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Category: Aging in Place

As the weather gets warmer, there’s nothing better than sitting outside and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. When you think about accessibility, you may focus on making the inside of your home accommodating for your mobility needs. However, there are many solutions for creating an outdoor living space accessible. Spending time outside is good for your physical and mental health. Here are some accessibility modifications to consider if you’re looking to make your backyard inclusive for you or your loved ones.

Threshold Ramps

Depending on your outdoor living space, you might have uneven terrain or stairs to navigate. Having even a single step to enter your backyard may make you feel uneasy or scared. A threshold ramp can help with a lot of your concerns and eliminate trip hazards. Threshold ramps are available for permanent or temporary use.

Enjoy Your Yard With A Porch Lift

If you have a raised deck, patio, or porch, a porch lift can help you enjoy your outdoor space with peace of mind. A threshold ramp might not satisfy your needs if you have multiple steps to navigate your outdoor space. But a porch lift is designed to raise and lower you from your deck with ease. It is possible to customize it to be wide enough to fit your wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Benefits Of An Outdoor Stair Lift

If your outdoor space isn’t suitable for a porch lift, then outdoor stair lifts might be the solution you need. It is similar to an indoor stair lift, but it’s made with weather-resistant materials to withstand outdoor elements. Simply sit on the outdoor stair lift to be transported up or down the stairs with relaxation and ease. If you have a garden, pool, or any other outdoor attraction you enjoy using, then a stair lift can help you access them much easier.

Next Day Access can make your backyard more livable with accessibility modifications. It’s great for a person’s health to spend time outside, so do not discourage yourself from using your outdoor space because of the fear of falling. Peace of mind is invaluable and well worth investing in the necessary modifications to achieve it. Schedule a free consultation today by contacting us and a professional can come to your home to evaluate your space as soon as possible.

Posted in Aging in Place, Health & Wellness, Home Solutions

We all go through many different changes as we get older. Whether it’s physical changes, developing health concerns, or simply having more aches and pains in the morning, changes are the natural part of getting older. One of the changes many people experience relates to their vision. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, roughly 33% of people will have some type of eye disease by the time they turn 65. Experiencing vision loss can be inconvenient and dangerous, so here are some tips to consider for seniors who want to age in place and have poor vision.

Focus On Lighting

The appropriate lighting throughout the home is crucial to preventing falls, especially for  the bathroom and the hallway. Investing in nightlights is a simple solution to ensure seniors can navigate the space with ease. Seniors should also pay attention to which areas of their homes are brighter than others and improve the lighting in the areas that need it. 

Eliminate Clutter And Create Open Spaces

Part of senior living can include eliminating clutter throughout the home and creating open spaces as much as possible. Even items like rugs can get in the way and cause seniors to trip. It’s easier than you think to prevent falls in the home, and sometimes all it takes is removing rugs and rearranging furniture. If there’s a lot of clutter present, consider taking some time to sort through the items and donating or selling the ones you don’t need anymore.

Utilize Mobility Products And Aids

Seniors with vision loss can benefit greatly from certain mobility products and aids. Installing threshold ramps helps prevent falls, as well as simple items like grab bars in the bathroom. You could even go as far as replacing your bathtub or shower with a walk-in version; so it’s easier to access. There are a variety of resources that you can use to help you safely age in place.

Next Day Access can help seniors with vision loss have a safer living space. Seniors often don’t realize their vision is deteriorating since it’s a slow process. However, if you notice you’re tripping more often than normal or having a harder time seeing at night, then it might be time to look into some home adjustments. No matter how big or small the changes are, we can help. Be sure to contact us today to schedule a free home assessment to improve the safety of your home.

Posted in Aging in Place, Fall Prevention, Home Solutions, Uncategorized

According to a survey from the AARP Public Policy Institute and National Conference of State Legislatures, approximately 90% of people age 65 and older want to stay in their homes as long as they possibly can. It makes a lot of sense for people to want to age in place since they are comfortable in their homes. However, some home modifications or accommodations must be met as well to adapt to life as you get older. Home modifications don’t always have to be extensive, though, and here are a few to consider that can make a significant impact on your quality of life.

