Health & Wellness Archives

Are you an older adult struggling with sleeping? These tips can help you with age-related sleep difficulties, overcome insomnia, and get a good night’s rest. As we age, we experience regular changes in our sleep patterns. You could become sleepy earlier in the day, wake up earlier, or feel you are not getting a good night’s rest. However, insomnia symptoms and waking up tired every day are not a normal part of aging. Sleep remains just as vital a part of your mental and physical health as you age.

When we sleep our body has the opportunity to repair any cell damage and refresh the immune system. A good night’s sleep also helps you mentally by improving concentration and memory formation. If aging adults do not sleep well, they are likely to feel depressed and suffer from memory and attention problems, nighttime falls, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

It is essential you figure out the underlying causes of your sleep difficulties. We hope the following tips will help you overcome and identify age-related sleep issues and improve your waking life as a result.

How much sleep do aging adults need?

According to an article on www.caring.com (a website dedicated to helping with senior care), older adults need 7-9 hours of sleep a night. However, if you wake up feeling rested, yet you slept less than the recommended hours, that is more important than the hours you sleep. Indicators you are not getting enough sleep are feeling tired during the day and waking up not feeling rested.

Tip 1: Identify the underlying issues causing your insomnia

Do you struggle with chronic worrying or anxiety?
Have you recently been through a traumatic experience?
Do you have pain or health problems affecting your sleep?
Are you under immense stress?
Do you feel depressed?
Are you on any medications that affect your sleep?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, seek help from a therapist and your doctor. They understand the importance of sleep and can help you work through problems, change your medication, or advise on medical issues interrupting your sleep.

Tip 2: Develop better sleep habits.

Naturally, boost your melatonin levels by turning off the computer or television an hour before bed and decreasing artificial lights. You could even switch to low-wattage bulbs in lamps if you can still see well with the lower lighting.

Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. As you get older, you become more sensitive to heat and light. You can wear a sleep mask to shut out light and invest in a sound machine if complete silence bothers you. You should also make sure your bed is inviting and comfortable. Good linens, soft pillows, and a warm comforter can make a huge difference.

Set up a bedtime routine. By practicing deep mediation and deep breathing techniques or taking a warm bath every night before bed, your body will begin to relax each evening naturally at bedtime.

Invest in a bed rail. If you worry each night, you could fall out of bed and hurt yourself, it is hard to fall asleep. Install a bed rail to give you better peace of mind.

Tip 3: Remember diet and exercise help improve sleep.

Avoid caffeine and chocolate late in the day.
Do not go to bed hungry. Have a light snack before you get into bed.
Decrease sugary foods from your diet.
Minimize the amount of liquid you drink before sleep. About an hour before bedtime, be mindful of how much fluid you drink, so you do not wake up often to use the bathroom at night.

We hope these tips will help you feel more rested each day. At Next Day Access, we work to help aging adults every day by offering products that help you stay safe and comfortable while living independently. If you are in need of accessibility devices such as bedrails, or mobility equipment like scooters or wheelchairs, we are the place to call. We will even come to your house for a complimentary consultation. Feel free to contact us today.

Arthritis flare-ups can cause everyday activities like getting in and out of the shower painful. We at Next Day Access compiled a list of helpful solutions and tips to help make maneuvering through your home easier.

Bathroom Comfort

Change your faucet turners to levered handles. Changing them will make turning on your sink and tub more accessible.

Install grab bars. Having something to hold onto as you get in and out of the tub helps keep you safe if your arthritis flares up.

Invest in a shower seat. These simple seats fit right in the shower stall or tub and can help you conserve energy as you shower.

Elevate your toilet seat. When your toilet seat is higher, this can reduce the strain you might feel from getting on and off a lower traditional seat.

Living Room and Dining Room Comfort

Look into touchless lamps or an alarm system that will turn things on using voice activation.

Find the perfect pillow. Most people with arthritis prefer a cervical pillow because you can keep your neck comfortable.

For doorknobs, you can change them all to levers for easier access or get rubber knob covers that are easier to turn and grip.

Kitchen Comfort

For cabinets and drawers, change the handles to pull out levers. Trying to grip a small cabinet or drawer pull is difficult with arthritis. You will find it easier to open them with an oversized handle.

Put the trashcan on wheels. A rolling trashcan will make it much easier for you when it is time to take the trash out.

Put items you often use in easy to reach places. Don’t worry if you think things look out of sorts. Your convenience and comfort are what are important.

Mobility Comfort

Look into a rollator or a walker to help you conveniently get from room to room with less pain. There are all sorts of walker and rollator designs.

