posted 24th October 2025
Halloween and Dementia: Why a Pumpkin on the Doorstep Matters More Than You Think
It’s late October, and the decorations are going up. Pumpkins on doorsteps, cobwebs in windows, spooky lights in every colour. Most of us smile and think, “Oh, Halloween’s coming.”
But if you’re caring for someone living with dementia, this time of year can feel very different.
You might notice your loved one becoming unsettled as the evenings get darker, or anxious when the doorbell keeps ringing. The costumes, the noise, the sudden knocks can be confusing, even frightening, for someone whose sense of time or place has changed.
Their brain isn’t overreacting. It’s trying to make sense of a world that suddenly looks and sounds unfamiliar. And for you, as a family member, it can be heart-breaking to watch. You want to keep the joy of Halloween alive for the children, but you also want your loved one to feel safe in their own home.
The Pumpkin Idea That Actually Helps
A few years ago, dementia organisations began promoting a simple but brilliant idea: the pumpkin signal.
If a home has a pumpkin, lights, or decorations on display, it’s a friendly sign that says “We’re happy to have visitors.”
If there’s nothing on the doorstep, it’s a gentle message that says “Not this year, thanks.”
It sounds small, but it makes a huge difference. For families caring for someone with dementia, it means fewer unexpected knocks and less confusion. It helps everyone enjoy the evening with less stress and more understanding.
How You Can Help This Halloween
Whether you’re out with your children or visiting friends, you can make a big impact with small choices:
• Look for the signs. If a house doesn’t have Halloween decorations or a pumpkin on the doorstep, skip that one. They might be caring for someone who needs a quiet evening.
• Explain it to your children. Help them understand that not every home can join in, and that respecting that is an act of kindness.
• Check in on loved ones. If you have a parent or grandparent with dementia, talk with them ahead of time. Maybe put up a lighted pumpkin together if they’d like to join in, or agree to keep things calm if they’d prefer quiet.
• Help them feel safe. Keep the curtains closed, have some gentle music playing, and make sure they know what’s happening outside. A calm environment makes all the difference.
A Small Gesture That Means the World
Being dementia-aware at Halloween isn’t about big gestures. It’s about small, thoughtful choices that make life easier for others.
Every time you notice a quiet home and choose to pass it by, or help your loved one prepare for the evening, you’re helping someone feel safe and respected.
This Halloween, those simple moments of understanding matter most. Because kindness, not costumes, is what truly brings our community together.
Our friendly team is always happy to offer advice and support.
You can call us on 0117 947 7422 for a no-obligation chat, or complete our enquiry form here and a member of our team will be in touch to talk through how we can help.
