Posts by Pat Tarantino
Preventing Bedsores in a Home Care Setting
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…
Read MoreWhat to Expect During a Fall Risk Assessment
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…
Read MoreSeasonal Allergies and Older Adults
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…
Read MoreOpinion: More Assistance does not mean Less Independence
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,…
Read MoreLithium-Ion Battery Safety for Seniors
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…
Read More5 Unexpected Heart Health Tips
February marks – a time to raise awareness of cardiovascular health hazards and best practices. Eating healthier, quitting smoking, getting more exercise, and even laughing are all well-documented ways to improve heart health, but below are some less well-known ways you can promote long-term cardiovascular health. #1 – Dental Health IS Heart Health Did you…
Read MoreReframing Aging to Fight Ageism
While broader public conversations about the negative effects of discrimination continue to grow in momentum and influence, one area that often goes unmentioned is the phenomenon of ageism. Ageism refers to how we think, feel and act towards ourselves and others due to age. Ageism can often feel harmless because of how common phrases like…
Read MoreQuality of Life Products for Older Adults Living at Home
Money can’t buy happiness, but it can certainly buy convenience. As we age, daily activities around the home like cleaning, meal preparation, dressing, and bathing can take more time and energy than before. Fortunately, there are a slew of tools and appliances that can make these tasks a snap. Read on for some handy, time-saving…
Read MorePreparing for Surgery: A Guide for the Home
As life expectancies lengthen and medical technology advances, the number of older adults undergoing surgical procedures increases. While these procedures can greatly improve quality of life and health outlooks for patients, they can also cause short-term impediments that can impact an older adult’s ability to live comfortably and independently in their home. Fortunately, most surgical…
Read MoreMaking Holiday Gatherings Special for Seniors with Dementia
The holiday season is a time for families to come together, celebrate the past and make memories for the future. For some families, this holiday season may be their first opportunity to spend quality time with adult parents and grandparents in months or even years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic upending plans since 2020.…
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