Enter your search term above.

If the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, hurricanes, and other recent calamities have taught us anything, it’s that emergencies can happen unexpectedly and have devastating impacts on communities. National Preparedness Month is an annual campaign held every September.

Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Preparedness Month educates and empowers the American public to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. One often overlooked aspect is the importance of addressing mobility challenges and ensuring elderly are safe, whether it’s ensuring accessible evacuation routes or integrating mobility solutions that can facilitate quicker and more efficient disaster response.The primary objective is to promote family and community disaster planning, emphasizing the need for improvement now and throughout the year.

The yearly average of such events has increased, with the last five years averaging 18 costly disasters compared to an older average of 8.1 events. So far in 2023, the U.S. has experienced 23 major weather and climate disasters, each costing over $1 billion. These disasters led to 253 deaths and had substantial economic impacts.

National Centers for Environmental Information

The brunt of these emergencies is often felt by vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and individuals with mobility challenges. This makes it all the more crucial to be prepared, not just to weather the storm but to recover and rebuild in its aftermath. 

Next Day Access offers invaluable resources for those facing mobility challenges, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind in times of disaster. Being prepared is a collective responsibility, and it’s essential that we take steps to protect all members of our community. Keep reading for easy at-home emergency preparedness tips and innovative solutions that cater to specific needs of those with mobility challenges, along with practical advice on how to take control of your safety in “1, 2, 3” easy steps.

National Preparedness Month Starts at Home

While government agencies like FEMA provide invaluable resources and guidelines, real preparedness starts at home. It begins with small steps, like creating a disaster supplies kit, knowing your evacuation route, having a plan in place for pets and family members, and ensuring anyone facing mobility challenges has the proper accessibility solutions.

In a world increasingly prone to emergency and disasters, preparedness is a shared responsibility that requires us all to take proactive steps. Imagine needing to evacuate a home swiftly when someone has limited mobility; a stair lift can be a lifeline. Also consider the benefits of home elevators during situations that might make stairs impassable. For older adults, features like fall prevention can make a critical difference in their ability to stay safe and mobile during chaotic circumstances.

Mobility Solutions and National Preparedness Month

In an emergency or disaster, mobility is crucial. Whether it’s a flood, fire, or other form of disaster, moving quickly can be a matter of life and death. Below are several accessibility solutions designed to aid in quick and safe mobility.

Lift Chair National Preparedness Month

Lift Chairs: Ensuring Movement Ease During Emergencies

Lift chairs are not just comfort furniture; they facilitate vertical movement for seniors or those with limited mobility. During an emergency, these chairs can help users rise to their feet faster and with less pain, making evacuation faster.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. Having a lift chair can aid in prevention and offer a safer way to stand up during critical times.

Learn more about Lift Chairs:

vertical platform lifts National Preparedness Month

Vertical Platform Lift: An Essential Tool for Quick Evacuation

These lifts can be invaluable for wheelchair users in multi-story homes or buildings. In the event of a disaster where elevators are non-operational, a vertical platform lift can serve as a quick and safe alternative to descending floors.

Vertical platform lifts are usually ADA-compliant and meet safety regulations, making them a secure choice for emergency preparedness.

Learn more about Vertical Platform Lifts:

Vehicle lift National Preparedness Month

Wheelchair Car Lift: How it Simplifies Emergency Transportation

In an emergency, evacuating an area by car may be necessary. A wheelchair car lift simplifies the process of getting a wheelchair into and out of a vehicle. This makes it quicker to leave an area under threat.

Wheelchair car lifts are not just for personal vehicles; they can be integrated into community emergency vehicles or transport services, providing a comprehensive solution for those with mobility challenges.

Learn More about Vehicle Lifts:

By integrating Next Day Access mobility products into an emergency preparedness plan, individuals and communities can greatly enhance their ability to respond effectively when disasters strike.

ADA Accessibility and Fall Prevention: Making Safe Spaces in Emergencies

When it comes to emergency-be it natural disasters like hurricanes and floods or other urgent situations— National Preparedness Month reminds us that preparedness is key. Among the many considerations of preparation, ADA compliance and fall prevention stand out as particularly crucial. Not only are these aspects mandated by law, but they serve the practical purpose of making spaces safer and more accessible during times of crisis.

