Posts by Pat Tarantino

For most hospital patients receiving care for an illness or injury, there is a hope that once discharged, they can return to their everyday routines.  Unfortunately, the in-home recovery process can take weeks or months, and everyday tasks that were once easy to accomplish might prove difficult or even dangerous.  While hospital discharge planners play…

While New York City’s easy access to amenities, healthcare facilities, and public programming make it a fantastic place for older adults who plan to remain in their long-time homes, early planning remains critical to maintaining long-term independence and safety. The following blog reviews some of the key considerations older adults should make as they develop…

Summer temperatures and high humidity are back in New York City; however, these annual hazards are now accompanied by a new concern – poor air quality due to ongoing Canadian wildfires. While these hazards can present a significant threat to individuals at any age, older adults are particularly vulnerable to summer weather conditions.  Read on…

The ongoing Canadian wildfires caused a significant drop in air quality across much of the United States last week, casting an orange haze over much of the country and resulting in numerous public health advisories. While this event came as a surprise to many, continued climate change means events like those of the past week…

Since the first home video game console reached markets in 1972, opinions on the devices have been in constant change.  Home game consoles began as expensive novelties in the 70’s and 80’s, lightning rods of controversy in the 90’s, and near-ubiquitous living room fixtures since 2000. Now, a growing body of research points to a…

Bed sores (also known as pressure ulcers) are ruptures to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. If left untreated, a bed sore can result in permanent damage to the skin, potentially life-threatening infections, and other medical complications. This type of injury is most common among those who spend extensive…

Injuries due to a fall remain one of the most common, preventable causes for hospitalization amongst older adults.  As a result, organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and the American Geriatric Society strongly recommend everyone aged 65 and older undergo a fall risk assessment annually. Even if you feel comfortable on your feet, regularly…

As temperatures rise and the sun stays out a little longer every day, spring and pollen are in the air. While seasonal allergies can be a nuisance for most, their symptoms can present significant risk to older adults. Why are seasonal allergies more dangerous to older adults? Seasonal allergies put older adults at greater risk…

The goal of any home health care arrangement is to preserve the long-term health and independence of a client with as few changes to their lifestyle as possible. For example, a client may be largely independent; however, certain household tasks may be difficult or dangerous due to a chronic illness or injury. In this case,…

From smartphones to mobility scooters, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries can be found in many rechargeable electronics. While these batteries provide the power for many household conveniences, their ubiquity and range in production quality has led to numerous reports of dangerous, sometimes deadly residential fires in New York City. The following article outlines how Li-ion batteries cause…