Accessibility Archives

On August 19, 1988, the acting President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5847. The Proclamation declared August 21^st 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.

Vertical Platform Lifts or VPLs are highly beneficial to aging adults with limited mobility or people with disabilities. The VPL is a mobility aid used to transport wheelchairs from the ground to a higher elevated space or vice versa without the wheelchair user ever having to leave their chair.

What is a Vertical Platform Lift or VPL?

VPLs are perfect for outdoors as a porch lift or can also be used indoors. There are multiple types of VPLs, including ones that work on electrical energy or hydraulics. If you are debating whether a VPL would be a good investment for your family, here is a list of some of the benefits of the Vertical Platform Lift.

Benefits of Installing a Vertical Platform Lift

The VPL helps promote independence. People with disabilities and aging adults can find it frustrating having to rely on others to get where they are going. Accessibility devices and medical equipment that promote independence are primarily what we offer at Next Day Access: we understand wanting to be as independent as possible while remaining safe. When you have accessibility equipment like a VPL, anyone in a wheelchair can feel more independent. They can easily move into the lift and control the device to elevate themselves if it is an electrical lift.
You gain more peace of mind since you do not have to worry about anyone hurting themselves. The VPL is safe and easy to use.
The Vertical Platform Lift will increase the value of your home. If you invest in a good quality lift and maintain it properly, it is an asset to your home.
You can use the lift for multiple functions, including lifting heavy items.
It is perfect for corralling children since you can carry the stroller, diaper bag, car seat, and all the children up and down the lift as well.
A VPL is safer than stairs and even ramps. A ramp can get slippery. With a VPL, you simply get into a single position to move you over stairs.

Are you ready to invest in a Vertical Platform Lift? At Next Day Access, we can help you find the perfect one for your home that works with your budget. We offer a free in-home consultation where we can also help you determine the best place to put your lift. Lastly, our experienced and knowledgeable installation team can install it quickly and efficiently.

Next Day Access, a leading provider of accessibility and mobility solutions for residential and commercial customers, announces its partnership with Access BDD, one of the world’s leading suppliers of stairlifts, platform lifts and home lift solutions.

The partnership allows Next Day Access franchises to provide customers in the market for a stair lift with a new and innovative solution. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Access BDD entered into the Canadian market in 2020 and launched into the United States in 2022.

“We’re delighted to announce our exciting new partnership with Next Day Access,” said Andrew Warbrick, Managing Director for Access BDD. “With Next Day Access, we are partnering with a company that shares our passion and values for building relationships and providing the best mobility products and solutions for the people that need them most. I’m excited about what this means for both companies as we continue to introduce our award-winning innovative stairlift products to the US and Canadian markets.”

“Access BDD has proven products that are readily available to meet our customers’ needs and expectations,” said Dave Clark, President of Next Day Access. We are impressed with the level of support and training offered to Next Day Access franchises.”

About Next Day Access

Next Day Access is a leading provider for accessibility and mobility solutions for homes and commercial businesses. With franchise locations across the United States and Canada, their goal is to help aging loved ones and people with limited mobility and disabilities live safely, comfortably, and independently in their homes. Learn more by visiting nextdayaccess.com.

About Access BDD

Access BDD is one of the world’s leading suppliers of stairlifts, platform lifts and home lift solutions. We enable people worldwide to move comfortably around their homes by providing innovative mobility solutions, which we distribute via a network of carefully chosen business partners. When choosing an Access BDD lift, you select a high-quality product supported by expert service and advice. Find out more at accessbdd.com.

Aging adults need to be cognizant of heat stroke since their bodies do not adjust to high temperatures like they once did. This causes them to be more susceptible to dehydration. It is especially critical for adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease because they may not realize that they are overheating and need to cool down. Sadly, 36% of heat-related deaths reported in the United States were of people over 65. To keep aging adults comfortable and safe, here are some ways to help them stay cool.

