Empowering Independence: Occupational Therapist Tyler Schorr’s Role in Making Homes Safer and Lives More Accessible

For Tyler Schorr, every grab bar installed or doorway widened is more than a construction upgrade; it’s a lifeline to independence. As an occupational therapist with Lutheran SeniorLife’s Rehabilitation Services team, Schorr combines clinical expertise with hands-on construction knowledge to help older adults and individuals with disabilities live safely and confidently at home.

Working closely with both the Visiting Nurses Association, Western PA (VNA) and Lutheran SeniorLife’s outpatient therapy teams, Schorr provides home modification guidance across a wide range of care settings—ensuring that clients receive cohesive, personalized support wherever they are in their care journey.

With certifications as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) and in the Executive Certificate in Home Modifications (ECHM), Schorr brings specialized training that enhances his ability to deliver home design solutions that are practical, effective, and cost-efficient.

“Not every modification needs to be a major renovation,” Schorr explains. “Sometimes big projects are necessary, but many times small changes can make a big difference.”

From installing grab bars and threshold ramps to recommending comfort-height toilets and lever-style door handles, Schorr offers smart, scalable modifications to match each individual’s environment and needs. His work is especially critical for those at risk of being displaced from their homes due to safety concerns.

“Many times, when we’re called in, people are facing the very real fear that they can no longer stay in the home they’ve lived in for decades,” said Schorr. “My job and my passion is to make recommendations that restore their ability to age in place safely. Most of the time, that’s possible.”

His thoughtful interventions extend beyond just physical safety. With solutions like offset door hinges — which discreetly increase doorway clearance without removing the door — or cost-effective bathtub step-through conversions that turn traditional tubs into walk-in showers, Schorr enables his clients to maintain dignity, privacy, and the freedom to care for themselves in the spaces they love.

These modifications often make the difference between isolation and meaningful connection.

“Bathrooms and entrances are often the biggest barriers. But when we remove those, people can shower again, or get out of the house and attend a family gathering. That’s powerful,” Schorr said.

With years of experience in home health and a foundation in construction, Schorr brings a rare and invaluable perspective to Lutheran SeniorLife’s mission of helping people live an Abundant Life®. His approach is not just about what’s functional, but what is possible.

“Tyler’s work exemplifies what National Disability Independence Day is all about,” said Christine Namey, MPT, Rehab Director-Outpatient & Home Health. “He helps people reclaim their independence in the most essential place, their own home. We are proud to have him as part of our team, and even prouder of the life-changing impact his work makes every day.”

As Lutheran SeniorLife continues to invest in aging-in-place services and home safety solutions, professionals like Schorr are leading the way and delivering real-world change, one home and one person at a time.