The Role of ADA Accessibility in Emergency Preparedness

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets forth a variety of guidelines to make public and commercial spaces accessible for individuals with disabilities. These guidelines cover everything from door widths and ramp inclines to elevator controls and bathroom setups.

According to the CDC, one in four adults in the United States has some type of disability. For these individuals, ADA-compliant spaces can mean the difference between life and death during emergencies.

During an emergency, adhering to ADA guidelines can have immediate safety implications. For instance, wider doorways and ramps facilitate quicker and smoother evacuations for wheelchair users. Properly marked and easily accessible exits can make all the difference in panic times.

Next Day Access offers a range of ADA-compliant products such as wheelchair ramps, home elevators, and stair lifts. 

Explore ADA-Compliant Solutions

https://www.nextdayaccess.com/product-categories/

Fall Prevention: A Necessity During Stressful Times

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury, especially among the elderly. During an emergency, the risk of falls increases due to hurried movements, unfamiliar environments, or temporary setups like evacuation centers.

Fall Prevention Techniques and Products

  • Non-Slip Mats: Simple solutions like placing non-slip mats can provide added safety during emergencies.
  • Lift Chairs: Next Day Access’s range of lift chairs can help those with mobility challenges move more safely and comfortably during urgent situations, reducing falls risk.
  • Handrails and Grab Bars: Installing these in crucial areas like bathrooms and staircases can provide necessary support during hurried movements.

The National Council on Aging reports that every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. Fall prevention measures are not just comfort features; they are life-saving necessities.

Make a Plan: 1, 2, 3 Easy Steps for Emergency Preparedness

In light of the escalating frequency and magnitude of natural disasters, the urgency to prepare ourselves and our families has never been greater. Ever since its inception in 2003, National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of emergencies. 

This year, the spotlight is on older adults, with the theme “Take Control in 1, 2, 3,” focusing on three pivotal steps: assessing individual needs, developing an actionable plan, and building a robust support network. 

Step 1 – Assess Your Unique Needs

Begin by assessing the mobility requirements of each family member. Take note of limitations such as difficulty walking, wheelchair usage, or assisted lifts. Create a list of essential medications, specialized equipment, or services you need. The CDC recommends an assessment as the first step in emergency preparedness.

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • What is the likelihood of natural hazards in your region?
  • What channels will you use for emergency warnings and alerts?
  • Do you have viable options for evacuating?
  • Have you amassed sufficient supplies to last during extended power outages?
  • Do you have dependents, pets, or medical needs that warrant special attention?

With a range of products like lift chairs, vertical lifts, and wheelchair ramps, Next Day Access can tailor your home to meet your mobility needs. Customizing your home in this way ensures that you can exit quickly in an emergency. This is vital given that FEMA says you might only have 2-3 minutes to escape a fire.

Step 2 – Build a Customized Plan

After assessing your needs, your next move is to craft a plan tailored to those unique requirements. Your plan is your lifeline; it dictates your actions when disaster strikes.

Essential Elements of an Emergency Plan:

  • Custom Emergency Kit: Alongside basics like sustenance and hydration, your kit should include prescription medicine, backup power for essential medical devices, and crucial family documents. The Department of Homeland Security suggests keeping enough supplies to last for at least 72 hours.
  • Evacuation and Meeting Points: Identify and practice using all potential exits from your home. For example, practice opening windows and doors, and practicing using an escape ladder if necessary. Utilize community resources or local fire departments to ensure your routes are viable. Pre-arrange a gathering spot for your family if you’re separated during a disaster.
  • Emergency Contacts: Make a thorough list of family, friends, and emergency service numbers. Store them in multiple formats—printed, digital, and even handwritten.
  • If you own a cell phone download the FEMA app for real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, emergency tips, and disaster resources. It also provides the location of emergency shelters and has the functionality to help you contact emergency services.
  • A NOAA Weather Radio is a must-have to monitor severe weather conditions in your area. It can operate on batteries, hand-crank, or solar power, ensuring you stay informed even if the power goes out.