Make sure they drink plenty of cold water throughout the day. It is also a good idea for them to avoid caffeine or alcohol.
Cook them light cold meals, such as chicken or pasta salad, instead of heavy, greasy meals.
For a snack, give them popsicles low in sugar; you could even make the popsicles yourself or use frozen fruits like berries or grapes.
If their house does not cool down enough, take them to a place you know the air conditioning will be cool, such as a mall, senior center, or library.
Keep a cool washcloth on the back of their neck and a bowl of ice-cold water nearby to replenish the towel’s coolness. You could also have them keep their feet in a basin of cool water.
If the washcloth method is not working, put them in a cool shower or bath. For optimal cooling, the recommended water temperature should be right below the body temperature.
If there is not already an air conditioning unit in the adult’s primary sitting area, check into investing in one. You can also find places that will rent them if that is a better financial decision. This will have a tremendous impact on cooling them down.
If you cannot afford an air conditioning unit, check into neighboring senior centers to see if any have been donated. During sweltering months, cities will often have donation drives specifically so aging adults can receive a unit.
Keep the shades drawn during the hottest parts of the day. Also, look into inexpensive curtains called mylar solar curtains. These curtains keep UV rays from penetrating through the glass as harshly.
Dress them in lightweight, breathable fabrics.

At Next Day Access, we specialize in keeping aging adults and people with disabilities comfortable and safe in their homes. We offer products specifically designed to make life easier for them. We encourage you to contact a Next Day Access near you to see the many ways we can help.

Every family is unique. However, over time, many families will find themselves in similar situations of taking care of an aging adult family member. Being the sole caretaker can be overwhelming at times. If siblings are involved and willing to work cohesively, it is best for the entire family.

In a recent AARP article by Dr. Barry Jacobs, he shares his experience working with his brother to care for their mother. He points out the challenges and conflicts that come up, yet, also identifies how you can bond with your siblings as you work together to ensure your aging loved ones receive the best care.

Here are a few of his tips and some of our own for working cohesively as siblings:

Remember, the primary focus is on your loved one’s care quality.

If you are spending your energy in conflict with each other, you could be unintentionally diverting your attention from your primary focus. As an example, two brothers have the potential to be at odds.

One brother stays home and works as the caretaker for their relative, while the other brother works every day and sends money. Each brother could carry resentment, but instead, they have chosen this structure because it works the best to meet their relative’s needs.

It also helps them keep the aging adult in the comfort of their home. Your primary focus should always be ensuring your loved one stays healthy, comfortable, and safe. Also, when siblings are in conflict, your loved one will likely pick up on this and become upset. Put aside your differences for the adult in your care.

Everything does not have to be equal; things just need to make sense.

It is unlikely you will be able to distribute the caretaking tasks equally. To help everyone, distribute the caretaking responsibilities depending on each person’s situation. Since siblings tend to live various distances from their parents, they have different life responsibilities, and financial situations, it is normal for each sibling to have different caregiving tasks that best suit their capabilities.

Dr. Jacobs reminds readers this inequality does not have to be a bad thing. If one sibling is closer and can get to the parent sooner, let them take the lead on delegating tasks. Perhaps you can divide the grocery shopping with each sibling taking a different week. These days this can work for siblings out of town as well, as they can have groceries delivered. Also, try to take turns taking your parents to doctor’s appointments if possible.

Someone will always end up doing more, but every sibling should be contributing in their way. Try to gather for family meetings so you can check in and acknowledge each other’s contributions. The meetings will help keep things running smoothly.

Be kind to each other.

When you have a kind and loving parent who appreciates everything you all are doing, things are more manageable. Sadly, for some, your aging parent could be not so friendly and appreciative, maybe due to Dementia or other health problems. They can be mean and hard to handle.

In these scenarios, it is imperative siblings extend kindness and lean on each other for support. You could also be grieving due to a parent who falls ill and begins to need help. Grieving together will strengthen your bond.

At Next Day Access, we are here to help. We aim to provide solutions for aging adults choosing to age in place. We offer a vast amount of various medical equipment and accessibility devices to keep aging adults or people with disabilities safe and comfortable at home.

Many of our devices are also geared to help caregivers perform their daily tasks with less difficulty such as a patient lift. Our professionals are also happy to do in-home consultations to ensure the home is safe. We encourage you to contact your nearest Next Day Access today to see how we can help.

Are you looking for a new business venture that will bring in revenue and allow you to help others? If so, investing in a Next Day Access franchise could be the perfect fit for you.

Who is Next Day Access?

