Posts by Pat Tarantino

Whether you are beginning in-home health care or moving into a senior residence, concerns around safety are incredibly common, especially for families who are new to these types of living arrangements. Long-term care relationships depend on trust, but some families appreciate the additional peace of mind provided by installing discrete ‘granny cams,’ to get a…

Pet ownership is a contentious issue among those in the elder care field. While the companionship of an animal has been anecdotally attributed to improved cognitive and physical health among older adults, few repeatable studies have presented specific, compelling evidence of this link. Instead, the breadth of educated opinions for and against pet ownership among…

One of the defining features of home health care is the ease in which services can be tailored to accommodate a patient’s unique needs and goals. Because of this ease of customization, many new home care recipients will focus on identifying household tasks in which a home caregiver can provide assistance, however the actual timing…

As we age, our bodies naturally undergo significant changes that alter how we sense and interact with the world around us. While changes to our skin are often looked at as an aesthetic concern, the body’s skin plays a critical role in protecting us from germs and infection. This is particularly important in the winter…

Most conversations around promoting long-term health focus on subjects like regular medical screenings and developing healthier habits, however physical activity and exercise often get shunted into the “nice to have” category. In reality, working a few minutes of light exercise into your daily routine is one of the most important ways you can slow the…

For many older adults, remaining in a long-time home or apartment is a key part of their ideal aging plan. Familiar settings can provide a sense of security while also providing practical benefits like longstanding ties to neighbors in their community and familiarity with local businesses. While it’s often beneficial to remain in a long-time…

As we age, our bodies undergo natural changes that can impact how we interact with the world around us. Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, is a gradual loss of hearing that limits a person’s ability to hear noises, especially those of a higher pitch.  While this challenge is quite common (Johns Hopkins University estimates…

For older adults, the ability to safely travel within their community is a key element of maintaining long-term independence, allowing individuals to consistently and safely attend medical appointments, run errands, and stay socially engaged. While New York City is home to numerous transportation options that cater to individuals using wheelchairs, those with less significant mobility…

New York City maintains a reputation as a great location for older adults to age in place because the tight density of city blocks mean amenities and services like grocery stores and medical offices are often just a few blocks away. While this proximity is a major convenience, longer journeys to medical specialists or other…

Changes in our bodies are natural results of the aging process.  Due to decreased activity levels and changes to the metabolism, many older adults report slight decreases in their appetite starting as early as age 60. While minor changes to appetite are not a major source of concern, maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet is a…