With Halloween approaching at the end of the month, it’s an excellent time to plan a fun craft activity with your senior loved one. Halloween crafts for seniors should be simple yet entertaining. In fact, the best craft ideas for seniors are easy to understand… and don’t require tiny pieces!
Before You Get Started
Before you begin, there are a few tips to follow to ensure your Halloween crafts for seniors are fun and fast:
- Prepare all of the supplies needed for the project before involving your loved one
- Complete any time-consuming, preliminary steps before starting the craft project
- Make sure you have plenty of room to move around comfortably
- Have “extra hands” to help, if needed
- Allow plenty of time to complete the craft, or schedule more than one session to make sure that you finish
No-Sew Shirt Sleeve Pumpkin
Photo credit: Home in the Finger Lakes
This adorable and easy to make No-Sew Shirt Sleeve Pumpkin is made with a long-sleeved shirt, some twine and artificial leaves. It’s the perfect pumpkin to display in a room or a common area and one of the most enjoyable Halloween crafts for seniors.
To craft this rustic, country-themed pumpkin, you will need:
- An old long-sleeved shirt (fall colors will look the best)
- Twine
- Rubber bands
- Fiberfill to stuff your pumpkin
- Glue (we recommend Mod Podge)
- Scissors
- Pencils
- Optional: artificial fall leaves
For step-by-step instructions, visit Home in the Finger Lakes.
Jewel-Covered Bling Pumpkin
Photo credit: hercampus.com
Who doesn’t love bling? Seniors will love making these jewel-covered pumpkins to decorate their homes and living spaces.
For this sparkly project, you will need:
- Black spray paint
- One plastic pumpkin
- Assorted craft jewels
The key to making this project one of the best Halloween crafts for seniors is by using large gems, which are easier to handle. For the best results, use craft jewels that have adhesive backs, to reduce complicated steps. It’s still a good idea to have clear-drying glue on hand, just in case the jewels don’t want to stick to the pumpkin.
Plastic pumpkins are suggested because they can be stored and reused as a decoration for years to come. They also are lighter than real ones. When spray-painting the pumpkins, do so in a well-ventilated area, and remember to lay newspaper down to protect surfaces.
For instructions on how to make this fancy bling pumpkin, visit HerCampus.
Mummy Candy Cans
Photo credit: HGTV
These spooky-cute little mummies are the perfect treat for trick-or-treaters. Since this project requires pliers, make sure that the cans are prepped for seniors before beginning, and no stray metal bits are sticking out. Once again, when spray painting, make sure it takes place in a well-ventilated area.
You will need:
- Clean, empty tin can (any size will work)
- Black spray paint (matte or semi-gloss)
- Cheesecloth
- “Googly Eyes”
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Pliers
For instructions on how to make these little ghouls, visit HGTV.com.
Get Inspired with More Halloween Crafts for Seniors
The fun doesn’t stop with these three craft ideas. Get together with your senior loved ones this fall to spend time and create Halloween decorations. Find inspiration from CareForYoo, visit Bethesda’s blog for more Halloween ideas for seniors, or come up with your own fun ideas to celebrate the season!
Here at Bethesda, fall is a fun time for our senior residents and their families. Learn more about the activities for our residents and their families year-round, and visit a community near you to see what Bethesda has to offer!