Next Day Access is the home accessibility expert. We have a “Whole Home-Whole Life” approach which means accessibility and comfort in your current home. We are a national company that provides mobility equipment and accessibility devices to people with disabilities and adults choosing to age in place. Our goal is to help people to be able to stay living comfortably and safely at home rather than having to enter a nursing or rehabilitation center. Therefore, we offer innovative solutions for people with disabilities. A few of our top products include:

Wheelchair Ramps– Both Commercial and Residential
Walk-in Tubs
Vehicle Lifts
Pool Lifts
Patient Ceiling Lifts
Grab Bars and Handrails
A Variety of Scooters, Electric Wheelchairs, and Manual Wheelchairs
Stairlifts
Lift Chairs
In-Home Elevators

This list is just some of our best sellers. We keep updated on new products and offer those as well. In addition, most franchises have an installation team proficient at installing all the equipment mentioned above.

Why Next Day Access?

Essentially Next Day Access is an accessibility and mobility aids company. We offer investors excellent long-term potential. We are a massive competitor in this field and receive an abundance of positive reviews at each of our locations.

The current aging population is also an enormous factor in choosing to franchise with Next Day Access. We live in a Baby Boomer age. The population born between 1946-1964 is currently the second largest population group. Therefore, much of your clientele is already established and might have accessibility concerns. People also live longer, and 90 percent of aging adults say they prefer to age in place. This means they will look for products to make their home as accessible as possible.

Another plus is the economic immunity for medical equipment. Since the use of these products is generally non-discretionary, revenue tends to be steady despite the economy’s cycles.

According to Investopedia.com, the bottom line is that the medical equipment sector is well positioned to take advantage of a growing demand for healthcare as aging adults become a more significant percentage of the overall population. In addition, innovations offer ways to improve the lives and welfare of everyone.

Recently at an event with all the franchise owners, they were asked, “Why did they choose to invest in Next Day Access?” the answer time and time again was, “The nobility of Next Day Access inspired them; they enjoy being able to help others through their work.”

We urge you to consider seeing the joy of owning a business that offers so much to people. If you have any questions about becoming a franchise owner, we are happy to answer them.

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.

According to a recent national poll by the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, older adults and people with disabilities feel there is still a lack of accessible and reliable transportation alternatives. This prevents them from doing what they need to and leaves them feeling without independence, isolated, frustrated and trapped.

More than one in 5 Americans ages 65 and older do not drive, and the demand for transportation is rapidly growing as the boomer population grows. To help meet needs, the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) launched an “Every Ride Counts” campaign. Through the campaign, the NADTC hopes this national effort will increase awareness of local transportation options for people with disabilities and aging adults throughout the United States.

A stunning 80 percent of young people with disabilities surveyed shared they are often prevented from doing the things they would like to do due to lack of transportation. This difference in lifestyle from their peers is one of the leading causes of isolation which leads to depression. Yet, it isn’t only about where they want to go. Many express the need to make it to doctor’s or other essential appointments and cannot due to transportation issues.

According to Carol Wright Kenderdine, co-director, NADTC and assistant Vice President of transportation & mobility for Easterseals, “To address this need, particularly in small communities, NADTC recently funded ten community grants to support planning for alternatives, such as volunteer transportation, rideshare options and expanding transit.” Many hospitals do offer appointment pick-up. You simply need to schedule it when you schedule your appointment. Not all doctors and hospitals, however, can provide pick-up to rural areas.

Thankfully, they say, “we are living in the future,” and apps like Uber are becoming more disability-friendly. Hopefully, we will see more companies like them in the future. If NADTC and companies such as these can combine their efforts, we can lessen the transportation issues people with disabilities and aging adults face.

At Next Day Access, the needs of our customers are important to us. We also support the valiant efforts of NADTC. We offer several products to help people feel safe and comfortable at home and on the go. If you struggle to get around because you lack a vehicle lift on your car, please let us help. Our vehicle lifts are designed to help people move in and out of all vehicles and are easy to use. We urge any drivers for ride-share programs looking into making their vehicle more disability-friendly to contact us today. We can help you install a vehicle lift on your car quickly and efficiently.