Add Threshold Ramps

Part of aging in place means eliminating trip and fall hazards. Threshold ramps play an important role in this, and they are easy to install. Temporary threshold ramps can simply be laid down in entryways, but you can also opt for professional installation for a permanent solution. Anyone who uses a mobility device like a wheelchair, walker, scooter, or anything else can feel more confident navigating the home when threshold ramps are present. Your physical disability can be easier to deal with when you don’t have to worry about as many trip hazards. And the peace of mind when walking throughout your home is very underrated when aging in place.

Improve Lighting In Dark Areas

Lighting is another aspect that might need to be upgraded in your home. Evaluate hallways, bathrooms, and other spaces you might have to walk through when it’s dark. Plugging in night lights is easy to do and inexpensive. You could also opt for motion detection lighting so you don’t even have to worry about flipping a switch to get adequate light. Anyone with a physical disability might have trouble moving around in the dark and can easily fall off balance if they don’t anticipate an obstacle. Make aging in place easier to adapt to by improving lighting throughout the home.

Rearrange Furniture

One of the simplest home modifications to complete is rearranging furniture to make the space feel more open. Navigating around couches, tables, rugs, and other things can be dangerous depending on the placement of those items. Plus, creating an open concept can also be aesthetically pleasing and help if you have a cognitive disability. Aging in place is all about creating a safe and comfortable environment. Even if you are healthy and moving around flawlessly now, your situation can change as you get older. Prepare for the future by making your home more accessible now.

Next Day Access helps people age in place so they can live as comfortably as possible. Whether you need a wheelchair ramp, a threshold ramp, need bathroom accessibility, or anything else to help you navigate your home, we’ve got you covered. People have a common misconception that home modifications have to be extensive and expensive to age in place successfully.

When you contact us for a free home evaluation, you might be surprised at how simple and cost-effective it is to make your home safe to age in place for years to come.

Posted in Aging in Place, Home & Bath Modification, Uncategorized

As more seniors than ever before strive to age in place, home modifications are becoming the norm. This is also true for people who have mobility concerns due to having a disability. The good news is you can create a more accessible space without breaking the bank in most cases. We’ve got you covered with some of the most cost-effective and impactful home modifications to improve your space.

Widen Doorways

Widening doorways is a great way to make your home wheelchair accessible. This type of modification could be difficult to accomplish depending on the layout of your home, but it’s a worthy option to pursue. Even removing an interior door through a hallway or similar area can make a huge difference when every inch of space matters. Speak with a professional about how to widen doorways, and you’ll appreciate the impact this modification can make.

Install Walk-In Tubs Or Showers

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home to boost accessibility. The floor is often prone to being slippery, and it can also be challenging to navigate due to tight turns. A walk-in tub or shower can make a tremendous impact on people with mobility concerns. Not having to lift their feet to get into the bathtub or shower removes a fall risk immediately. Installing one of these products can be expensive but is well worth it when you consider the immediate safety and accessibility it provides.

Place Ramps And Rails In Appropriate Locations

Making your home wheelchair accessible can be beneficial even if you don’t use a wheelchair. Ramps are much easier to navigate compared to stairs, and threshold ramps can eliminate trip hazards. Rails and grab bars are also underrated parts of creating an accessible space. These products improve balance and reduce the chances of falling, especially when placed in bathrooms. Every bit of peace of mind is valuable when you have mobility concerns, and rails and ramps are inexpensive ways to achieve it.

Take Care Of Minor Home Modifications

Some home modifications that make the biggest impact are the ones that don’t cost anything. For example, rearranging furniture to make rooms more open can reduce trip and fall incidents. Managing cords in specific spaces can also reduce injury risks. Rugs are also commonly known for creating trip hazards for people with mobility concerns, so removing them entirely can make your space more accessible. And if you have poor lighting in certain areas, consider installing inexpensive night lights to help you see where you’re going easier.

Next Day Access wants to help you have an accessible home while staying within your budget. Simple home modifications can make a major impact on the accessibility of your home, and it’s important to make the changes while aging in place. Someone with mobility concerns should do anything they can to eliminate fall risks. We are here to help in any way we can, so contact us today to schedule a free home evaluation to see how we can assist.

Posted in Aging in Place, Home & Bath Modification

With the aging population trending to aging in place, it’s important to understand what you’ll need to do to prepare. Home modifications are a major component of successfully aging in place and making senior life safer. You also may need to adopt certain habits now so you can enjoy your home safely in the future. It’s difficult to predict everything we will need as we get older, but there are plenty of resources to help. Consider adopting these habits to give you a better chance of successfully aging in place.

