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Peace of Mind Post FEB 2023
You Can Prepare for Accidental Falls Through Preventive Measures and Estate Planning!
shower rails, and remote-controlled chairs that can be raised or lowered.
First, ensure your aging parent’s home has good lighting. This will help your loved one see as they navigate their home, even when it’s dark outside. You can purchase lamps that are easy to turn on and off, but you can also use nightlights in frequently used pathways.
Did you know another holiday is happening this month on Feb. 1? National Get Up Day is observed each year, and it encourages people to continue pushing forward despite failure. The holiday was created in 2017 by the U.S. Figure Skating team. Getting up after a fall is one of the first things figure skaters learn, but it’s an essential skill to have inside and outside of the rink. I distinctly remember falling many times when learning to figure skate as a kid, but today, it serves as a reminder to find a way to get back up when you fall. As soon as I learned about this holiday, I knew I had to participate somehow. As I think about National Get Up Day, my thoughts turn to my clients and adult children who are caring for their aging parents. I view the holiday from my clients’ perspective and how they may witness their loved ones trying to get up — literally and metaphorically — after a fall. Accidental falls can occur at any moment, and while some falls will only leave minor bruises, others can cause severe and life-changing injuries. So, in honor of the holiday, I would like to share some strategies you can use to try to prevent falls from occurring. But I also want to highlight ways you can “get up” and prepare for accidental falls through estate planning. One of the first things I will recommend to those caring for their aging parents at home is to look for potential fall risks. Falling is very common for older adults — each year, almost 36 million falls are reported among this age group. Although we cannot prevent all falls, there are some ways you can make your loved one’s home safer and reduce the risk of falls.
If a fall does occur, even with these preventive measures in place, your estate plan can help you prepare in advance. In your estate plan, the first thing you want to do is have your power of financial and medical attorneys in place. This will ensure your needs are always taken care of based on your exact wishes. You also want to outline what kind of care you want to receive. If you cannot live on your own, do you want to go into an assisted living facility or have at-home care? In addition to this decision, you’ll need to plan out the expenses and how much money you will need to pay for them. Call us today if you need any help outlining your wishes, developing financial plans, or finding ways to prevent falls in your home. I will be happy to sit down with you and help create a plan that fits your needs perfectly.
Happy National Get Up Day, everyone!
Speaking of pathways, ensure all paths to the bathroom, living room, kitchen, bedroom, and other frequent areas are free of clutter. You don’t want any visible wires, shoes, tables, furniture, or other items in these walkways. Additionally, you can install devices to help your loved one keep their balance. These installments can include handrails, ramps, raised toilet seats,
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Estate planning for your four-legged family members is the best way to ensure your pets continue to get the care, love, and support they need. Our team has helped many clients estate plan for their animals, and through all of the plans we’ve created, we’ve noticed one area that needs more attention. When you pick a pet caregiver, you want to ensure they can care for your four legged family member like you did. Evaluate how they will maintain your pet’s standard of living — can they handle that responsibility? To see if your preferred caregiver can maintain your four-legged family member’s lifestyle, you must outline your pet’s routine, needs, personality, and quirks. Is your pet high maintenance or low maintenance? Do they require daily medications? Do they attend any pet day care programs? What veterinarian hospital and doctor do you usually take them to? What is their typical day-to-day schedule? These are the questions and items you want to consider and mention in your estate plan, especially if your preferred caregiver cannot provide the same level of care and you need to adjust your plan. Consider Outlining These Items When Estate Planning for You
We live in a digital world where everything can be found online. Whether it’s storing data or gaining access to information, we tend to use the internet constantly. With so many innovations and new technologies being created, it’s no surprise that cybercrimes are becoming more frequent than ever. What are cybercrimes? Cybercrimes are criminal activities that involve computers, networked devices, or networks. These are typically committed by cybercriminals or hackers looking for ways to steal information, damage computers or networks, or make a profit — whether personal or political. Some types of cybercrimes include: • Email and internet fraud • Identity fraud (where personal information is stolen and used) • Theft of financial or card payment data • Theft and sale of corporate data • Infringing copyright • Selling illegal items online As more business transactions, such as paying bills, shopping, and trading, have moved online, cybercrimes have affected more people than ever before. Unfortunately, the ill effects often lead to extreme financial ruin for businesses and individuals. What happens if you’re found guilty of cybercrimes? Laws have been made to address criminal behavior that involves computers, computer systems, and the internet. In fact, each state has its requirements and potential penalties depending on the type of crime — and penalties may be severe, even for first-time offenders. The penalties could include the following: Fines These range widely, but a misdemeanor conviction can result in minor fees of a few hundred dollars or possibly up to $1,000. At the same time, felony convictions can have fines of up to $100,000. Jail or Prison If someone is convicted of a specific cybercrime, they can face jail or prison sentences. The most severe crimes can even result in a prison sentence of 20 years or more. Probation Depending on the case, a person can be on probation for a year or more and need to report to a probation officer, pay court costs and fines, or maintain employment. Though technology can make life a little easier, there are dangers we must avoid. So, create strong passwords, keep your systems updated, and be mindful of the information you’re giving out. Stay Safe Online! Guard Your Privacy and Peace of Mind
It can be challenging to think about these factors off the top of your head. Therefore, the best thing to do is keep notes about
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Puzzle Time!
