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Caring for an aging parent is not easy. It is natural to feel frustrated, exhausted, and sad. The emotional and physical stress of caregiving is common, especially when the caretaker has many other responsibilities. However, some technological devices can help make the process easier. Here are some caregiver tips to consider when it comes to using technology into your daily routine.

Home Automation Systems

Having a home automation system in your loved one’s home can provide ultimate peace of mind. Security cameras keep them safe from possible intruders while also allowing you to keep an eye on them as they are home alone. And if your aging parent has a hard time getting up and moving around throughout the day, smart thermostats and lights will help them avoid moving around more than they have to.

Smartphone Apps For Reminders

If your loved one has a smartphone, download an app that sends reminders to take medications or go to their appointment. Remembering to take different pills throughout the day can be difficult. Therefore, regular reminders can help with sticking to a schedule. Or, if using a smartphone is hard for them, you can download the app on your phone and call when it’s time for them to take their medication.

Medical Alert Devices

A medical alert device can be an important part of senior care. These devices are in the form of a wristband that’s comfortable to wear throughout the day. If your loved one falls or has a medical emergency, emergency services are contacted immediately with a push of a button. 

Telehealth

Telehealth is a new way to see your doctor or physician. Instead of physically going into the doctor’s office and waiting, telehealth allows for the ease of getting diagnosed through a computer screen. They can remain in the comfort of their home and see a doctor in a matter of minutes to discuss their symptoms. 

Caregiver Tips For Modern Day

Next Day Access provides many different options for helping you take care of your aging parents. Our mobility devices can give you peace of mind that your parents are safe, and they will feel more confident aging in place as well. For more caregiver tips and to learn about the products we offer, feel free to contact us at any time.

Technology has changed the way we do a lot of things in life. Telehealth appointments have been on the rise in recent years and have peaked drastically in the past year due to the pandemic. These types of appointments will likely remain as more of the norm than the exception, especially for seniors with mobility concerns who may struggle to get to their physical appointments on time. Since telehealth appointments are becoming more popular, here are some tips to consider to help you make the most out of yours.

Speak To Your Insurance Provider

Many insurance providers cover telehealth appointments, but you should call them if you’re unsure. The last thing you want to happen is to receive an unexpected medical bill in the mail. You might have to pay a copay at the very least, so calling your provider to confirm what is covered can prevent unwelcome surprises.

Write Down Pre-Existing Conditions, Symptoms, And Questions

Once you have the insurance situation figured out, you can prepare for your appointment with the doctor. It can be easy to forget things, so think about and write down any pre-existing conditions you have, symptoms you’re experiencing, the timeline of your symptoms, and any questions you might have. You could be limited to a certain amount of time at your telehealth appointment, so you want to make sure you cover everything you need to make the most of it. Be sure to mention any physical disability or cognitive disability you have, even if you don’t believe it’s relevant to your current illness or situation. Let the doctor decide whether it’s relevant or not.

Isolate Yourself To Minimize Disruptions

You don’t want your telehealth appointment to be interrupted by kids, pets, or anyone you’re living with. Tell anyone else in your household that you’ll be going to a quiet room and would appreciate privacy. Telehealth appointments are important to focus on throughout, so minimize as many distractions as possible to create a better experience for both you and your medical professional on the other end.

Charge Your Device

Another thing that often gets overlooked when preparing for telehealth appointments is the battery level of the device you’re using. Make sure it’s charged completely, and have your charger handy in case the battery life decreases quicker than expected. You might not be able to get up quickly to grab your charger if you have mobility concerns, so be as prepared as possible to have a successful experience. You might have problems reconnecting with the same medical professional, and you don’t want to have to start all over with a new one.

Next Day Access keeps up with the changing times we live in. Technology plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives so it’s something everyone should embrace. Telehealth appointments will be more of the norm in the future, which can benefit you greatly if you have mobility concerns. If you believe your home could be more accessible to help you navigate a physical disability or mobility limitation, contact us at any time to schedule a free home assessment.

Aging in place is something many seniors strive for today. The thought of living in their home instead of an assisted living facility is attractive for many reasons. However, one trap that too many seniors fall into is staying at home too often and not going outside of their house. Whether it’s because they have no desire to get out of the house or if a physical disability is preventing them from it, seniors have to find a way to get out to benefit their mental and physical health. Here are some of the most important factors to consider if you or a loved one have transportation concerns.

Accessibility

Seniors are more likely to go different places if they know accessibility is an option. Public transportation should be wheelchair accessible and businesses should have similar options for people with a physical disability. Researching different public transportation options takes a little effort but can be very beneficial if they are accommodating. And if seniors are still able to drive, they could invest in an auto lift to bring their wheelchair or mobility scooter with them wherever they go.

Affordability

Affordability is a concern many seniors have when it comes to public transportation. They don’t want to spend unnecessary money, which often means they have to decide what is absolutely necessary to do. Instead of focusing solely on public transportation, evaluate the sidewalks in any given area and see whether a mobility scooter or wheelchair could be used. Paying for public transportation can get expensive daily, but purchasing a mobility scooter can be more cost-effective and allow you more freedom to go to different places. This is especially true when you have an auto lift to transport it.

Eligibility

Some towns have specific eligibility requirements you must meet to use certain transportation options. This could be simply proving that you have a physical disability before signing up for a service, which is easy to do. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility, the particular transportation service can help you determine whether you qualify for specific services.

