Home Modifications

In my New York clinic, I often discuss “Energy Conservation Techniques” with my patients. It sounds technical, but it simply means: don’t waste your physical strength on tasks that a machine can do for you. Opening a can with a manual crank is one of the most taxing movements for anyone with rheumatoid arthritis, carpal… Read more: Top 5 Automatic Can Openers: Hands-Free Solutions for Weak Hands

In my New York practice, I often work with seniors living in classic apartments where the bathroom is, frankly, tiny. The most common question I get is: “Joshua, I want the safety of a walk-in tub, but I only have 50 inches of space. Am I stuck with just a shower?” The answer is a… Read more: Review: 5 Best Walk-in Tubs for Small Bathrooms

In my physical therapy practice in New York, I often see “home confinement” not because a senior can’t walk, but because their home has two or three steps at the entrance that they can no longer navigate safely. Whether you are using a walker, a manual wheelchair, or a heavy power scooter, a single step… Read more: Review: 5 Best Portable Ramps for Wheelchairs and Walkers

In my years of physical therapy practice in New York, I’ve found that the bedroom is often the most overlooked area for safety modifications. Many seniors struggle with “getting their momentum” to stand up from a soft mattress. Without a solid anchor point, they often grab onto unstable nightstands or pull on their spouse’s arm—both… Read more: Review: 5 Best Bed Assist Rails for Safe Standing and Fall Prevention

In my occupational therapy sessions, I often see patients who have stopped cooking their favorite meals simply because they can’t open a jar of pasta sauce or a pickle container. For someone with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis in the hands, the twisting motion required to break a vacuum seal isn’t just difficult—it’s painful. Electric jar… Read more: Review: 5 Best Electric Jar Openers for Seniors with Arthritis

In my practice in New York, the bathroom is the most common site for home accidents. When a patient tells me, “I just grab the towel rack for balance,” my heart skips a beat. Towel racks are designed for fabric, not for the weight of a human being. To “Age at Ease,” you need dedicated… Read more: How to Choose the Right Grab Bar: Suction vs. Permanent — A PT’s Safety Guide