Answer:
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Get Your Sweet Tooth On!
ur Pets everything you do for your pet, such as when you feed them, take them outside, and how often you bathe them or take them to the
3 Chocolate Places in Butler
Valentine’s Day is this month, so it’s only fitting that February is also National Chocolate Month! You can go to many places in our community for delicious and mouth-watering chocolates. Here are three of our favorite places to go when we need a sweet treat.
groomer. If there is a special diet or food you prefer your pet to eat, outline that as well.
Cummings Candy & Coffee 146 N. Main St. CummingsCoffee.com
Once you write down what you do for your furry friends daily, you’ll notice how much care your pet actually needs. Because of this, it’s important to share information with your pet caregiver and leave these notes for them to review. It will help your pet caregiver properly care for your furry friends and help your pet be as comfortable as possible when transitioning to a new home. Please contact your friends at Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning with any questions regarding estate planning for your four-legged family members. You can also go to FourLeggedFamilyMembers.com for more information. Chocolate Pots de Creme
Cummings Candy & Coffee is one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Butler. It also happens to be owned by some of our favorite people. The business was founded in 1905, and for over 110 years, they have continued to serve some of the best coffee and candy in town. They have four locations: Downtown Butler, West Butler, South Butler, and the hospital in Butler. Peter’s Chocolate Shoppe 326 W. Jefferson St. PetersChocolateShoppe.com Peter’s Chocolate Shoppe is another great chocolate shop owned by another amazing family. This business was founded in 1938, and not much has changed over the past 85 years. They continue to make delicious homemade chocolate with the finest ingredients. One bite into their treats will remind you of your childhood memories and favorite holidays. Additionally, if you have a fundraiser, Peter’s Chocolate Shoppe will be more than happy to help with your fundraising needs.
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients
Directions
Butler County Sweet Tooth Trail Visit ButlerCounty.com/sweettoothtrail
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9 oz high-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 1/2 cups whole milk
1. Place chopped chocolate into a blender. 2. In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, whisk the milk, 1 cup of cream, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt over medium heat. Cook, constantly stirring with a spatula until the mixture is almost boiling, 5–6 minutes. Immediately pour the milk mixture over the chocolate in the blender. 3. Cover and blend until smooth. 4. Divide the mixture among ramekins or small cups and refrigerate until set (about 2 hours). 5. Whip the remaining 1/2 cup cream and the powdered sugar with a mixer until soft peaks form. 6. Top chilled pots de creme with whipped cream and serve.
If you want to try various bakeries, ice cream shops, and candy stores, then the Butler County Sweet Tooth Trail is for you. This self-guided tour will take you on a sugary journey as you try some of the community’s best local bakeries and coffee shops. There is also an activity that goes along with the tour. You will receive a Sweet Tooth passport at the start, and once you fill it up with different symbols representing different businesses, you will be entered into Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau’s sweet- themed gift basket drawing.
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1 1/2 cups heavy cream, divided 6 large egg yolks
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5 tbsp granulated sugar (add an extra tbsp if using bitter chocolate)
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1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp powdered sugar
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Inside
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Ways to Prepare for Accidental Falls Understanding Internet Crime Laws Do You Know Your Pet’s Daily Routine?
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Chocolate Pots de Creme It’s National Chocolate Month!
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A Cinematic Cure for Seasonal Depression
5 Feel-Good Movies
To Chase Away the Blues
family-friendly take on the classic tale “The Ugly Duckling.”
and-rescue worker who finds and saves people. A true story inspired the uplifting tale, and according to some reviews, you may want to have tissues ready. 2. ‘Yes Day’ — Imagine spending an entire day saying “yes” to everything your kids requested. Congratulations: You’ve stepped into the plot of “Yes Day”! In this film, parents Alison and Carlos go along with their kids’ wildest desires and watch family bonding magic unfold. The Raising Children Network recommends this movie for adults and older kids only. 3. ‘Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness’ — The plot of this animated movie is as creative as its title! It follows a cartoon hero named Chickenhare, who is 50% rabbit, 50% bird, and 100% confused about his place in the world. He’s also on a quest with friends to defeat his evil uncle before it’s too late. Think of the film as a funny, adventurous,
4. ‘Dumplin’ ’ — Mashable called “Dumplin’” “the definition of sweet.” The movie stars Rosie (played by Jennifer Aniston) as a pageant-obsessed former beauty queen whose daughter, Willowdean, doesn’t fit conventional beauty standards. When Willowdean enters her mom’s pageant in a protest complete with dancing and Dolly Parton tunes, she sparks a small-town revolution. This movie is recommended for children ages 13 and up. 5. ‘We Can Be Heroes’ — Since its release in 2020, this superhero movie has quickly become a family favorite. The story opens with an aliens-versus-superheroes showdown, and when the aliens win and take the heroes hostage, their kids come to the rescue. As the title implies, the film will leave you feeling like you can be a hero, too.
Are you stuck in a TV rut and starting to feel down in the dumps? (Thanks, seasonal depression.) If so, check out one of these heartwarming movies for a pick-me-up. 1. ‘Rescued by Ruby’ — If your family loves dogs, this kid-friendly flick will be a real crowd-pleaser. It stars a pup named Ruby, who starts life as a shelter dog. After a state trooper rescues her, she becomes a search-
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