Step 3 – Leverage Your Support Network

Your third critical step involves establishing a reliable support network. These are the people you can count on when the unexpected occurs. Identify a network of neighbors, friends, and family who can assist you in an emergency. According to the American Red Cross, 48% of Americans lack a designated meeting spot, which is a crucial component of a robust support network.

Building and Utilizing Your Support Network:

  • Identify reliable individuals who can assist you during an emergency.
  • Make sure they’re aware of your unique needs and equipped to help.
  • Share emergency supplies and key information with trustworthy contacts.

Did you know? Products like patient lifts can be operated by non-medical members of your support network, making it easier to receive help during an emergency. This also encourages more people to be part of your support network, knowing they can effectively assist you without specialized training.

Preparedness for Pet and Service Animal Owners During Emergencies

This National Preparedness Month, it’s important to remember that emergencies don’t discriminate; they impact everyone in their path, human and animal alike. Pets and service animals are more than just companions; they are lifelines for many. Incorporating their needs into your emergency preparedness plan is not an option—it’s a necessity.

Given this, Next Day Access extends its scope to spotlight our four-legged family members, who often double as life-changing service animals. Here’s how to ensure their safety with a simple three-step plan.

Step 1 – Identify and Tag: The First Line of Defense

Pet and service animal preparedness begins with indisputable identification. Consider microchipping your animal and ensure ID tags are updated. This is particularly critical as, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be reunited with their families.

Key Identification Questions:

  • Is the microchip information updated?
  • Are the ID tags current and secure?

Step 2 – Equip and Prepare: Tailor-Made Emergency Kits

Just as you assemble emergency kits for family members, pets and service animals should have their own. These should include food, water, leashes, and medicines.

Key Considerations:

  • How much food and water will your pet need?
  • Are there any specific medications or medical supplies?

Next Day Access provides a range of mobility solutions that are pet-friendly, like platform lifts, ensuring that your service animals can assist you efficiently during an emergency.

Step 3 – Build a Resilient Support Ecosystem

Pre-plan with neighbors, friends, and relatives to ensure that someone can take care of your pet if you are unable.

Accessible Safe Havens:
Make a list of pet-friendly, accessible shelters or hotels. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests having a list prepared as it can make all the difference.

Did you know? According to the CDC, preparedness for pets is often overlooked, making them vulnerable during crises. By adopting this three-step plan, you’re contributing to a safer, more resilient future for everyone in your household, four-legged members included.

Additional Prep for the Elderly & Mobility-Impaired

Emergencies can be unsettling for anyone, but they’re especially precarious for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. These populations are often the most vulnerable and may require specialized planning. Here’s how to improve your emergency preparedness by focusing on three primary areas.

Step 1 – Identify and Prioritize Specialized Needs

An evaluation of any special needs or challenges is the first step. Whether it is medical equipment, mobility assistance, or essential medications, these should be documented and planned.

Key Questions for Assessment:

  • What specific medical equipment or medications are critical?
  • Is special transportation needed in case of an emergency?

Next Day Access offers a wide range of mobility solutions, like stairlifts and portable ramps. These solutions can be essential in emergency situations where quick mobility is crucial.

Step 2 – Create an Individualized Emergency Plan

Your emergency kit should include personalized items, such as prescription medications, power backups for medical devices, and crucial documentation. Develop a comprehensive list of emergency contacts, doctors, and healthcare providers and ensure it’s accessible in multiple formats—digital, printed, and even handwritten for ease of access.

How Next Day Access Can Help:
Products can be customizable to individual needs, such as adjustable beds that can quickly be moved in the event of an emergency, providing more than just comfort but potentially lifesaving utility.

Step 3 – Strengthen Your Support Network

Beyond your inner circle, for those with mobility challenges it’s vital to inform neighbors, caregivers, and local emergency services about the special needs in your household.

Regular Drills:
Practice makes perfect. Regular emergency drills will ensure that everyone knows what to do and how to use specialized equipment. From bathroom accessibility solutions to barrier-free showers, Next Day Access helps ensure that your home remains safe and accessible, even when circumstances are not.