When you are ready to get your home more comfortable and suitable for your lifestyle, Next Day Access is here. We will even come to your home for a free in-home consultation to ensure your home is safe as well as comfortable for you.

Just because the people you love are getting older does not mean you cannot still have good times and lots of fun together. We happen to think that some fun activities with aging adults are actually beneficial to both parties.

You may not be playing tag or hopscotch, but you are keeping your aging family members emotionally happy and physically young by spending time with them. Here are a few suggestions for enjoying time with your aging loved ones:

5 Activities With Aging Adults

Exercise

If your loved one is mobile, walk with them around the block. If they need the aid of a wheelchair, they can stroll with you and push themselves. You can also try chair yoga with them or regular yoga if they are able. When your loved ones exercise, they improve cardiovascular health, prevent diseases like diabetes and arthritis, and help maintain bone mass.

Play Games

Have you been to the store and sat and stared at the board game aisle lately? There are many new and fun games for all ages. Some of the fun ones to play with your loved ones include:

Scategories
Yahtzee
Dominos
Checkers or Chess
Backgammon
Card games like Hearts, Bridge, Go Fish, War, or Spades

Do a Puzzle

The best thing about puzzles is they both relax you and stimulate the brain. A study from Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that you can lower your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s by doing puzzles. Another study from Princeton found that doing puzzles, including crossword puzzles, can increase dexterity. Doing a puzzle will greatly benefit you, too!

Gardening

Creating something together is a lovely activity to do with your loved ones. If you do not have the space for a personal garden, you can also sign up for a community garden. Once you choose the plants or seeds, you would like to bury start planning where to plant them.

You will oversee the heavy digging while your loved one directs you where to go. Once your plants grow a little, you both can work on pruning and watering. Then soon, voila, your team effort will have produced a beautiful garden.

Read Together

You could maybe even join a book club! there are books on countless topics, so there’s bound to be something you will both like. If your loved one can still see without eye strain, you can take turns reading, or if they prefer, you can read the book to them.

We hope you have enjoyed our suggestions on spending a wonderful time with your loved one. At Next Day Access, we proudly specialize in selling products to help your aging loved ones live more comfortably, safely, and independently. Schedule a free estimate and see how we can help you.

The New Year might have you considering exercising for the betterment of your mental and physical health. We compiled a couple of easy exercise tips for you to consider!

A Gym membership

Most gyms offer discounted rates for older adults. They also have trainers on staff to help you learn the equipment. They even offer to show you how to use the equipment correctly with the right weights. Your trainer can also help you develop a daily exercise regimen. They offer low impact-to high impact classes to better suit your needs. These classes are perfect for getting your heart rate up.

Swimming

If your gym offers a pool, swimming is a great way to exercise.

Swimming is the perfect exercise for aging adults due to the low risk of injury. Swimming is a fantastic way to maintain and help your health. Swimming improves muscle mass, endurance, healthy joints, heart health, and strength.

Home Workouts

These days there are all sorts of platforms devoted to keeping aging adults in shape at home. The Wii offers plenty of exercise games. One of the simplest ways to work out indoors, however, is to buy small hand weights and ankle weights. These weights help gain muscle mass and lose weight while exercising your heart. Marching in place with weights is also a great way to exercise.

Indoor Walking

Another simple workout is indoor walking. Simply go to your local mall or museum and walk around briskly. The beauty of walking around a museum instead of a mall is the culture and beauty of the displays.

No matter how you choose to work out, try making a point of exercising at least 3 to 5 times a week. We hope these exercise tips help you. As always, remember Next Day Access wants to help you live safely, comfortably, and independently as you age in place at home.

Travel regulations eased since the onset of the Covid Pandemic. Now, many people are taking advantage of the cheaper flights to Europe. Europe is a beautiful place to vacation with great history. Given the older architecture, not every place in Europe is equipped with accessibility laws in place. Which can present difficulties with navigating a wheelchair or other mobility devices. Successful traveling with a mobility device to Europe requires a lot of research and planning, but it’s worth it. Here are a few tips to consider so you can travel safely abroad.

Accessibility laws

The United Kingdom and Germany’s accessibility laws are similar to America with their requirements for buildings and transportation. Yet, many countries do not have these same laws. Before traveling to Europe, research which countries have requirements that help citizens with a disability.

Book hotels in advance

Many hotels have very few accessible hotel rooms, so booking hotels far in advance is ideal. When finding a hotel, try to stay in the most accessible parts of town. Look for towns that are not surrounded by hills or stairs. A good way to get an idea of the lay of the town is using Google Maps Street View.

