Enter your search term above.
Link back to homepage
Close

Accessibility Products

Mobility Products

Home & Bath Safety Products

Category: Aging in Place

When choosing to rent or buy a ramp the decision can be confusing. An important thing to consider is how long will you need the ramp? If you think you will need it for longer than 6 months many people choose to buy the ramp. If you have a temporary injury and will need the ramp for less than 6 months, you might consider renting the ramp rather than buying it. 

However, different situations call for unique solutions. We compiled a checklist of common ramp uses to better explain why you should choose whether to rent or purchase a ramp.

Rent a Ramp

  • If you are injured and will only need short-term rehabilitation. If doctors believe you will make a full recovery, you will likely only need a ramp temporarily, therefore renting is a better choice in this scenario. 
  • If you are renting your property, it might be better to rent the wheelchair ramp. Most landlords will not pay to have a wheelchair ramp installed on their property. 
  • An end-of-life or hospice situation. If you know your loved one or yourself only have a few more years or months renting is preferable. 
  • You have guests with mobility challenges coming to visit and you would like to accommodate them during their stay. 
  • You are planning a special event. Perhaps you are having a wedding at your home or a family reunion. Whatever the case may be, it will be nice for anyone with difficulty in mobility to enter the house safely.

Buy a Ramp

  • You might consider purchasing the ramp if it will be used for longer than 6 months. 
  • You or the one needing the ramp owns the property and would like to install a wheelchair ramp to make the home permanently accessible for years to come.

At Next Day Access, we offer a variety of wheelchair ramp styles for you to rent or buy, such as foldable ramps, aluminum ramps, weatherproof ramps, and more. We will deliver and install wheelchair ramps for both residential and commercial customers. You can contact us for a quick quote. You will also receive a free estimate and financing is available if you choose to buy. 

Posted in Aging in PlaceTagged , , , , , , , ,

Getting an older patient to bathe can be a struggle for many family caregivers. The biggest concerns are if they do not bathe, they could develop infections, produce a strong odor, or become aggravatingly itchy.

Harvard Health recommends showering or bathing at minimum several times a week. Here are a few tips for bathing aging adults to keep them healthy and clean while minimizing stress.

3 Tips for Bathing Aging Adults 

Make sure the environment is safe

  • Use a handheld shower device to avoid spraying them in the face. 
  • Make sure the bath water is at a comfortable temperature. 
  • Make sure these are grab bars in the tub. Next Day Access offers an assortment of grab bars and can install them in the correct areas to help older adults feel steadier when they enter the bathroom. 
  • Use a shower chair to help aging adults that have trouble sitting in the tub. 
  • Keep the bathroom floor clean and dry to help avoid falls. 
  • If your patient does not already have a walk-in tub speak to the family about the importance of installing one. Next Day Access has a conversion kit that can be installed quickly and makes it easier for aging adults to enter the tub.

Set up a portable shower for patients

There are several new ways to get a patient to bathe even if that means installing a portable shower in a room. With a portable shower, they can stay in their wheelchair and easily roll into the shower area.

The portable shower has its own drain and an easy set-up process. A portable shower could ease patients’ concern over bathroom safety, and they will likely be glad they do not have to leave their wheelchairs.

Consider opting for a sponge bath

Bathing and showering are the best ways to clean the body, but if this is not possible, a sponge bath is a good alternative solution. Here’s a helpful step-by-step guide on how to give a sponge bath. 

  • Gather all the supplies you will need and make sure your older adult is nice and warm. 
  • Start from the face and head and move down the body. Clean the private areas last. 
  • For privacy and warmth uncover only the body part that is being washed. 
  • Be sure to use gentle strokes. Remind yourself their skin is far more sensitive. 
  • Use a different washcloth for each area so you do not transfer dirt by using dirty washcloths. Remember, the goal is to get them as clean as they would get from an actual shower or bath. 

We hope these tips will help you have an easier time bathing your loved one or patient. At Next Day Access, we have everything you need to ensure aging adults living in place will feel safe not only in their bathroom but throughout the house. Contact us today for a complimentary in-home consultation. 

Posted in Aging in Place, Bathroom SafetyTagged , , , , , , , ,

Many seniors are choosing to age in place instead of going into a nursing home. In fact, 90% of seniors have said they would prefer to age at home, according to a survey by the American Advisors Group. They also point out that some home modifications for accessible living might be necessary.

