Secure Dangerous Items Sometimes, Alzheimer’s patients struggle with judgment. It’s important to keep potentially harmful items, such as sharp objects, cleaning supplies, and medications, out of reach. Use locked cabinets for storage, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Also, consider using child-proof locks on drawers that contain knives, scissors, or other hazardous items. Install Safety Devices Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors in all areas of the home. In the kitchen, using appliances with automatic shut-off features can prevent cooking accidents. You may also consider placing locks or alarms on exterior doors to prevent wandering, which is common in Alzheimer’s patients. Label Key Areas Labeling rooms, cabinets, or drawers can help reduce confusion for someone with Alzheimer’s. Clearly mark the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom areas to assist with navigation. This can promote independence and reduce frustration for the patient. Modify the Bathroom Keep in mind that the bathroom can be a high- risk area for falls, so it’s important to make modifications. Install non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower, as well as a shower chair to
With Halloween just around the corner, this month is all about embracing and having some fun with silly fears — like spiders, monsters, and scary movies — that make our hearts race and our adrenaline pump. But while we enjoy these spooky thrills, other fears in life aren’t so easy to laugh off, and they can often hold us back from taking important steps. One common fear we encounter is the hesitation around creating a will or estate plan. Many people shy away from estate planning because of an irrational fear: the belief that if they make a will or set up an estate plan, it somehow means they’re expecting to die soon. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Estate planning isn’t about predicting your death; it’s about being responsible, prepared, and taking care of your loved ones in the future. Just like wearing a seat belt isn’t an invitation to get into a car accident, having an estate plan doesn’t speed up the inevitable. What it does is provide peace of mind. By creating a plan, you are ensuring your family is protected, your wishes are respected, and unnecessary stress is avoided during a tough time for your family and loved ones. Estate planning is a way to safeguard everything you’ve worked for and to pass on your legacy to those who matter most. It’s important to remember that estate planning isn’t just for the elderly or those with significant wealth. It’s for anyone who wants to make sure their family is taken care of and their assets are distributed the way they’d like. This month, as we enjoy the spooky season and face our playful fears, consider facing the real-life fear of creating an estate plan. Taking this important step isn’t scary — it’s smart. It’s Not as Scary as You Think! This Halloween, Face the Fear of Estate Planning
assist with bathing. A raised toilet seat may also make it easier for the patient to sit and stand safely.
Pumpkin Pie French Toast
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil, or as needed • 1/2 cup half-and-half • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin purée • 3 large eggs • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice • 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 8 slices day-old bread • Maple syrup, to taste
Directions
1. Lightly oil a skillet and heat over medium heat. 2. Whisk half-and-half, pumpkin purée, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice together in a bowl. Stir in walnuts until evenly distributed. 3. Place 1 slice of bread in the bowl and let it soak briefly to coat both sides. Lift bread to let excess liquid drip back into the bowl, then transfer to the hot skillet. 4. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until done. 5. Stir batter to redistribute walnuts and repeat with other slices of bread, cooking in several batches if necessary. 6. Serve warm with maple syrup.
—Julie McCormick
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