Did you know? A study published by the National Institute of Health suggests that older adults who are prepared for emergencies experience less anxiety and better health outcomes post-disaster.

A New Era for National Preparedness Month 

President Joe Biden’s proclamation of September 2023 as National Preparedness Month represents a pivotal moment in how the United States addresses emergency readiness. The White House is now formally recognizing the value and necessity of preparedness at the community, state, and national levels. It’s not just about government agencies being ready, but also about empowering every citizen, specifically elderly, to take control of their own safety.

With the renewed emphasis on empowering older adults and vulnerable communities, the responsibility is on each of us to prioritize preparedness. This is not just for ourselves but for those who need it the most.

Next Day Access stands as a vital partner in this effort, aiming to make safety accessible to everyone. Providing tangible solutions for those with mobility challenges in order to execute on FEMA’s ‘Take Control in 1, 2, 3’ framework —from vertical platform lifts to patient lifts—this is not just about everyday convenience; it’s about creating an environment of readiness, especially crucial for those with mobility challenges.

Let’s not wait for the next disaster to catch us off guard. Take control today and make emergency preparedness a lifestyle, not just a one-off task. Your safety, and the safety of those you care about, depends on it.

Contact Next Day Access to help in preparing for emergencies for loved ones in your life with mobility challenges.

In Memphis, Tennessee, beside the Mississippi River sits a bluff that has always been difficult for people with limited mobility to navigate. The bluff has a set of stairs that leads down to Riverside Drive and Tom Lee Park. This park is a great place to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets across the river. The park most recently received an excellent upgrade with many new features.  

According to the Memphis Flyer, The Carlisle Corporation is bringing ADA access from the bluff in downtown Memphis to the riverfront at Tom Lee Park. The Carlisle Corporation has made a $1.5 million investment into the first Americans-with-Disabilities – accessible walkway from a bluff to a riverfront. 

The new path will be named Carlisle Cutbank Bluff to memorialize the late Gene Carlisle. The Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) says this is the first time in Memphis history that commercial development has been connected to the riverfront. Tyree Daniels, board chair at MRPP, says, “The Carlisle Cutbank Bluff represents the partnership’s commitment to easy, equitable access to the new park.” He continues by saying, “This beautiful new feature makes it so much easier and more fun to move between Downtown and the riverfront. It means that visitors will find it much easier to get from upstairs on Main Street down to the river in a more equitable way, and we couldn’t be more excited about this achievement, but also making this available for our community.” 

Chance Carlisle, CEO of Carlisle LLC, said, “Two things really hit home for us, the ability to provide the first of its kind ADA accessibility to the park, and for the last 40 or 50 years, with the exception of maybe a month or so in May (during the Beale Street Music Festival) Tom Lee Park was sort of an afterthought, rather than a signature riverfront. It’s hard to be a great riverfront city without an excellent front door, and what Memphis River Parks has done, along with all of the donors is really give Memphians a park that we can be proud of, for all of Memphis.” 

At Next Day Access, we are always thrilled when we see communities come together to help people with limited mobility interact with their communities better. Our mission at Next Day Access is very similar. Our goal is to provide anyone with limited mobility with the products they need to live a safer and more independent lifestyle. We offer several products to assist, including wheelchair ramps, vehicle lifts, wheelchairs, scooters, grab bars, in-home elevators, and more. If we can help improve your quality of life, we urge you to contact your nearest Next Day Access. We are happy to answer any questions and even schedule an in-home consultation.  

Many aging adults cannot wait for retirement. Then when retirement comes along, many often complain that they find themselves bored. Fortunately, there are many volunteer activities you can do to help you lead a more fulfilling life. 

In some cases, when an aging adult has recently lost a spouse or companion, this boredom can turn into depression. A recent article in AARP describes a woman in this exact situation. Her spouse passed away, and at 81 years old, she was still vivacious and active even though her diabetes wasn’t improving.

She talked of how she soon developed depression and began looking for a way to improve her situation. After looking at different available options, she decided to start volunteering. She researched available volunteer opportunities in her community using the Corporation for National Community & Service resource.

