Have you ever tried to finish a home improvement project without using the right tools? How did it turn out? As a new homeowner, I’ve learned the results aren’t pretty.

Along the same lines, using the right equipment can enable people with certain physical limitations to safely accomplish every-day tasks in the home. If you use any of these common household items for these (or similar) reasons, allow me to share with you a few safer options.

1) Avoid holding onto the towel rack to enter and exit the bathtub or shower.…

As 2011 is winding down my gut instinct is to make a few of the familiar resolutions for the coming year. Does starting a new exercise plan or eating healthier ring a bell?

However, before I make any of those resolutions I took time to reflect on my experiences providing care in the greatest city on earth and here’s what I came up with.

The Value of Home Care

Having choices is good. Having choices when it comes to caring for the older adults in our lives is invaluable. Everyday I witness how home health care improves the quality of life…

It’s no surprise that many successful athletes have been able to prolong their careers by taking care of their bodies. At age 42, relief pitcher Mariano Riveria who is famous for his conditioning regimen continues to help the New York Yankees win close games. He also happens to be their oldest player in a sport that values youth.

Equally if not more impressive are the elderly I work with who continue to take care of their bodies by staying physically active. Here are some of the ways I have observed how…

A few months ago, a friend of mine asked what I would choose to do if I could work in a different field. Am I right if I assume that many of us have tossed around the same question? To provide you with a little background, I have wanted to be a physical therapist since my senior year of high school, and after graduation attended a combined undergraduate/graduate program at Boston University. It’s the only field I’ve known.

Now back to the question, my immediate reply to my friend’s question…

Is there anything we can learn about falls prevention from the sports fan that is glued to his TV? You may be surprised, but there is one thing I can think of.

Here’s the scenario: the big game everyone has been waiting for is about to start, and one second of action can’t be missed. Now let’s examine what items surround our sports fan sitting in his living room.

Things you may find:

• Remote Control: It’s too risky to allow someone to change the channel.
• Food and Beverage: Nutritional requirements need to be sustained, right?
• Phone:…

Finding a good pair of shoes is priceless. During my teen years I was one of those sneaker fanatics. I admit to spending hours at the local shoe store combing through aisles and aisles of footwear in search of the perfect sneaker.

Perhaps I was hoping to jump as high, run as fast, and play ball like my favorite athletes. Looking back, the closest I got to the pros were the upper deck seats.

But I wasn’t so far off, good shoes make a huge difference. For instance, older adults who wear…

Photo by Danilo Rizzuti

In 2009, 2.2 million non-fatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 581,000 of these patients were hospitalized. (Source: Centers for Disease Control)

Tripping hazards are one of the most common causes of falls in the home among older adults. I want you to know many of these hazards can be eliminated.

I understand, as a caregiver, there are times when your responsibilities may seem so overwhelming that home safety ends up being overlooked. However, take the time to follow these simple steps…

Photo by Simon Howden

One of the best ways to enjoy spring is to make walking outdoors a part of your routine. Often I advise my seniors to take regular walks, since it works out all the major muscles groups, can help prevent physical decline and does not require any expensive equipment.

After enduring a very harsh winter, warmer weather has finally arrived, so follow these easy steps before you head outdoors for some fresh air and exercise.

1) Dress your feet properly

Wearing comfortable sneakers or shoes that fit well and provide good traction will help reduce…

Photo by TCJ2020

According to the Nielsen Media Group, 98% of American households owned a television in 2009. Until a few months ago, I was actually part of the minority without a set. However, you may be even more surprised to learn that some of my seniors use the televisions in their bedrooms — as a source of lighting at night.

This practice is a safety hazard because the bedroom is a common place for the elderly to fall. A fall in the bedroom often occurs in the middle of the night…