Booking transportation online

In Europe, every training system has different boarding and booking procedures for mobility device users. Most times, you can book wheelchair spots online in advance. However, be aware that each line requires prior notification for a wheelchair reserved spot due to the low availability.

Accessible tour companies

You can also find accessible tour companies. It is a great idea to book with a tour company, especially one that knows the ins and outs of traveling with mobility equipment. A company that specializes in accessibility tours will take you to the most convenient, smoothest, and shortest routes. It will alleviate a lot of stress when you know your accessibility needs are better met and understood.

Lastly, enjoy your trip! You’ve done as much planning as you can, and now that’s left is exploring the European history, culture, and beautiful architecture. If you’re in need of a power chair, scooter, or other accessibility and mobility products to help you navigate through Europe, contact your local Next Day Access business.

We all know that walking is good for physical and mental health. But did you know that walking can keep your brain healthy and slow the progression of memory loss? A recent study found that middle-aged and older people with early signs of memory loss increased their cognitive health after they started walking frequently. This is because walking increases oxygen and blood flow to all parts of the body, including the brain.

What happens to our brains when we walk

If our brains receive more oxygen, that’s a good thing. According to Neuropeak Pro, our brains use about 20% of our body’s total oxygen supply, so if we don’t get enough oxygen up there, it’s easy to feel “foggy.”

Additionally, a third of our brain is made up of blood vessels. So with increased blood flow to the brain, there is better cognitive function, improved memory, and protection against decline.

Walking several times a week for 30 to 60 minutes can:

Keep thinking, reasoning and learning skills sharp
Improve memory and cognitive function for people with mild Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment
Slow the progress of Alzheimer’s
Increase the size of the part of the brain that’s associated with memory formation.

More research is needed to know how physical activity may improve memory. However, it is important to walk and exercise to stay healthy physically and mentally. At Next Day Access, our goal is to help you keep safe and comfortable while aging in place. We offer accessibility and mobility solutions for your home. Contact us to schedule a free home-assessment.

Research suggests that listening or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The reason being is that the brain area linked to musical memory is undamaged by Alzheimer’s. It has been proven that music aids in relieving stress, reducing anxiety and depression, mildly improving memory loss, and calming agitated patients. It can also provide a way for caregivers to connect with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s who have difficulty communicating.

This type of therapy has been proven to bring patients who have dementia to a better place cognitively and emotionally. There are many more reasons for music therapy than just its ability to help with memory loss. Others include:

Treatment for pain management
Physical issues involving gross motor skills or fine motor skills processing grief
Strengthening respiratory function
Stress management
Physical and cognitive health issues

If you would like to use music to help a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease, consider these tips:

Think about your loved one’s taste in music. What music brings back memories of happy times in your loved one’s life? Involve family by asking them to suggest songs to make playlists.
Set a mood with your choice of music. Play music or sing a soothing song to calm your loved one during mealtime or a morning hygiene routine. When you would like to encourage and excite your loved one’s mood, then you can choose more upbeat music.
Avoid overstimulation. When playing music, diminish competing noises if possible.
Encourage movement. Help your loved ones to clap along or tap their feet to the beat.
Sing along. Singing along to music with your loved ones can enhance the mood and strengthen their trust in you. Some early studies also suggest singing can help stimulate unique memories.
Pay attention to your loved one’s response. If your loved one enjoys certain songs, play them often. If your loved one reacts negatively to a particular piece or type of music, change the song right away.

While the disease currently has no cure, others focus on different ways to improve a patient’s quality of life. Music offers many benefits for Alzheimer’s patients in varying stages of the disease. At Next Day Access, the primary goal is to provide your aging loved one with a comfortable home that is safe and secure. We specialize in making sure your home has all the home modifications in place to keep your loved one happy at home. Contact us to schedule an in-home consultation.

Have you reached the point in life where it is time to take care of the parents or grandparents that once took care of you? As your loved ones grow older, they often need help with small tasks like picking up groceries, making health-related decisions, or bathing. Whatever their needs may be, it is essential to be supportive and not overbearing. Here are a few steps to help guide you as you navigate supporting an aging loved one.

Step 1: Assess Their Needs

Assessing your loved one’s needs is most important when learning to be supportive rather than making them feel like they have not lost their independence. Experts recommend considering the following issues seniors often face to help you better assess their needs:

Family support
Home safety
Medical needs
Cognitive health
Mobility
Personal hygiene
Meal preparation
Social interaction

How well do they handle each area listed above? Try to monitor their ability to address each of these areas on their own. Regarding family support, is there another family that can help? If so, it is an innovative idea for you to keep a family notebook. In this notebook, you can share with family when you notice they might lack the ability to care for themselves or are unsafe. You can work together to make the necessary changes.

