As Halloween approaches, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of costumes, decorations and trick-or-treating. But for some, particularly those living with dementia, this time of year can be a source of anxiety and confusion. At Venelle, we're committed to ensuring everyone, including vulnerable individuals, can enjoy the positives of Halloween without adding unnecessary stress.

Understanding dementia at Halloween

For the nearly one million people in the UK living with dementia, unfamiliar noises, unexpected knocks at the door and spooky costumes can create overwhelming situations. To support both caregivers and communities, we’ve put together a few simple tips to help ensure Halloween is both enjoyable and inclusive for everyone:

Keep decorations gentle: Homes without decorations may indicate residents are not participating due to health reasons or conditions such as dementia. Respect these homes by quietly moving on.
Limit noise: Loud knocking and shouting can be startling, particularly for elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Approach calmly and keep noise levels low.
Visit early: Trick-or-treating earlier in the evening reduces the chance of disturbances, particularly for those who may find late-night visits unsettling.
Avoid frightening costumes: While fun – over-the-top spooky costumes might frighten individuals who are vulnerable. Opt for gentler, friendlier options if going from door to door in areas where there may be vulnerable residents.
Small groups are best: Large groups can overwhelm. Sticking to smaller parties helps create a less intimidating experience.

Creating a Dementia-Friendly Halloween

Venelle’s mission is rooted in dignity and inclusion. With small changes in approach, we can all help make Halloween a positive experience for everyone. Join us in spreading awareness and making your neighbourhood a kinder, more inclusive place for those looking to enjoy what Halloween has to offer.

Download Our FREE ‘No Trick or Treat’ Signs

To help communities navigate this in a respectful way, we've created a series of friendly, non-intrusive assets to display on doors or windows. These signs gently inform trick-or-treaters that the household is not participating, without revealing any specific personal details.

Importantly, these assets are not exclusive to people with dementia—they're for anyone who prefers a quieter evening, whether due to working nights, having a newborn or simply not celebrating Halloween, whatever that reason might be.

We invite you to download these assets and share them with your community. Let’s work together to create a Halloween that's inclusive, respectful and fun for all.