Anticipate What You’ll Need In The Future

Anticipating what you’ll need in the future is hard because no one can predict the future. However, you can base your future needs on common aspects of senior life. You might not be able to walk around as smoothly as you do now, so if you’re making home renovations, keep this in mind. Installing a walk-in tub or shower now can help you be prepared later in life. And if you have stairs, chances are navigating them will become more difficult at some point. You might not need a stair lift now, but anticipating the need by budgeting for it can be beneficial.

Develop Healthy Habits

Developing healthy habits now is a major key to successful independent living. When you feel the temptation to stay on the couch and watch your favorite television show, go for a walk instead. And grab a healthy snack instead of a bag of chips or other unhealthy items when you need a snack. Implementing small healthy habits like this will pay dividends in the future. You’ll likely be able to move around smoothly for a longer period of time, have better balance and stability, and have more peace of mind navigating your home. And the healthier you are, the less assistance you’ll need to rely on.

Ask For Input From Loved Ones

Aging in place doesn’t mean you have to enjoy senior life on your own. As you’re preparing your home for independent living, ask your loved ones for input on what you might need. They see how you move around now and can help you anticipate what you could need. This might be something as simple as grab bars in the bathroom, a wheelchair ramp on the exterior, or even advice on dieting and exercising habits. Sometimes it’s more beneficial to seek advice from loved ones than it is to make decisions on your own since they want to see you succeed with aging in place as much as you do.

Next Day Access admires anyone who has a desire to age in place. It takes some effort to do so, but you can enjoy senior life well after retirement with the right resources. Developing healthy habits as early as possible is important so you’re prepared for future challenges. Small daily steps can make a major impact. If you’d like professional advice on how to make your home more accessible now and in the future, contact us and we would be happy to provide you with a free home evaluation.

Posted in Aging in Place

Mental health is a major concern for people across the United States and worldwide. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, the most common mental illness in the country is anxiety, affecting approximately 40 million people every year. Everyone has specific triggers that spark their anxiety, and everyone deals with it differently as well. The interior design of a home often gets overlooked as being a contributing factor to the cognitive disability you might have, but it plays a bigger role than you think. Here are some of the ways the interior design of your house could be impacting your mental health.

Impacts Of Light And Color

People typically are in better moods when there’s more natural light entering a home. The same is true with office spaces, which is why companies are incorporating natural light into renovations they do. Artificial lighting is necessary but should not be the primary source of light in the home throughout the day. You can make modifications to your home by adding windows, removing coverings over windows, strategically placing mirrors on the wall, and using bright colors throughout the home. The human brain can quickly adapt to these changes, and people often experience reduced anxiety because of the soothing benefits of natural light.

Furniture Textures Can Be Uncomfortable

Anyone with an existing cognitive disability can experience some anxiety depending on the texture of furniture and other items throughout the home. Sensory experiences are huge for people with a cognitive disability, and soft and smooth textures can help provide a calming environment. Combine soft textures with calming colors or patterns, and you could be surprised at how your mental health improves. Comfort is critical in the home, so if you or a loved one are struggling with feeling comfortable at home, consider switching out some of your furniture items for ones with softer textures.

Reduce Clutter And Organize Items

You don’t have to have a cognitive disability to feel a little anxious when your home is cluttered. And this doesn’t always mean the clutter is on the floors. Having too many decorations or an unorganized pantry can play a role in our mental health. Plus, cluttered living spaces or bedrooms with too many furniture pieces can create fall hazards for people with a physical disability. Take a look around the inside of your home and see what can be removed to declutter the space. Also, spend some time organizing places like closets, pantries, and other areas, and you could see an improvement in your anxiety levels and mental health as a result.

The interior design of a home is typically easy to adjust if you need to change the environment. Even if your home has adequate natural light, is organized, and has comfortable furniture, changing things up periodically isn’t always a bad thing. Interior designs play a much larger role in a person’s overall mental health than they think, so look for ways to improve yours. And feel free to contact Next Day Access at any time if you need any tips or advice.