She states that once she began volunteering, it gave her a new lease on life. She felt essential to those she helped and began to enjoy life again. 

This woman is one of the millions of aging adults, age 65 and older, who transformed their life by volunteering. There is something for everyone. 

According to the Corporation for National Community & Service, some of the most popular volunteer activities for aging adults include: 

  • Making or collecting blankets or clothing. 
  • Mentoring youth or young couples. 
  • Teaching a trade or skill, or even working with individuals learning to read by teaching them. 
  • General labor including cleaning up portions of a street or park, working with Habitat for Humanity, and helping build homes. 
  • Fundraising for various charities. 
  • Serving, preparing, or distributing food to sheltered adults or low-income families. 

The list above is just a few examples of how aging adults choose to volunteer. It seems that volunteering is not only about helping others, but, in many ways, it also helps the volunteer. 

Why Aging Adults Should Consider Volunteering 

According to multiple studies aging adults who volunteer even tend to live longer. It turns out that volunteering has mental, physical, and social benefits for those that choose to volunteer. 

Social benefits 

Aging adults tend to isolate themselves. According to AARP, studies estimate that 17% of Americans aged 55 and older feel isolated from society. When we separate ourselves, we could have a greater likelihood of developing an illness. It takes courage but pulling yourself out of isolation can be very beneficial for physical and mental health. 

Physically good for you 

When you volunteer, you are getting out and being far more active than sitting at home. Inactivity, as you age, promotes the advancement of serious illnesses such as heart issues, joint pain, bone loss, and more. 

Help give back to the community 

Of course, giving back to the community seems the most obvious benefit, but currently, many communities have been harshly affected by bad weather, Covid, job loss, and more.

Many people are struggling and being able to help even one person means a lot to the community as it is often a trickle-down effect. Once people get back on their feet, they can help others, and so on. You may never know the impact you have while volunteering! 

On August 19, 1988, the acting President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5847. The Proclamation declared August 21st as National Senior Citizen’s Day. 

On this special day, we are provided an opportunity to recognize the achievements of a wonderful generation of people It is a day to show our thankfulness for their accomplishments, acts of service, and dedication throughout their lives. 

In 2017 the U.S. Census reported 47 million seniors live in the United States. The census expects that by the year 2060, that number will double. Many senior adults offer a wealth of knowledge, experience, and skill. These attributes have been instrumental in paving the way for a younger generation.

Technology is quickly advancing, and aging adults have experienced it every step of the way. Some have contributed to life’s changes and understand firsthand the drawbacks and benefits of this new world. Remember, they know life without today’s advancements.

Our nation is full of seniors that are pioneers of medicine, science, civil rights, psychology, and so much more. Their contributions to our society have made our communities a better place. Seniors deserve the dignity and respect their achievements earned them. 

Why do we Celebrate Senior Citizen’s Day?

On this day, we observe and give thanks. It is also a day for aging adults to feel encouraged and supported. One of the greatest aims Senior Citizen Day hopes for is for senior citizens to be reminded to live every day to the fullest and as independently as possible. 

Ways to Observe Senior Citizens Day

Spend time with the aging adults in your life. Remind them they are supported, appreciated, and loved. Listen to their advice and their stories. You just might learn something!  

You could also volunteer at a retirement home, senior citizen center, or nursing home. Sadly, many older adults do not receive visitors, and it is a delight for them to receive visitors.

It is a joy to see their faces light up when you enter the room: even seniors with Dementia or Alzheimer’s could use a smile or a book read to them with a soothing voice. You can volunteer to work with aging adults in many ways, and they deserve our kindness and respect.

When posting on social media, you are also requested to use #SeniorCitizensDay to create more awareness of the day. 

For many families the seniors are considered to be the matriarch or patriarch of the family. Most families want to do all they can to ensure their loved ones are healthy and happy. That is where we come in to help.

At Next Day Access, we specialize in giving aging adults more independence by offering mobility equipment such as VPLs or accessibility devices like grab bars and railings. From wheelchair ramps to in-home elevators, we have whatever you need to ensure your loved one is safe, comfortable, and independent. Contact your nearest Next Day Access to schedule a free in-home consultation. 

