CITIES SERVED Agency, Amazonia, Amity, Avondale, Belton, Birmingham, Blue Springs, Bolckow, Buckner, Camden Point, Cameron, Clarksdale, Claycomo, Cleveland, Cosby, Crystal Lakes, De Kalb, Dearborn, Easton, Edgerton, Elmira, Excelsior Estates, Excelsior Springs, Farley, Faucett, Ferrelview, Fort Osage, Gladstone, Gower, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Guilford, Helena, Hemple, Holt, Homestead Village, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City, Kansas City North, Kearney, King City, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lathrop, Lawson, Lees Summit, Liberty, Martin City, Maysville, Mc Fall, McFall, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Orrick, Osborn, Paradise, Parkville, Pattonsburg, Peculiar, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Valley, Randolph, Raymore, Raytown, Rea, Riverside, Rosendale, Rushville, Saint Joseph, Savannah, Sibley, Smithville, Stewartsville, Sugar Creek, Taos, Tracy, Trimble, Turney, Union Star, Unity Village, Village of Oakview, Weatherby, Weatherby Lake, West Line, Weston, Winthrop, Wood Heights

Zip Codes Served 64012, 64014, 64015, 64016, 64018, 64024, 64028, 64029, 64030, 64034, 64048, 64050, 64052, 64053, 64054, 64055, 64056, 64057, 64058, 64060, 64062, 64063, 64064, 64068, 64075, 64077, 64078, 64079, 64081, 64082, 64083, 64086, 64088, 64089, 64098, 64101, 64102, 64105, 64106, 64108, 64109, 64110, 64111, 64112, 64113, 64114, 64116, 64117, 64118, 64119, 64120, 64123, 64124, 64125, 64126, 64127, 64128, 64129, 64130, 64131, 64132, 64133, 64134, 64136, 64137, 64138, 64139, 64145, 64146, 64147, 64149, 64150, 64151, 64152, 64153, 64154, 64155, 64156, 64157, 64158, 64161, 64163, 64164, 64165, 64166, 64167, 64401, 64421, 64422, 64427, 64429, 64430, 64436, 64439, 64440, 64443, 64444, 64448, 64454, 64457, 64459, 64463, 64465, 64469, 64474, 64477, 64480, 64483, 64484, 64485, 64490, 64492, 64493, 64494, 64497, 64501, 64503, 64504, 64505, 64506, 64507, 64657, 64670, 64734, 66002, 66027, 66090, 66101, 66102, 66104, 66115

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IS HALLOWEEN ONLY FOR KIDS?

By Jonathan Pike

Is Halloween only for kids or the young at heart to enjoy?  I say no.  Enjoying the traditions of this holiday shouldn’t be reserved for children.  There is plenty of fun to go around and this includes seniors!  

So if you’re a senior or have a special loved senior in your life, here’s just a few ideas to have some Halloween fun!

1. Stories of past Halloweens.  As your mom, grandpa, or even great grandparents what Halloween was like when they were a child and how it compares to today.  Were there more tricks or treats?  How about the costumes, home-made and what where they? How about one of their favorite Halloween’s?  I recall my own mother wondering around in lawn in a gorilla mask with a top-hat.  Or even one year popping out of a coffin.  Ask away and be prepared to share in some laughter.

2.  Plan a costume parade.  Who can resist kids all dressed up with their faces glowing with excitement of receiving treats.  If you loved one lives in a community or you even have a senior community close to you, why not get kids from your neighborhood to parade through a community as residents hand out treats?  You could even have the kids make cards or even a simple drawing to hand out to the seniors.  Smiles and laughter will be guaranteed!

3. Listen to classic Halloween music. Senior always love music and Halloween should not be an exception.  Play something like The Monster Mash and just try not to sing-along.  Or other fun classics like the Addams Family theme song, Strange Enchantment by Ozzie Nelson or I Put A Spell on You by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. I’m sure they could add to this list with one of their favorites also.

4. Decorate pumpkins.  Don’t worry about carving tools and just paint designs right on the pumpkin.  Try glitter markers which even show up great on white pumpkins.  Wait, there’s another question to ask the seniors.  Did they have white pumpkins when they were young or what was the largest pumpkin they’ve ever seen?  Provide them the paint, and/or markers and watch the fun.

5. Display decorations.  Why not decorate a door, porch or living space that can be fun for every generation to admire.  Even the process of making a decoration or displaying themed items can be a great intergenerational activity.  No need to spend a bunch on décor because DIY craft kits are a great way to keep costs down and having fun getting crafty with your senior loved one.  

I understand that Halloween is not for everyone and that’s ok.  But it also shouldn’t be considered just a holiday for kids.  Seniors can join in the excitement and just watch the smiles and laughter some of these activities will bring!

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This information is provided by CarePatrol of Kansas City, a senior housing placement agency that serves the Kansas City metro area. If you or your loved ones needs to find a new safe housing option, consider talking to a CarePatrol housing placement specialist. They will sit down with you, assess your needs and financial situation, and offer the best options they can find. They are also available for tours and guidance during your final search. You can contact a specialist at (816) 673-2507 or Tonyah@CarePatrol.com. Also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CarePatrolKansasCity.