The time may come when your aging loved one can no longer handle their financial responsibilities. Discussing finances is a delicate but important conversation. With a sensitive approach, you can work with your loved one slowly, making the transition as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Here are a few tips for taking on the management of your loved one’s finances:

Discuss Finances Early

Try to speak to them sooner than later about finances, especially if they have growing health concerns. You can simply bring it up in conversation. “Who will handle your affairs if problems ever arise?” The National Institute on Aging recommends parents give advance written consent to a designated family member.

You can go so far as to discuss the Power of Attorney with them. Whoever they designate as power of attorney not only helps control finances but also discusses critical medical factors with their doctors like their treatment plans.

Spend Time Together

Sit down with them and pay bills together to help your loved ones trust you. Go over their budget with them, showing you how they properly paid things before the new arrangement. This allows you and your loved one to get used to the new arrangement and can help them see you only have their best interest at heart.

Budget Together

When you are going over the budget, show them how they can switch retirement funds to direct deposits (if they were not switched already) and double-check the insurance is still valid and vital paperwork is up to date. Once you have reviewed and made sure all paperwork is accurate, secure it in a safe place where only you and your loved one can access it easily.

Communicate

Communicate with your loved one anytime you are paying bills from their accounts. You should also keep excellent documentation, including receipts, to avoid any future misunderstandings.

Separate Finances

Keep your finances separate from your loved one’s finances. It may seem convenient to combine finances, but this is a slippery slope. It is also a sure-fire way to decrease your loved one’s feelings of independence and possibly their trust.

At Next Day Access, we understand the many challenges of caring for an aging loved one. We hope these tips will make speaking to your loved one about finances easier. We enjoy lending our support through the advice you can find on our blogs as well as by offering many different products in-store to make your loved one safe and comfortable at home.

From grab bars to vehicle lifts, we have an abundance of products geared to helping anyone with accessibility concerns. Please continue to read our blogs and contact us today.

Looking out at a gorgeous garden filled with plants and flowers can do wonders for the mind. A garden in full bloom is pleasing to the eyes and the nose. It is even better when you plant those flowers and plants. Perhaps you enjoy growing your own fruits and vegetables?

A homegrown tomato can taste drastically better than a store-bought tomato. Gardening boasts many benefits beyond the beauty, taste, and smells of the garden itself. In fact, there are many health benefits. Here are a few health benefits you can achieve from gardening.

Stress Reliever

Gardening relieves anxiety and stress. A study from the Journal of Health Psychology found that gardening can lower cortisol levels in the brain. Cortisol is considered the “stress hormone.” Your body needs it to function, but too much of it can cause higher blood pressure or fluctuating glucose levels. So go ahead and dig in the dirt and feel relaxed while doing it.

Good Exercise

Gardening is good exercise. Your heart rate goes up when you garden. Gardening isn’t as rigorous as a run-around the block, but any physical activity is good for your body. It has been proven that even daily light exercise increases your lifespan. Just be careful you stretch your arms, shoulders, and hands often as you work so you do not end up with tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Improves Immune System

Gardening can improve your immune system. Believe it or not, spending time digging in the dirt can improve immune health. A bacteria found in garden soil called Mycobacterium vaccae is considered a “friendly” bacterium because it helps improve the immune system. The bacteria have even been known to alleviate symptoms of asthma, psoriasis, and allergies.

Lowers Dementia Risk

Gardening could lower the risk of dementia. An article on the website fivestarseniorliving.com mentions a study that found gardening may reduce the risk of dementia by up to 36 percent. Scientists believe it is because gardening requires many critical functions, such as sensory awareness and dexterity. Spending even a short time gardening, you are more likely to maintain motor skills and improve your strength and endurance.

Source of Vitamin D

Gardening provides much-needed vitamin D. We have already mentioned how gardening decreases anxiety, but gardening also improves your mood. The sunshine causes your body to produce vitamin D and raises the serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical in your body that helps you feel calm and happy. Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat while you garden. The sun does have its benefits, but you need to protect yourself from sunburn and the sun’s harmful UV rays.

With all of these benefits from gardening, you should consider stopping and smelling the roses and maybe even plant a few of your own. If you need help getting to your garden, consider calling us at Next Day Access, and we can install a modular or threshold ramp at your home. Contact us today for a free estimate.