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. The Civil Rights Law was designed to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. Every year since it passed, more people with disabilities have joined the workforce. Making sure your business is accessible to all improves your image and increases revenue. Also, making your business accessible for disabled employees can give you a more robust workforce. Here are a few ways to ensure your business is accessible for all. 

Storing Items

Do not store items too high or too low where it would be inconvenient for anyone in a wheelchair to reach. 

Accessible Entrances and Bathrooms

If the main entrance of your business is not wheelchair accessible, consider investing in a commercial wheelchair ramp. Next Day Access offers many choices. You could also put the ramp on a side entrance if that is better suited for your business. We can help determine where a ramp would look best at Next Day Access. 

Ensure your bathrooms are accessible by installing grab bars. At Next Day Access, we have grab bars that are both stylish and functional. The space under the sink should also be clear so anyone in a wheelchair can reach the faucets comfortably. 

Consider Handrails

If you have long hallways in your business, consider installing handrails down the length of the halls. You could also install handrails anywhere with steps where a ramp is unavailable. We also offer stylish, classy, modern handrails at Next Day Access. 

Proper Spacing

Make sure you have plenty of space between tables, counters, or desks. You should also make sure that tables and desks provide space underneath the top that is 30 inches, 17 inches deep, 27 inches high, with a top between 28 inches and 34 inches from the ground.  

Appropriate Language

Choose the appropriate language for signage. The word Handicap is considered offensive to many. Instead, use the word accessible. For example, a sign should read, “Accessible parking this way.” 

Take Aways

These are just a few helpful tips. It is mandatory to ensure your business is ADA compliant, but these extra steps are significant for people with disabilities. At Next Day Access, we have several products to make your business as accessible as possible. We can advise on the perfect products and help you determine where to install any mobility equipment or accessibility devices. We also have a top-notch installation team providing knowledge and efficiency at every job site. 

In Canada, every June is Brain Injury Awareness Month. The reason we honor those with brain injuries is to shine a light on an often-invisible illness.

It all began when brain injury associations across Canada came together to enlighten people about a disability that affects more than 1.5 million people in often complicated, unique, and challenging ways.

Why Run These Campaigns?

By running these campaigns in national, provincial, and local areas, the hope is the existing obstacles and the prevalence of brain injuries will make people see the need for more services and support at all stages of brain injury recovery.

The people behind the scenes of Brain Injury Awareness Month ask you to follow them on social media. They also ask you use the hashtags #ShineALightOnBrainInjury, #BrainInjuryAcrossAmerica, and #BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth.

What’s a Helpful Resource?

Brain injuries can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. One can find comfort in knowing there is support for people dealing with this obstacle. One fantastic website with information is braininjurycanada.ca.

You can find different ways to get involved including helping with campaigns and raising money for research. You can also become knowledgeable on brain injuries and how you can provide assistance and care. The website even has a section dedicated to health care professionals. 

According to their website, Brain Injury Canada is a national charitable organization focused on education, awareness, and advocacy for the brain injury community. This resource site has been developed to be universally accessible and easy to navigate. It supports those living with acquired brain injury, their families/caregivers, and health care professionals. Prior to publication, all content on the website is first reviewed by one or more members of our Scientific Advisory Committee, all of whom have significant experience and are leading subject matter experts. Content is sourced using evidence-based resources included on source pages for your reference. 

How We Can Help

At Next Day Access, we urge you to check out the Brain Injury Canada website. You can also help those suffering from brain injuries. Additionally, we at Next Day Access offer several different equipment and devices to help anyone living with a disability.

We understand how difficult it can be to adjust to a brain injury or any other form of disability. Our goal is to provide you or your loved ones with accessibility and mobility equipment to create a comfortable home. We offer equipment to help and home modifications to help keep loved ones safe at home. Contact us today and let us help.

Grandparents are special people in our lives, so it is essential to show them we care. Every year our nation honors grandparents by dedicating the month of June to Care for Your Grandparents Month. Sometimes it is not always easy to show our appreciation to our grandparents.