If an aging adult has health problems or mobility issues in the future, their house will need some modifications. The modifications will help make sure they can live independently and comfortably while remaining safe. Here are the most common home modifications for safe, accessible living.

Grab Bars

As we age, we are less steady on our feet. Grab bars help keep aging adults balanced, making them less likely to experience a severe fall. You can have grab bars installed anywhere in the home, but they should primarily be near the home’s entrance and in bathrooms. We offer sleek and stylish grab bars modifications that enhance the home’s existing interior design.

Ramps

A ramp modification instead of stairs at the entrance to the home can be helpful. Next Day Access offers ramps to fit a multitude of stair variations. If you have a step up in the home, you can purchase a threshold ramp that easily slides over the step. Ramps are one of the best modifications for someone aging in place. They minimize the risk of accidents and injuries significantly. 

Walk-In Tubs or Barrier Free Showers

Stepping over a bathtub is extremely dangerous if the senior no longer has a good sense of balance. At Next Day Access, you can find conversion kits and walk-in tubs to help the senior avoid a potential bathroom fall. Next Day Access also has a range of portable showers or curb-less showers.

Full Bath Remodel

The bathroom is the most dangerous room in the house for seniors. The wet slippery floors are an enormous hazard for falls. Also, getting in and out of the tub or up and down from the toilet can be difficult. At Next Day Access, you will find everything you need to remodel the bathroom. We offer toilet lifts, grab bars, walk-in tubs, shower chairs, and more.

Next Day Access is where you will find most of the home modifications needed for a senior to age in place.  We even offer a free in-home consultation where we walk through your home and help to show you areas that would be helpful with modifications. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. 

Posted in Aging in PlaceTagged , , , , , , , ,

As you get older, your bones become more brittle. A fall can be detrimental. Let us at Next Day Access help prevent your falls with a useful and user-friendly list of ways to preemptively avoid falling both inside and outside of your home.

Stylistic Changes

Use a walker, rollator, or cane to steady yourself. These items are beneficial for preventing falls when standing up or sitting down. We also recommend standing up slowly. When you get up too fast, your blood pressure can drop unexpectantly, causing you to feel faint. 

Wear low-heeled and rubber-soled shoes that completely support your feet. If you wear only slippers or socks, it can be unsafe on stairs or freshly waxed wood floors. 

Investment Changes

Invest in handrails and guard rails. Handrails are not just for stairs. You can put them along the hallway, in various places in the bathroom, anywhere in the house you think would be helpful. 

Avoid ladders or standing on a chair to reach items. You can buy a reaching stick to help you get hard-to-reach items. If you must have a step stool, invest in one with a handle. 

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous places for falls. Floors get wet and slippery, and stepping over a tub can cause severe injuries. Look into a raised toilet seat, shower chairs, bath benches, grab bars, and walk-in tubs. 

We highly recommend looking into home modifications for accessible living as these changes could help keep you safe and more independent for a longer time.

Consider buying a medical alarm necklace. Even though phones are handy these days, having a medical alarm conveniently around your neck will give you and your loved one’s peace of mind if there is an emergency. 

Health Changes

Take care of your health.  This may seem like common sense, but it is worth the reminder. You can also speak to your doctor about a bone density test. This test will tell you how strong your bones are. Your doctor can then prescribe medications to make your bones stronger. 

Have your hearing and vision tested regularly. Hearing or sight issues can cause you to be less stable on your feet. 

Speak to your doctor about each of your medications. Certain medications can cause balance and coordination to be negatively affected. Being aware of the issues can help you take better precautions. 

At Next Day Access, our priority is to help our customers feel safe, comfortable, and independent at home. We offer many of the devices mentioned above. We also provide a free in-home consultation to help you determine if areas in your home are not safe. Contact us today!

Posted in Aging in Place, Fall PreventionTagged , , , , , , ,

One of the biggest priorities of caregivers and family members is keeping our loved ones safe and healthy. When it comes to caregiving aids, Next Day Access understands even the simplest product has a difference in comfort, safety, and independence. Transfer poles are only one of many solutions designed to make life easier for both individuals.

