‘No trick or treat’ for elderly campaign launched

A local care company is calling for people to be more mindful of the elderly when ‘trick or treating’ this Halloween

Abacare first launched its campaign in 2014 to raise awareness of the elderly and vulnerable at this time of year, and is reiterating its call for youngsters, and parents, to be aware.

Jane Jones, Registered Manager at Abacare, which provides care across Welshpool, said: “Our Halloween campaign has been a huge success and we have received great feedback from elderly people and our own service users on how they have been able to enjoy a peaceful All Hallows’ Eve instead of one filled with anxiety and distress, which is why we are continuing the campaign to ensure the elderly no longer find the celebration frightening.

“We urge youngsters and their parents to be mindful of elderly relatives or neighbours they might have as many people living alone may find it too scary to open their doors to strangers on a cold winter evening. Many elderly folk are not as mobile as we are so getting up can be a real struggle for them and they could potentially have a fall on their way to the door, so we hope people will be understanding if they don’t answer and won’t retaliate by playing a nasty ‘trick’ on them.

“As a treat for the elderly, why not check that they are warm, happy and doing ok in their homes?”

Feelings of anxiety around Halloween is also known as Samhainophobia. People with the phobia can feel panic and huge amounts of stress throughout the Halloween period.

The thought of what the people at the door might do if they don’t answer it can be particularly worrying, as people have been known to throw eggs, flour, throw fireworks and start fires.

Jane added: “As we have done previously, we will have a special poster available on our website at www.abacare.org.uk/news for people to download and display in their windows to deter potential trick or treaters from knocking on their doors.”

Abacare operates a professional Care Management Team that is committed to providing high quality care to individuals in their own homes. Abacare is currently recruiting new carers as winter is its busiest time of the year and for more information, call 01686 625644 or visit www.abacare.org.uk.