Many of them do not want to be a bother to us, or it may seem they have everything they need. There are many ways we can celebrate them. Here are a few ways you can show you care: 

Provide Food

Take them out to dinner or cook them a nice meal. If you have small children, they can help prepare the meal. You could even see if you have a recipe from grandma to use for dinner. If your grandparents prefer to go out to dinner, take them to their favorite place. 

Visit Often

Stop by and visit often. If you live nearby, stop by their home to visit as often as possible. Grandparents do not get out like they once could and can feel lonely at home, especially since the Covid virus. If you feel safe doing so, stop by just to say hello, even if you are waving from the windows. This is an excellent opportunity to let them know they are on your mind. 

Send Mail

If your grandparents live far away, sending nice cards or letters are a lovely way to stay in touch. Of course, you should also call them to check up on them. Even if you only discuss the weather, the phone call will remind them that you think of them.  

Teach Technology

Teach them to use technology. Setting up an iPad for your grandparents could mean a lot. They will be able to converse freely and see pictures they may not see otherwise. This is a wonderful way to help them feel connected to the outside world. You can show them how to look up things that interest them. For example, if your grandfather is an avid bird watcher, you can show him websites he can visit to give him all the information he wants about birds.  

Help Clean

Help them clean around the house and the yard. As our grandparents get older, it is not as easy to mow the lawn, trim the hedges, sweep the floor, and put dishes away. We do not want our grandparents to feel uncomfortable in their home, and if a mess piles up, they are bound to get a little frustrated from the clutter. 

Modify Home

Make sure their home is safe and up to date on the home modifications they need as they age. If you notice a grandparent is unsteady on their feet, install grab bars in the bathroom or rails in the hallways. Is it time for a wheelchair ramp or a stairlift? Many people add modifications before they need them, so the cost does not hit them all at once when they do need them.  

At Next Day Access, we agree that grandparents are special, and we are honored to celebrate Care for Your Grandparents Month in June. If you notice your grandparents need any mobility equipment or they have accessibility concerns, we offer several solutions to keep them safe and comfortable at home.

From walk-in bathtubs to vehicle lifts we are sure to have whatever your grandparents need. Please check out all the products we offer to make your loved one feel more at ease and to give you peace of mind. 

Every June, our nation honors Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers by raising awareness. Did you know that worldwide 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia? The hope is that by observing Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, more people will work to find a cure and help those affected by the disease.

What is Alzheimer’s?

According to the CDC, Alzheimer’s disease is a fatal disease that kills nerve cells and tissue in the brain. The disease involves a part of the brain that controls thoughts, memories, and language. It is considered the most common type of dementia. The condition is progressive. It starts with the patient having simple memory loss, and then it can lead to the loss of their ability to have a conversation and respond to their environment. 

Unfortunately, scientists do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease yet. Several health factors along with individual-specific variables cause the disease. However, there is developing scientific evidence that healthy behaviors may help reduce the risk for subjective cognitive decline. Some scientists speculate genetics could be the cause of the disease. With a healthy lifestyle, disease progression could be mitigated. However, no scientific proof at this time substantiates this claim. Hopefully, Alzheimer’s Awareness Month can help raise money for additional research. 

Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Of course, memory problems are the first sign of Alzheimer’s, but you could be having memory problems for various reasons, such as certain medications or other factors. It is important to note that warning signs do not usually occur until after age 60. It is very rare for anyone under age 60 to be afflicted with this disease. However, if you are over 60 and your memory is resulting in any of the following issues, consult with a doctor. 

  • Changes in mood, behavior, and personality 
  • Poor judgment with increased uncharacteristic impulsivity 
  • Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is a growing disease affecting millions of people a year. June is Alzheimer’s awareness month, and the more action on finding a cure or helping those with the disease and their caregivers is inspiredTrouble handling money or remembering to pay your bills 
  • Problems with completing familiar tasks 
  • Repeating questions or repeating yourself more often 
  • Often misplacing items and then being unable to retrace your steps on where you could have left the thing. 