Step 2: Be Financially Prepared

As parents or loved ones grow older, they may need help managing finances. While having conversations about money can be awkward, and some may want to avoid it, discussing it now can help prepare for the future. You can start the conversation by asking about essential documents, gathering information about accounts and key contacts, and helping with deciding long-term plans. If you talk to your loved ones now, it will give them more control over financial decisions, so you aren’t overwhelmed with what they would want in an emergency.

Step 3: Install Home Modifications

To avoid your loved one from sustaining an injury in their home, having accessibility experts evaluate their home for any safety concerns is essential. Older adults fall easier, and a fall can cause injuries or even death. With home modifications, such as grab bars or stairlifts, your loved one can live comfortably and safely at home.

It is a noble endeavor to take on someone else’s needs. It can sometimes feel daunting, yet if you have a plan, you will be more capable of meeting your loved one’s needs. Next Day Access is here to help. Next Day Access can assist you with determining the home modifications you will need to ensure your loved one stays as safe as possible. Contact us for a free in-home consultation.

Recognized by the National Alliance on Mental Health, September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. A time to help raise awareness and educate those around us about how we can help those who may be struggling. A recent study showed that suicide occurs every 16 minutes. It is the 10th leading cause of death among all ages. It is important to continue to raise awareness about mental health and share resources on suicide prevention. In observation of this month, here is a list of questions that could help you take action if you think someone is suicidal. The following questions came directly from the “I’ve Got You Project” (ivegotyouproject.com) and are adapted from The Mayo Clinic.

Do you feel hopeless?
Do you think about dying?
Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
Are you thinking about suicide?
Have you ever thought about suicide before or tried to hurt yourself before?
Are you wanting to give up?
Have you thought about how or when you would do it?
Have you been drinking or using any drugs?
Do you have access to weapons or other means that can be used to hurt yourself?

If your friend or loved one answered yes to any of these questions and showing signs of suicidal behavior, take action by offering resources to show that they are not alone. Here are some further guidelines from The Mayo Clinic on what to do if you think someone is suicidal.

Encourage the person to call a suicide hotline number. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor.
Encourage the person to seek treatment. A suicidal or severely depressed person may not have the energy or motivation to find help. If the person does not want to consult a doctor or mental health provider, suggest finding help from a support group, crisis center, faith community, teacher, or other trusted person. You can offer support and advice — but remember that it is not your job to substitute for a mental health provider.
Offer to help the person take steps to get assistance and support. For example, you can research treatment options, make phone calls, and review.

It’s important to spread awareness and educate ourselves and others about mental health and suicide prevention. We encourage our readers who feel hopeless or depressed to call the National Suicide hotline if negative feelings arise.

Gardening is a popular hobby that many people can enjoy. It is a healthy, safe, and comfortable physical and mental activity. However, as you get older, this hobby can become difficult because of limited mobility. Luckily though, there are many ways you can still enjoy gardening. Accessible gardening tools can help you avoid causing strain to your body.

Here are some suggestions on accessible tools and some tips on better gardening practices for limited mobility:

Invest in a Raised Bed or Plant in Containers

If you have trouble with bending down, then bring the garden up to a comfortable height. Raised garden beds bring the garden up to a comfortable height for the gardener. You will not have to bend and reach as much. Another good thing about raised beds is it doesn’t require much digging.

If you decide to maintain multiple raised beds, you might consider creating wide, level pathways between them. The paths could be composed of pea gravel, pavers, or brick. The route will help with weed control and provide a flat, secure surface.

Invest in a Rolling Work Seat

Consider investing in a rolling work seat. A rolling work seat can help you move around the yard and avoid pain and injury from kneeling, squatting, or bending. The wheels are created to move effectively over rough terrain, and the height gets you closer to your garden while still supporting your body.

Look into Tools with Long Handles

Edging the lawn is necessary when you are dealing with garden beds dug into the ground. Keeping the grass out of your garden can be challenging when bending over to use standard garden tools. Luckily, you can get edging sheers and pruners with an adjustable telescopic handle.

You will find that telescopic handles are an essential part of adaptive gardening tools for wheelchair users. It might take time to become precise with these tools, but once you do, your yard and garden will flourish. 

At Next Day Access, we love to help our customers continue to enjoy their outdoor hobbies. While we do not specialize in accessible gardening tools, we specialize in many other accessibility products and mobility equipment. Contact us today if you or your loved one needs any help making their home safe and more comfortable.