Autumn time in Carroll, Ohio, ushers in a stunning spectrum of fall colors; meanwhile, the cozy atmosphere of the season inspires seniors and family to come together through pumpkin patch photo ops, bewitching fall festivals, decoupage pumpkins, autumn-inspired soaps, and fragrant simmer pots that fill seniors' homes with apple spice.
Creative projects like fun Halloween activities are vital to preserving memory in seniors with cognitive impairments and age groups at risk of conditions like dementia, according to research published by the National Library of Medicine. These studies also highlight the urgent need to incorporate more creative programming into senior care.
Discover engaging senior Halloween crafts and more fall holiday fun ideas in this helpful guide.
Carroll, OH, with its village charm, is the perfect setting for a trip to the pumpkin patch. Since Carroll is so small, you'll find more quaint farms with pumpkin patches nearby. Additionally, you can buy perfectly orange pumpkins at local stores and stands in Carroll.
Nearby in Groveport is Circle S Farms. It's a family-owned farm perfect for multigenerational outings and intergenerational Halloween fun. There are activities suitable for all ages, including:
There's also plenty of benches and tables for resting and enjoying a harvest treat, including warm apple cider donuts and cider.
The Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala is another option for a family autumn trip. Of course, there's a sprawling pumpkin patch for finding that perfect porch pumpkin, as well as a classic corn maze for the grandkids. The real gem for seniors and parents is the fresh produce market, where families can discover local finds for holiday dinners.
For active seniors, there are engaging Halloween festivals within a reasonable distance from the small village of Carroll. The Fairborn Halloween Festival, for example, is a popular family-friendly experience, featuring:
The Chillicothe Halloween Festival is another option that's held in early October. There's a popular haunted attraction for older grandkids, as well as inflatable attractions for the little ones. It's also a wonderful place to discover local vendors.
For a change of pace, there's the Pumpkin Glow experience on Stoddard Avenue in Dayton. If you're in the area for a day trip, it's a wonderful way to end the evening. The avenue is filled with hundreds of Jack-o-lanterns, illuminating this charming street.
You can always bring the Halloween spirit home, but without the sharp tools or the messy cleanup. No-carve pumpkin decorating is an excellent senior activity; plus, little ones can get in on the fun and create a lasting memory with their grandparents.
Choose pumpkin paint colors that match your Halloween decoration theme.If you went "classic Halloween" this year, choose colors that reflect a traditional witch or ghost. Perhaps you chose a whimsical theme for your decorations; this could inspire a pink, periwinkle, and creamy color palette for your pumpkins.
Use stencils to personalize your pumpkins with family names or characters like "Penolope the Pumpkin Pig!" You could also paint other farm animal faces on your pumpkins, like sheep, dogs, or cows.
Decoupage is a relaxing activity that can also turn ordinary pumpkins into unique porch decor. Use Mod Podge and paper scraps of your choice to create a collaged pumpkin. Add the following to your craft table:
For a quick and impressive craft, you and the grandkids could create pumpkin mummies by wrapping yarn (or fabric strips) around pumpkins until they achieve that classic mummy look.
Halloween scrapbooks are vital to senior memory care. Decorate your scrapbook pages with the following:
Take this opportunity to go through old family photos from past Halloweens.
Nothing says autumn like those signature cozy scents. Why not turn your favorite fall aromas into handmade soaps for your home? They also make thoughtful gifts for cozy holiday seasons.
Signature scents include:
You can recreate these scents using a combination of essential oils. For example, if you want to recreate a cozy apple cider scent, you would blend cinnamon, orange, and clove essential oils.
The easiest way to make autumn soap is the "melt and pour" method. All you need is a soap base made from shea butter or goat's milk. These bases have creamy appearances, which are perfect for autumn soaps.
Simply, melt your soap base in a glass measuring bowl and add your essential oil blend of choice. If you want autumn-colored soaps, there are non-toxic, food-based dyes. You can also pour your soap mixture into silicone soap molds shaped as maple leaves or pumpkins.
You can also make your home smell like autumn by making a quick and easy simmer pot with your favorite fall items, like apples and clove sticks. Simmer pots create an uplifting aromatic steam.
For a classic autumn simmer pot, add the following to a pot of water:
Play around with different simmer pot recipes. You could add a splash of vanilla extract and cranberries to the pot, as well. Even pumpkin spice can go in the pot!
Enjoy every day of autumn. Add these fun Halloween activities and festive fall ideas to your schedule. Get your home ready for fall with nostalgic simmer pots and soaps!
Carroll, OH, is known for its true village spirit. Carroll Place Assisted Living captures that special charm through its own senior living community. It's a wonderful place to enjoy seasonal games with new senior friends and spend quality time with family in a safe, caring environment.
You'll love the friendly atmosphere of this community. Contact us today. We can't wait to meet you!