Posted in Aging in Place, Health & Wellness

Wheelchair users appreciate the independent living they have when they can go to different places on their terms. However, this quality of life can be altered quickly from damaged wheelchairs. not identified early enough. An older study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information showed that tipping and falling accounted for up to 80% of injuries among wheelchair users. By maintaining wheelchairs on a regular basis, many injuries could be prevented. Here are five common dangers caused by damaged wheelchairs.

Damage to Wheels and Locks

Wheels and wheel locks are some of the most important components of any wheelchair. If any issue is present with the wheels, it will significantly limit the user’s ability to navigate safely. Identifying a flat tire is simple, but it’s a good habit to do a quick check of the wheels after extended use. This is especially true if you bumped into an object or rode over rough terrain. Evaluate the wheel locks frequently. By not doing so, serious injuries could occur.

Damaged Wheelchairs and Mechanical Issues

Mechanical issues in a power wheelchair can arise periodically. Everything from a weak battery to an overused motor and anything in between can happen depending on various factors. The problem with mechanical issues is they can arise when you least expect it and leave you stranded in the process. However, with a regular maintenance checkup, an expert technician can identify potential issues before they become a problem, giving you a peace of mind.

Worn or Damaged Seat

A worn or damaged seat won’t necessarily create a safety hazard when riding the wheelchair, but it can lead to other issues. Depending on how often and for how long of durations you use the wheelchair, a damaged seat can become uncomfortable to the point where it can create pain. It is essential to replace or repair the seat when it becomes uncomfortable.

Slow Leaks on Wheelchair Tires

Do not delay replacing your wheelchair tire professionally if you notice a slow leak. Slow leaks on tires can be detrimental to independent living efforts since you could become stranded somewhere. Plus, it’s not safe to have one tire less inflated than the other since it can make the wheelchair off balance and possibly tip over.

Loss of Control of the Wheelchair

Some issues can occur with a wheelchair that makes the user lose control of it. When this happens, you put your safety and the safety of others at risk. We encourage wheelchair users to have a routine maintenance checkup. Many times losing control seems unexpected, but typically it is an existing issue that caused the problem. By having your wheelchair maintained regularly, you are getting ahead of the curve.

Next Day Access wants to help seniors achieve independent living as safely as possible. Whether you’re in the market for a new wheelchair or need assistance in maintaining yours, contact us at any time.

Posted in Aging in Place, Health & WellnessTagged

Whether you’re an older adult living at home or have a physical disability that limits your mobility, bathroom safety should be a top priority. According to the National Council on Aging, falling is the result of more than three million emergency department visits every year. What may be even more surprising about that statistic is most of the falls are preventable. Improving bathroom safety should begin with evaluating your current bathtub or shower and deciding whether a walk-in tub or shower could be beneficial. Here are the main factors to consider between the two.

Benefits of a Walk-In Tub

Older adults striving for independent living can benefit from a walk-in tub in many ways. The anti-slip surface provides better traction than traditional bathtubs or showers to help prevent slipping and falling. The lower threshold also means you don’t have to lift your feet as high to enter, so it’s not as difficult to maintain your balance. A walk-in tub is shaped differently from traditional tubs since they are taller but not as wide. This means you can more easily submerge your body in the water and allow the hydrotherapy jets to target your aches and pain points. 

Walk-In Showers Have Some Limitations

If you’re used to primarily taking a shower instead of a bath, then you may be considering upgrading to a walk-in shower. These can be more spacious than traditional shower-tub combinations, but the problem is they don’t allow for sitting and taking a bath if you want to. For a senior living at home, having this option is important so you can sit and relax after a long day, or if you get to a point where standing for several minutes becomes more difficult. 

Your Current and Future Needs When Deciding

Some of the things to consider when deciding whether a walk-in tub or a walk-in shower is right for you include:

  • Any mobility limitations you have
  • Whether you would benefit from hydrotherapy jets to target pain points
  • Possible slip hazards
  • Whether you enjoy sitting and relaxing occasionally

It’s essential to think about these factors for your current situation and what you may want in the future. A walk-in tub or a walk-in shower is a significant investment, so it’s important to get what you need for the long-term since the decision is difficult to reverse once installed. A walk-in tub is usually the popular choice for a senior living at home. It is easily accessible and suitable for aging in place without risking safety as much.

