiday lights. See full instructions from Eighteen25.
Photo: TheResourcefulMama.com
Sponge Painted Pumpkins
Another way to get around the carving, scraping, and scooping of making a jack-o-lantern is to paint one. A paper plate makes the perfect canvas, while sponge paint eliminates the need to go out and buy brushes. Just cut a regular dish sponge into pieces. See the full instructions from The Resourceful Mama.
Photo: PleasantestThing.com
Halloween Slime
Everyone knows kids love slime, but it’s also a fun, tactile experiences for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Whip up a safe, non-toxic batch with school glue, liquid starch, and liquid watercolors. For a spooky effect, pass it around in a witch’s cauldron.
Photo: IHeartCraftyThings.com
Yarn-Wrapped Mummy
Yarn is another great tactile tool for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. They’ll enjoy the simple act of winding it around mummy-shaped construction paper. Glue on googly eyes for a silly touch. See full instructions from IHeart Crafty Things.
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Pom Pom Spiders, Pumpkins, and Ghosts
Here’s another yarn-based craft. Loop, wrap, and tie different colors into your starting shapes, then add googly eyes and pipe cleaners for a pumpkin’s stem or spider’s legs. If you need something simpler, you can buy pom poms already made from a craft store. See the full instructions from Live Craft Eat.
Photo: Michelle McInerney
Toilet Roll Cats
Who would have guessed that old toilet paper rolls could prove so cute? Simply fold and pinch the top to create your kitty’s ears, then paint black. (While the paint dries, watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.) Glue on eyes, create a tail and whiskers with pipe cleaners, and you’re done. See full instructions from Kids Activities Blog.
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Popsicle Stick Frankenstein
It’s alive! Create everyone’s favorite monster with popsicle sticks, paint, and glue. Cardboard (you can use part of an old cereal box) provides a backing—glue a magnet on so you can stick it on your fridge. See full instructions from Crafty Morning.
Photo: AllFreeCrafts.com
Q-Tip Skeleton
This skeleton craft couldn’t be easier. It’s ideal for young kids and seniors with impaired cognition or motor skills. Arrange and glue Q-Tips on black construction paper and add a skull with white paper or a paint pen. Sprinkle on glitter for a little something extra. See full instructions from All Free Crafts.
Photo: ThrivingHomeBlog.com
Puffy Ghosts
All you need to make these cute ghost mobiles are cotton balls, construction paper, and yarn. If you have safety concerns with letting your parent or child use scissors, then cut the ghost-shaped backings out of white cardstock in advance and replace black paper with puff paint to create faces. See the full instructions from Thriving Home. [1] http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/25/health/brain-crafting-benefits/Contact us
Click here for additional resources for Alzheimer’s & dementia care, including how music therapy can benefit people with Alzheimer’s. You can also learn more about our companion care where caregivers can assist seniors with fun activities such as art projects.