How You Can Help and Observe Alzheimer’s Month

Visit the website alz.org. It will provide you with links and show you how to participate in activities to raise money and awareness for support, care, and research. Also, you can register for “The Longest Day.” On June 21st, it is the summer solstice, meaning it is the longest day of the year. The theme is standing up to the darkness of Alzheimer’s. Supporters also wear the color purple in June to represent combining the calm stability of blue and the passionate energy of red. 

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, we encourage you to seek out a support group. At Next Day Access, we will also support you and hope that our products can help make your loved ones more comfortable if they are aging in place with Alzheimer’s disease. 

This year, Father’s Day is June 19th which is fast approaching. Sometimes figuring out what to get Dad can be a challenging endeavor, especially if you want to get him something special or sentimental. We have a fantastic aging father gift idea / suggestion for you, called Storyworth! 

What is Storyworth?

Storyworth is an opportunity to share your father’s memories and special moments in a beautiful keepsake book. Your father can then share the book and the experiences and advice within the text with loved ones. The hope is that your father’s legacy will live on for his grandchildren and many generations to come. 

How Does Storyworth Work?

Step 1

You chose a question to help get him to start writing and send it in an email. 

Step 2

Your father simply replies to the question you emailed him, and then it is shared with you. 

Step 3

After one year, his replies and stories that stem from his responses are bound by Storyworth into a charming and beautiful keepsake book. 

To ensure these books last for generations, the Storyworth company designs the book with quality materials. This ensures the book looks fantastic and ages nicely over time. 

If you feel stumped trying to come up with questions, just go to their website. This is also the website you use to get everything set up. The Storyworth team has plenty of sample questions to help you get into the flow of sending weekly questions. Here are a few examples from their website:

  • What is one of your fondest childhood memories? 
  • What things matter most to you in life? 
  • What items do you think you cannot live without? 
  • Do you have any regrets in life? 
  • Who are your favorite artists? 

Why Storyworth?

Storyworth books can include photos that contribute nicely to the layout and intimacy of the book. It is also a wonderful way to stay connected with family who no longer live close by. The aim of these books is to conserve memories of the past to pass on to future generations while learning more about the special people in your life that matter most to you.

You will likely be surprised by some things, and other things might help make sense of why you react the way you do in specific scenarios. Maybe you are more like your father than you realize. 

Since Storyworth began, it has been getting rave reviews, such as this one from Adrianne in Rochester, New York, “Storyworth is more than just a book, more than a collection of stories. It is the gift of time you spend with family uncovering those stories. There has never been a gift that has held more meaning or value to me.” 

At Next Day Access, we are privileged to help families as they shop for mobility equipment or accessibility devices that can make their aging loved ones safer and more comfortable while they are aging in place.

We see the bonds between the families and the love children have for their aging parents as they shop. We thank you for making us the place you go to for all your aging loved ones’ needs, and we would like to extend a heartfelt Happy Father’s Day to all the dads this year.

“When I heard about this, I was not at all surprised,” said Bret Tharp, CEO of Next Day Access Wilmington. “John dedicates his life to being a servant and a positive influence. He represents everything we want in our company.” Needless to say, at Next Day Access, it’s always about people.

Tharp said those kind words about his employee, John Long, when Wilmington resident, Peggy Huffman, spoke about an incident that occurred at her neighbor’s house. Huffman said…

“There was a large amount of trash in my neighbor’s yard from their trash can being knocked over. I was picking it up for them and a Next Day Access employee came by and saw me. He turned around and came back to help me. He was on his way to Calabash to install a ramp. He is the type of employee you want on your team.” 

At Next Day Access, we believe in hiring people that represent our core values: Passion, Responsive, Relationship Driven, Knowledge, and We Get It. 

Every day, John symbolizes each of our core values, but in the moment, he showed what passion looks like for us. We are passionate about being responsible members of our communities and serving others. 

When asking John why he helped Huffman, he stated “my reasoning was simple, to honor God and love my neighbor as myself. I’m grateful to be able to do the work I do and work with men and women here at Next Day Access with the same heart of servitude to love our neighbors.”

Customer Reviews