What are transfer poles?

A transfer pole is a floor-to-ceiling grab bar. They provide safe and secure support for sitting, standing, or transferring a loved one to their mobility device. It can reduce slipping or falling in the bathroom, bedroom, or even the living room.

Types of transfer poles

If you have trouble deciding which transfer pole will best accommodate your loved one or patient, our accessibility experts can help you choose. Here are some of the options we offer:

Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar

The Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar is a 2-in-1 safety solution combined with a transfer pole and a rotating grab bar. The grab bar has a 360 degrees rotation with a lock feature in eight different spots every 45 degrees. And no worrying about drilling holes in your ceiling because it is tension mounted. It secures in place by tightening the pole between the floor and ceiling.

HealthCraft SuperPole

We also offer the Healthcraft SuperPole. Designed like the security pole, it helps with standing, transferring, or moving in bed. However, the installation is different. The bottom of the pole has a jackscrew, which turns to create pressure between the ceiling and floor.

HealthCraft SuperPole with SuperBar

HealthCraft also offers the SuperPole with SuperBar. It is the same as the SuperPole but with an attached horizontal bar. It provides more stability and support for those who need more assistance anywhere in the home. Both the pole and bar have foam grips to make it more comfortable and prevent slippages on the hands.

Whichever pole you decide, it will make a difference in your and your patient’s life. The transfer pole creates a safer and more independent lifestyle for both of you. Let Next Day Access help you guide your decision. Contact us for a free in-home safety consultation.

Posted in Aging in Place, Bathroom SafetyTagged , , , , , , , ,

At Next Day Access, we provide many solutions to help people with disabilities and aging loved ones remain safe and independent in all areas of the home. Falling from the bed is one occurrence that could result in severe injury. Some of the causes occur when they’re asleep, usually from rolling around or while trying to get out of bed. But with bed rails, you can reduce falling.

What are bed rails?

Bed rails provide balance and stability in the comfort of your bedroom. They are used to assist while getting in and out of bed, help the user reposition themself while in bed, and prevent loved ones from rolling out of bed during the night. There are many different types of bed rails that can support you in the comfort of your bedroom.

EZ Adjust Bed Rail

The EZ Adjust Bed Rail is intended to reduce the risk of falling out of bed during the night. But its versatile and functional design, functions as a bed rail and handle. The rail extends p to 42 inches and can easily fold down to be out of the way, to prevent inaccessibility. This solution is typically made for long term use and ideal for those with limited mobility or a loss of balance. The rail includes an organizer pouch that’s perfect for keeping personal items close by.

PT BedCane

Unlike the length of the bed rail, the PT BedCane is smaller in design. It is an ergonomic handle that is used to assist from a bed to a walker, scooter, wheelchair, etc. The handle adjusts up to 25 inches to fit the height of your mattress. And similar to the bed rail, the handle comes with an organizer pouch, allowing to store small items like your phone.

Bed Rail Advantage Traveler

Living independently also means being able to travel freely. Even when you’re away from home, you can sleep safely and comfortably with the Bed Rail Advantage Traveler. Its foldable design and weight make it portable and compatible with most bed types.

Deciding between a bed rail or handle can be difficult. That’s why our accessibility experts can help you choose which solution will best accommodate your lifestyle. With our free in-home safety consultations, let us evaluate different solutions that will keep you in your home safely. Contact us to learn more about our free in-home consultations.

Posted in Aging in Place, Fall PreventionTagged , , , , , , , , ,

If you or your loved one has experienced a recent injured or developed mobility issues, there are a variety of accessories or daily living aids to assist you or your caregiver. These solutions can help with standing, walking, and prevent further injury. At Next Day Access, we are proud to offer a wide range of accessibility and mobility products. In fact, some of these products you may not even know exist. Here are a few of our daily living aids that can make aging in place safer and more comfortable. 

Handy Handle

The Handy Handle is a small rectangular device used to assist caregivers in helping lift patients or loved ones into a standing position. It is a portable device with a non-slip grip that supports 350 pounds. The design is simple. The patient holds one side while the caregiver is gripping on the other side, lifting. The Handy Handle helps give extra leverage, preventing strain on the caregiver’s back.

