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A cozy glow should never come with a knot in your stomach. We unpack how dementia changes a person’s ability to read risk and why that makes open flames a hidden hazard, even for families who have used candles safely for decades. Drawing on years of in-home occupational therapy, we walk through clear, compassionate steps to keep the mood, the ritual, and the beauty—without the danger.We start with the real reasons candles become confusing: familiar objects can be misread, routines can trigger unexpected actions, and a wandering moment can turn a small flame into a big problem. From there, we offer practical, low-effort swaps that feel just as warm: LED flameless candles that flicker convincingly, remotes and timers t ...