As Halloween gains popularity in Australia, more aged care providers are faced with a dilemma—whether to embrace this spooky celebration or leave it out of their annual calendar.
Although Halloween is becoming a staple among younger Australians, it is not traditionally celebrated by older generations. In some aged care homes, staff have either been directed by management or have responded to residents’ requests to avoid Halloween-themed decorations entirely.
The reason? For many older adults, the eerie, deathly themes of Halloween are simply too distressing. Instead, some aged care facilities are opting to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, offering a more uplifting alternative that fills their spaces with colour and joy.
This shift reveals how decorations and celebrations in aged care environments can impact residents’ emotional wellbeing—and why sensitivity to these details is increasingly important.
While Halloween’s playful frights and costumes appeal to children and younger adults, its themes of death, spirits, and darkness can stir complex emotions in aged care settings.
Residents of aged care homes often have direct and recent experience with loss—whether the death of spouses, friends, or fellow residents. The sight of skeletons, gravestones, and ghosts can be confronting, reminding them of their mortality or triggering feelings of grief.
Additionally, many older Australians grew up without Halloween as part of their cultural landscape, which can leave them feeling disconnected from the celebration. For those who associate costumes and horror imagery with something macabre rather than playful, these themes may not spark joy but instead increase anxiety.
In dementia care units, where some residents experience confusion or struggle with altered perceptions of reality, seeing unsettling imagery can further complicate their emotional state and lead to distressing experiences.
These concerns have prompted some aged care providers to reconsider their use of Halloween decorations. Instead of skeletons and cobwebs, many are now turning to alternatives that foster a more positive atmosphere—one of which is Diwali.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, offers a stark contrast to the darker elements of Halloween. Celebrated by millions around the world, including in Australia, Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
The festival is marked by vibrant decorations, colourful rangoli art, flickering oil lamps, and festive sweets—elements that can bring warmth and joy to aged care environments.
For aged care providers, Diwali offers several benefits. The festival’s focus on hope, renewal, and positivity can align better with the emotional needs of older adults, especially those living with chronic conditions or memory loss.
Bright colours and lights can have a therapeutic effect, stimulating mood and offering sensory engagement. The decorations also provide an opportunity for residents to participate in creative activities, such as painting lamps or making colourful garlands, which can promote social interaction and foster a sense of belonging.
The choice to celebrate Diwali over Halloween also reflects Australia’s growing multiculturalism. With a significant number of aged care residents and staff coming from culturally diverse backgrounds, Diwali presents an opportunity to celebrate inclusivity.
Many staff members and residents of Indian or South Asian heritage may feel particularly connected to the festival, and sharing these traditions with others can promote cultural understanding within the care home.
The decision to swap Halloween for Diwali is not without its challenges. Some residents may enjoy Halloween and look forward to the festivities each year, particularly those who grew up in recent decades as the holiday became more popular.
To address these differing preferences, aged care homes may need to balance inclusivity by offering a variety of celebrations throughout the year—acknowledging both traditional Australian observances and multicultural festivals.
Communication with residents is key in these situations. Staff should engage with residents early to understand their preferences and sensitivities regarding celebrations. In some cases, homes might opt for a hybrid approach, offering non-frightening Halloween activities alongside Diwali-themed events.
This approach ensures that no one feels left out or overwhelmed, and all residents have an opportunity to participate in celebrations that resonate with them.
The shift from Halloween to Diwali highlights a larger trend within aged care towards more thoughtful, resident-centred care. It emphasises the importance of designing celebrations and events that align with the emotional and cultural needs of residents, rather than simply adopting mainstream trends.
In an industry where mental wellbeing is just as critical as physical care, these seemingly small decisions can have a profound impact on the quality of life for residents.
Aged care is increasingly focused on creating environments that promote happiness, reduce anxiety, and encourage social interaction. Celebrations like Diwali not only offer an opportunity for creative engagement but also reinforce a sense of purpose and community, reminding residents that they are part of a wider world full of joy and meaning.