Assist-A-Tray 

The Assist-A-Tray is a couch cane with an attached tray. The cane aids users who have difficulty sitting or standing; while, the multi-use tray table has a swivel feature and rotates 360 degrees. You can use the tray to set meals or as a laptop desk. The daily living aid is compatible and easily adjustable to fit most four-legged chairs, sofas, lift chairs, and couches.

EZ Fold-N-Go Rollator

The rollator is a walking aid with a convenient seat for quick breaks while walking or traveling. With locked brakes on the wheels, it can support up to 250 pounds safely and comfortably. One of the highlights of this product is it is compact and portable, making it perfect for traveling, going to the store, or navigating around your home. And with its storage basket and an organizer pouch, it makes carrying your personal belongings easy.

PT BedCane 

Often, getting in and out of bed can become difficult. That’s why with the PT BedCane, you can safely transfer yourself from the bed. The design of the bedcane is a handle that allows the user to apply a two-handed grip, providing balance and support up to 300 pounds. The product also includes an organizer saddle bag for accessible storage. You can store your phone, reading glasses, or TV remote at your bedside.

Metro Car Handle Plus 

The Metro Car Handle Plus is a convenient device that makes it easy to get in and out of the car. Its shape allows the handle to slide into the door latch striker for extra support when sitting or standing. The non-slip ergonomic grip can provide stability and balance for up to 500 pounds. And for extra visibility at night, you can twist the end cap of the handle for a flashlight.

At Next Day Access, our main priority is to help those with limited mobility or an injury live more independently while remaining safe and comfortable. These daily living aids can make a perfect gift for your loved ones. Along with daily living aids, we also offer a variety of accessibility and mobility solutions. Contact for a free in-home safety evaluation to better understand how you can create a more comfortable and safe home.

Source: https://stander.com/

Posted in Aging in PlaceTagged , , , , , ,

When most people fall, it is common to get a bruise or scrape. However, if an older adult falls, the results are far worse, causing broken bones, head injuries, or worse. It is common for older adults to fall more frequently because of lower body weakness, difficulties with walking and balance, or vision problems. Studies show one out of every four Americans over the age of 65 experiences a fall each year.

There are many ways an older adult could slip and fall, but one of the biggest causes is misstepping. At most senior living facilities, you won’t find stairs, but what if your aging loved one wants to stay at home where stairs are inevitable? Fortunately, there are many ways to make your loved one’s home safe, even if stairs are present. 

How to Make Stairs Safer for Seniors Aging in Place:

  • Invest in a stairlift. At Next Day Access, we offer an assortment of stairlifts. Our stairlifts safely help your loved ones go up and down the stairs. Stairlifts are easy to use and can be installed within hours to a day, depending on your staircase.
  • Add non-slip strips. These strips can easily be applied with adhesive to the stairs. You could even apply them in areas of the bathroom that could get wet and slippery.   
  • Try to decrease stair time. Is it possible to reorganize the home where your loved one never needs to go to the second floor? Could their bedroom be on the lower level? You may not be able to cut out stair time entirely, but if you limit the amount of time your loved one spends on stairs, it may reduce the likelihood of falling.
  • Add hand railings to the stairs. If you do not have a set of sturdy hand railings on the stairs you should invest in them as soon as possible. The CDC even recommends have railings on staircases. Railings help with balance and support, reducing the chances of falling.
  • Do not use a carpet runner on stairs. Having a leveled floor is one of the best ways to ensure safety in your home. Although a runner is decorative for stairs, it can be a trip hazard for older adults. If you can avoid using rugs, it can help your loved one keep safe from tripping and falling.
  • Invest in ramps for outdoors stairs or single steps. Ramps come in all sizes and can be installed usually in less than a day. Next Day Access has a variety of ramps to fit your unique needs whether it be an outdoor or indoor ramp.

At Next Day Access, we provide, sell, and install accessibility and mobility solutions to keep your aging loved one safe and comfortable at home. We understand the danger of stairs for seniors and have many different products to help them navigate a home with stairs. Contact us to schedule your free in-home consultation. 

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html

Posted in Aging in Place, Fall PreventionTagged , , , , , , , , ,

When you think of an elevator in a home, you may think of The Jetsons or another futuristic show. But believe it or not, having an elevator in the house is not as uncommon as you might think. When an aging loved one experiences limited mobility, going up and downstairs is no longer safe and easy.

