There is nothing more satisfying than a home-cooked meal with friends and family. I have some fond memories of watching my mother prepare the family meal and smelling the delightful aromas that made my mouth water. I could not help sneaking a taste when Mom wasn’t looking. Of course, Mom knew exactly what I was doing, and she started to encourage my tasting behavior. She also started to ask me to help her with meal preparations and as I became more involved, asking questions, tasting and making flavor adjustments, I was learning to cook and having a lot of fun.

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According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, safety is the second tier of the pyramid just above the need for food and water. It is defined as “protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear.” When we think of creating a safe environment for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, the focus tends to be on elements of the physical environment that may be dangerous, but we often overlook the psychological aspects of feeling safe.

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