Mobility concerns shouldn’t be a reason why you stay at home all the time. There are plenty of transportation options for seniors with limited mobility. Utilizing the resources available to you can make senior transportation much easier, and Next Day Access is here to help in any way we can. If you need a wheelchair, mobility scooter, auto lift, or any other item to help you get around, we’ve got you covered. Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time to learn more about how we can help.

Driving a vehicle is one of the biggest things people take for granted every day. But then they realize how much they rely on their car when it’s taken away from them. As you get older, you might lose the ability to drive your vehicle safely, so you have to look at alternate means of transportation as a result. While these resources are easier to find in bigger cities than small towns, we got you covered with some senior living tips about getting from point A to point B without a car.

Rideshare Companies

Rideshare companies have increased in popularity significantly over the last few years. Lyft and Uber are the most widely known rideshare companies and offer quick rides from virtually anywhere. If you can walk comfortably, then rideshare companies are good options to get around town. But if you need a wheelchair or other mobility device, you might need to seek other options since the Uber or Lyft driver might not have space for you to travel with it.

Bus Routes

Another good alternative is knowing the local bus routes. Some buses are specifically designed for people with limited mobility and allow a wheelchair to come on board. Know what options are available in the city you live in to determine whether it’s a viable solution for your limited mobility. You might have to walk a short distance to find your nearest bus stop, but it can be a great transportation option for getting around town.

Specialized Chartered Transportation

Some public transportation services offer specialized options for people in a wheelchair or who use other mobility devices. These services could be a little more costly, but most of them will pick you up at your home, help you load and unload your wheelchair, and more. For people who have difficulty getting around, specialized chartered transportation could be a viable solution.

While these options are more widely available in larger cities, you still have options in small towns. If you have a neighbor or family member nearby, you can invest in an auto lift so you can load your wheelchair or mobility scooter into your vehicle. The independence it provides is invaluable since you can still do things like shop for groceries on your own. Next Day Access has you covered with a variety of mobility aids and devices to make getting around town much easier. Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time to see how we can help you boost your independent living efforts.

People with disabilities likely have some sort of mobility device to help them navigate their daily lives. These products could range from canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, or anything else. But when you’re ready to explore the outdoors, some of the devices you use daily may not be suitable for the areas you want to go to.

The good news is you have plenty of options to choose from and can even pursue a scooter rental for a weekend trip if that’s all you need. Here are some mobility device options to consider for your next outdoor adventure.

Mobility Scooters

If you already have a mobility scooter, you need to check with the facility or campground you’re visiting to determine whether they allow yours. Some areas will just allow indoor scooters on their properties, which may not be an issue if that’s what you currently have.

Otherwise, consider investing in a mobility scooter with features suitable for the outdoors if you plan on going on trips more than once. Many scooters come with all-terrain tires, lights, a higher load capacity, a sturdier base, durable suspension, and other features to help you feel safe and confident riding on rough or uneven terrain.

Invest In A Travel Wheelchair

The travel wheelchair you choose should be based on the terrain you like to navigate through when you go on outdoor adventures. If you want to get some great exercise as you explore the outdoors, consider an all-terrain manual travel wheelchair. Otherwise, power wheelchairs are available in various configurations and have different features to keep you safe. A travel wheelchair is a good investment if you like to travel often since you can load it up on your auto lift and go whenever you’re ready.

Consider Wheelchair Or Scooter Rental

If you don’t travel often but would still like to explore the outdoors periodically, consider a wheelchair or scooter rental. You can rent different options from a local store and return them after your trip, or some campgrounds and parks may have rental options available for you upon arrival.

Renting is a great option since prices are typically affordable, and you don’t have to worry about maintaining it over time. Plus, if you’re going to an area with particularly rough or uneven terrain, the location may have specific features on their wheelchairs and scooters to make it easier to navigate.

Next Day Access has you covered when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors with a mobility limitation. We offer a wide range of mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices and accessories to keep you moving.

Life is meant to be enjoyed, and being outside and exploring different areas is part of it. With the right mobility device, you can feel secure and confident knowing you can navigate through different types of terrain safely. When you’re planning an outdoor trip, contact us to see what mobility option we have that can make your trip even more enjoyable. Like or Share if you enjoy reading our blog.

From front to back and top to bottom, we have you covered

We have you covered at Next Day Access, where we are committed to finding you safe, innovative and affordable accessibility solutions for your total living space in order to maintain a comfortable quality of life. We even offer flexible financing options to help connect you with the products you need for more independence and peace of mind.

The founders of Next Day Access have been in the accessibility industry since 1997. They started by providing mobility access into homes, churches, colleges, and more with aluminum modular ramps. As time went on, requests to provide more to the clients grew, and the Clarks’ found themselves installing grab bars, ADA toilets, patient ceiling lifts, vertical platform lifts, stairlifts, and much more.

In 2010, the idea began to form a way to reach people with boots on the ground in their community. In 2012, the Clarks’ developed a franchise business centered around providing accessibility products as quickly as the next day. Thus, Next Day Access was born, and in 2013, we launched our first Franchise.

Today, we have 26 locations and growing. We have you covered with experience that is second to none. Our team members are passionate people about what they do every day while providing folks with the ability to move freely in their own homes where once they felt trapped.

Learn More about how we can find you the best accessibility solutions!

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