That’s why you may consider a home elevator to can help you or your loved ones stay in their home when the stairs become a challenge.

When do home elevators qualify for your solution? 

Aging in place has become a large trend in the older population. Studies have found that most homeowners want to stay in their existing homes as they age. For some, selling a two-story or even three-story home and moving into a one-level home can become expensive and stressful.

Fortunately, home elevators have become a less expensive solution for people with limited mobility and looking to age comfortably in their home.

Benefits of Home Elevators

Convenience

It’s easy to overlook the many daily activities that could be challenging for people aging in place. Whether it’s tidying up each week from room to room or putting away laundry, there are many times that require going up and down the stairs. With a home elevator, it makes routine activities easier and more pleasant.

Comfort

The activity of climbing and descending stairs can put a strain on your muscles, ligaments, and cardiovascular system. Stairs are often risky for older adults. As our loved ages, chronic pain, inflexibility, or vision issues can lead to trouble with stairs.

To help avoid falling or serious injuries, a home elevator can give you peace of mind and make a comfortable and relaxing experience as your glide up and down the levels of your home.

Independence

Another and an essential reason to add a residential elevator is to maintain independence. As you or your loved one continues to age, limited mobility and medical issues will arise. A trip or a fall up or down the stairs can cause you or your loved one’s independence to decrease.

A home elevator can help you restore your independence and allow you to travel freely up and down the levels of your home.

At Next Day Access, our home elevators are safe, quiet, and customizable to your home. Whether you prefer a lavish look with mahogany and silver handrails or a hideaway elevator, the choice is up to you.

We have a large variety made by some of the best brands in the business, including Stiltz, Wessex, and Waupaca. Contact us today for a free in-home consultation.

Posted in Aging in Place, Home SolutionsTagged , , , , , , , ,

Even though porch season is winding down, we wanted to share with our readers how convenient and efficient a porch lift, also known as a vertical platform lift (VPL) can be for people with limited mobility. A porch lift is a cost-effective solution to gaining access to reach raised porches, decks, and other elevated areas for wheelchair, power chair, and other mobility devices.

Often when there is not enough space for a ramp, porch lifts can be a solution. Here are a few reasons you might decide if one is suitable for you. 

Less Space Than a Ramp

Trying to decide whether you need a ramp or a lift? How much space do you have? A porch lift will require a 5′ by 7′ area regardless of the rise. A ramp’s size will increase with every step.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives guidelines for ramps. It is a good reference point for ramp slope and length. At a residential home, the standards are different, but for public property, the ADA Standards require a 1:12 slope ratio or 4.8-degree slope.

That requires for every inch that rises, an additional foot is added to the ramp length. For example, if an entrance has three steps with a 7″ riser per step, it will require a 21′ ramp.

Although these calculations were based on a public space, it shows just how significant a ramp is compared to a porch lift. If your space is small at home, a porch lift can be a better use of space than a ramp. 

Simple and Safe Without Assistance 

Of course, there can be safety concerns with any moving platform. However, with a porch lift, you do not need to be dependent on a caregiver. If your mobility allows you to hold down the lever or button, you can operate a porch lift and thus be able to come and go as you please. 

It Works in Weather Conditions and Requires Little Maintenance.

Porch lifts can withstand weather conditions. If temperatures consistently drop below freezing in the area where you live, consider a cold-weather package to ensure your lift will run smoothly on frigid days. It is recommended to have your porch lift serviced annually to help avoid malfunctions. 

At Next Day Access, we are proud to sell, install, and service porch lifts. Our company goal is to provide products for our customers that give them more independence, keep them safer and more comfortable at home. Contact us to schedule a free in-home consultation to help you ensure your home is accessible as it can be.  

Posted in Aging in Place, Home SolutionsTagged , , , , , ,

Customer Reviews

“Our technician was very knowledgeable and efficient.”

- Joanne H

“We had a wonderful experience with this company! They answer their phone, deliver when promised, and picked up in a very timely manner. Wonderful people!”

- Vicki Hornbeck

“Next Day Access provides professional, personal service. They are reliable and courteous. We’ve been very pleased with our interactions with all employees we’ve encountered. ”

- Marilyn Whitesell