Those living with Rheumatoid Arthritis often have difficulty with daily activities and cooking is no exception. This chronic condition causes inflammation at the joints and surrounding tissues. This can affect your ability to use a cutting board, open jars, carry pots and stand for long periods of time.

But by using certain kitchen tools and modifying your kitchen environment, you can decrease the amount of stress placed on your joints. If you or a loved has Rheumatoid Arthritis, follow these tips to make cooking easier.

Use Adaptive Kitchen Tools

• Speed up and reduce prep work with a food processor
• Decrease…

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Installing grab bars in the bathroom are a great way to improve the safety of the older adults in our lives. But there’s more to improving safety than just purchasing a pair of grab bars. Try these helpful tips to improve the safety of your loved one when they’re getting in and out of the tub.

Concentration Counts

• Getting in and out of the tub requires concentration
• Your loved one may need help in the bathroom if they have difficulty with attention or concentration

Practice Makes Perfect

• Practice using newly installed grab bars before…

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Are you looking for a device that can help your loved one lower his or her risk of falling in the home? How about one that fits in the palm of your hand? Surprisingly this post isn’t about the latest generation of smart phones, but the good old-fashioned nightlight.

I have found that many older adults fall at night simply because adequate and accessible light is not available. A routine trip to the bathroom could potentially result in injury. Unfortunately, in this country, falls related injuries continue to be one…

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by Hurricane Sandy. I had spent a week assisting with the rebuilding efforts in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina hit. That was the last time I had seen up close the devastation that follows a natural disaster.

As a husband and a father of two young children, there were moments I felt helpless when my home was among many that lost power. Our household is safe, but my condolences go out to those who have lost loved ones.

For about two years, I…

Growing up my group of friends spent time at the local playgrounds trying to figure out if the sneaker with the pump up feature could help you run faster. Our methods weren’t exactly scientific but we eventually came to our senses and figured out that a pair of over priced sneakers won’t make you a better athlete.

However did you know older adults can reduce their risk of falling by choosing the right pair of shoes? Allow me to guide you through some of the key features to look for in a shoe that…

On a recent bright Saturday afternoon, I made a vigil call to New York Methodist Hospital. The patient was an elderly woman whose heart was failing.

When I arrived, a friend of hers was waiting to enter her room. This friend knew the patient from church meetings and said “Dahlia” was famous for her hugs. Dahlia’s friend, who is a nurse, told me some lovely stories about Dahlia’s spiritual, financial, and gustatorial generosity. As she reminisced, two more visitors arrived: one of Dahlia’s daughters (also a nurse) and another friend.

Having learned…

If you’re not sure about which walking device is the right one for a loved one with mobility issues then you’re not alone. There are a numerous amount of choices that available both online and at your local medical supply store.

I have found many people end up choosing the rollator because of its features. This is not surprising when you consider it has a fold down seat, travel basket, four wheels and a set of brakes.

Now before you run out to the store to purchase a rollator you need to understand that it’s not the right device for everyone.…

We all find moments that are worth celebrating. My favorite memory of this year’s London Olympics actually occurred seconds after the 400 meter semifinal had ended. The winner of the race Kirani James in a show of respect approached Oscar Pistorius who had finished 8^th and requested to exchange their official uniform name tags.

You might be wondering why so much attention was given to an athlete who didn’t win a medal? Oscar is a double amputee and uses prosthetic legs to race against some of the world’s fastest runners. His journey to…

Last Monday morning I quietly sat at my new desk waiting for the tech room staff to issue my new laptop and cell phone. The stillness of the morning was quite a contrast to my final week in Queens spent saying goodbye to my seniors and coworkers while trying to wrap up loose ends.

After picking up the new computer and phone I proceeded to make appointments with my new group of seniors. I’ve been looking forward to this moment since I decided to transfer to the new Westchester branch of VNSNY CHOICE.

I’ve always believed in the…

For most of my life I’ve called the borough of Queens home but about a year ago my family moved north of the city. To my surprise I’ve grown to appreciate the slower pace of life.

I had initial reservations about leaving the familiarity of working in Queens and honestly there was a period of time that I wouldn’t even entertain the conversation. However having two young children at home changes one’s perspective and next week I’ll be transferring to VNSNY CHOICE’s new Westchester branch.

I’m thankful for the time spent working with my…