Next Day Access strives to help seniors with their independent living efforts. Walk-in tubs and walk-in showers are popular upgrades to bathrooms, but you have to think closely about which one is most ideal for you. Most seniors opt for a walk-in tub, and it’s easy to see why with all of the luxury features they have available. Safety is always the number one concern for a senior living at home, and a walk-in tub can enhance it. If you’re thinking about upgrading your bathroom, contact us, and we would be thrilled to provide you with a free home assessment and help you learn about the options available to you.

Posted in Aging in Place, Bathroom Safety, Caregivers, Home & Bath ModificationTagged , , ,

Stair lifts are a great product to consider installing in your home if you’re afraid of tripping and falling. Some of the biggest causes of falling in the home is a poor stair design, uneven stairs and small stair widths. Every year, millions of people admit to the emergency room due to injuries suffered from falling. Small home modifications for older people can go a long way in preventing these injuries and giving peace of mind. Not sure if a stair lift is right for your home? Here are three common questions that can help you decide.

How do I know if a stair lift will fit in my home?

There is a stair lift available to fit virtually every staircase. If you have a straight staircase with no turns or landings, then a straight stair lift is what you’ll need. Curved stair lifts are also available for any other type of staircase and can be customized to the layout of your home. Most stair lifts simply require a wall outlet to plug into, and many of them also come with a battery backup in the event of an emergency.

A trained and certified home accessibility professional can create the appropriate configuration to keep you safe while going up and down the stairs. You do not need to have any background knowledge on the different types of stair lifts available or if they’ll fit your needs. When you work with the right professional, they will make recommendations based on exactly what you need to maximize your mobility and increase safety in your home.

Can you install a stair lift for outdoor stairs?

Stair lifts are also designed for your outdoor living space. Most outdoor stair lifts are fully waterproof and designed to withstand harsh elements. Like indoor stair lifts, they are customized for straight stairs, curved stairs or even for stairs with multiple landings. Enjoy your outdoor living space more with an outdoor stair lift that requires minimal maintenance over time.

How sturdy is a stair lift?

A stair lift is typically secured directly to the staircase, not on the railing or the wall. You should not experience any type of unsteadiness with your stair lift, since your weight is applied to the staircase. The weight limit of stair lifts can vary, but many of them have a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds with options for higher weight capacities if you often carry items up the stairs that could exceed this weight limit. 

Next Day Access believes your home is where you should find ultimate comfort. The feeling of being uncomfortable walking up and down stairs can lead to a greater risk of accidents. If something as small as installing a stair lift could ease your worries, then give us a call today to schedule a free in-home safety assessment.

Posted in Aging in Place, Fall Prevention, Home & Bath ModificationTagged , , , , Leave a Comment on 3 Common Questions Surrounding Stair Lifts

Valentine’s Day is a day to reflect on the love in your heart. Although you may think this means the love you have for another person, we at Next Day Access have a different idea. We are going to use today to reflect on the love we have for mobility products that help make life just a little bit easier.

Ramps

From aging in place to making your business more accessible, a durable ramp from Next Day Access could be just what you need. We offer both commercial and residential options. Whether you need help accessing your front door, garage door or outside spaces, there are many options to choose from. We also offer customizable options so that you get the perfect fit.

Stair Lifts

Aging in place can be hard when the upper levels of your home are off limits due to stairs. With a stair lift, however, you can safely and easily travel between floors. With multiple options for both straight and curved staircases, there is a lift for almost every home.

Grab Bars

Bathroom injuries account for hundreds of thousands of emergency room trips each year. Making your bathroom a safe place is one way to make life a little easier. Bathroom grab bars can help prevent those slips and falls that are so common when floors become wet and slippery. Placing bars in the shower as well as around the toilet can turn your bathroom into a much safer place.

Vehicle Lifts

Although getting out of the home can be challenging, getting yourself and your mobility equipment in and out of a vehicle presents its own challenges. Vehicle lifts can help ease this burden on both you and your loved ones. These lifts will help you acquire and maintain a more active lifestyle by enabling you to be on the go whenever you choose!

Next Day Access loves helping people gain their freedom back. This month, do what you love a little easier with help from our accessibility products. Need more information? Reach out to any of our experts today!

Posted in Aging in Place, Bathroom SafetyLeave a Comment on Valentine’s Day: 4 Mobility Products We Love

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