Visiting Angels offers hireable helpers for seniors on Halloween

Many seniors love to see the kids all dressed up on Halloween night, but the constant door knocking, masked visitors and unfamiliar faces can be intimidating.

One-third of all seniors who live at home, live alone and most are women.

Steve Novak with Visiting Angels joined FOX 2 to share some tips on how to stay safe.

Visiting Angels is offering a chance for seniors and families to hire a Halloween Helper. Here's what they do:

  • Provide companionship and a sense of security so any possible troublemakers get the idea more than one person is living in the home.
  • Never leave a senior with dementia or physical limitations home alone on Halloween - they are more sensitive to noises and unfamiliar faces.
  • Keep guests outside - never let an unknown trick-or-treater inside to use the bathroom or make a phone call.
  • Turn on interior and exterior lights during trick-or-treating hours even if no one is home or if the senior chooses not to answer the door.
  • While a dark home may signal to trick-or-treaters that there is no candy, it also tells vandals the house could be empty
  • Stay inside while handing out candy. 
  • Post a sign on the door that says "Sorry, No More Candy" when the goodies run out.

CLICK HERE to learn more.