Aging in Place Archives

On July 26, 2022, people with limited mobility celebrated the 32^nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The anniversary is still a source of pride and hope, but it does bring up the question, why are there still inaccessible businesses? Business accessibility is as relevant today as it was years ago.

A recent article in Forbes magazine written by Andrew Pulrang has this excerpt, “Accessibility is still treated like some kind of premium feature rather than a civic responsibility for businesses or a civil right for customers.”

Here are some tips on how you can improve your business’s accessibility.

Make sure parking and entering your building is convenient.

People with limited mobility who drive are far more likely to shop or eat somewhere when there is handicap parking available. Ensure the designated parking spaces are clearly labeled and at least 8 feet wide. You should also invest in a commercial wheelchair ramp. Seeing a ramp shows customers that you want them there, and that accessibility is a priority to you. At Next Day Access, we offer a variety of commercial ramps.

Make sure inside the business you have wide pathways.

People with limited mobility need more space to move. They will need enough room to walk, wheel, stop, and turn around without hitting tables or display shelves. Having an area that is cluttered and tight makes the business feel uncomfortable, even for patrons not using a wheelchair. Your layout matters as much as your décor.

Make sure restrooms are accessible for wheelchairs.

If you are hoping your customers stay for more than 30 minutes, you need to have an accessible restroom. Even if the restroom only holds one person at a time, ensure it is wide enough for a wheelchair to make turns. You should also have grab bars installed and a sink where a wheelchair can easily slide underneath so the user can reach the faucets. You can find durable and contemporary grab bars at Next Day Access.

When you make your business more accessible, your reputation and the number of customers increase. People with limited mobility remember the places in town where they can get around more easily and feel welcome. Next Day Access can help you find the best commercial ramps, grab bars, railings, and more.

Next Day Access is pleased to announce the opening of its 27th location, Next Day Access Fairfax, Virginia located at 45681 Oakbrook Court, Unit 110, Sterling, Virginia, 20166. The franchise location, provider of residential and commercial accessibility and mobility products, is owned by Ray Patel, Joseph Yu, and Justin Nunes.

Business partners Patel and Yu are multifaceted business owners. With over 20 years in the restaurant hospitality industry, the two are looking for a new challenge by entering the mobility equipment industry. Now, Nunes joins Patel and Yu as their third partner, bringing in knowledge and years of experience in the construction and automotive industry.

“We’re excited to join a new but strong and upcoming market,” said Patel. “With the tremendous amount of support from the Next Day Access team, we feel confident in being able to help people in our community with mobility solutions.”

The Next Day Access Fairfax location will provide a wide range of accessibility and mobility solutions for residential and commercial customers. From aluminum wheelchair ramps to stairlifts, the Fairfax team has the knowledge and skills to help create a safer environment.

“Ray, Joseph, and Justin align with what we look for in Next Day Access owners: a passion for helping others, great customer service skills, and taking the extra step,” said Dave Clark, President of Next Day Access. “With their existing experience of owning and operating a franchise, Joseph and Ray have a wealth of knowledge that will apply to this new venture. Justin’s hands-on experience and ability to quickly and proficiently learn new skills.”

To learn more about Next Day Access Fairfax, click here.

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 www.nextdayaccess.com.

Much to the delight of people with limited mobility, accessibility devices are becoming more advanced. The new bars are easier to handle and take up less space. It is exciting to see the changes to such helpful mobility equipment.

Our Safety Poles

Next Day Access now offers a new mobility device, Healthcraft Superbar. The Superbar is a security pole with a curved grab bar mounted from the ceiling to the floor. You can have these installed wherever you like in the home, but many find them particularly useful in the bathroom.

Healthcraft Superbars and SuperPole safety poles have many added benefits to help with fall prevention, bedside or bathtub support, and they’re all very easy to put together.

Superbar Benefits

The pole prevents falls. The security pole offers stability and safety when standing or sitting. You can lean on it as you climb over bathtubs or when you are getting in and out of bed. The curved bar can turn and lock into position every 45 degrees and can handle up to 300 pounds.
The height and tension rods are adjustable. However, it must be used with a flat ceiling, and from floor to ceiling must be 7 to 10 feet tall. It includes rubber pads to protect your floors and ceilings from damage.
The pole is versatile and can be used as a bedside support handle, chair standing rail, wheelchair transfer pole, and a bathroom grab bar. The unique grab looks like an inverted “S”. This gives it a ladder-like design with four different places to grip. The user can conveniently get to a standing position using a hand-over-hand motion.
The pole provides more space. It has a modern design, so you will likely not feel the need to have bulky grab bars or railings protruding from the walls.
It’s easy to assemble. You can contact Next Day Access, and our installation team will happily install it for you within minutes.

safety poles Healthcraft SuperPoles — Healthcraft SuperPoles

Not every Next Day Access location in the country has a Healthcare Superbar in stock; if they do not, we can help you find something similar that fits your needs. However, if you prefer to maintain the grab bars, handles, and railings you have become accustomed to, Next Day Access still has many to choose from and will happily help you determine where they fit best.

We also offer modern, contemporary, and aesthetically pleasing choices on these devices. Contact your nearest Next Day Access if you are in the market for new grab bars or handles. We can show you The Healthcare Superbar and the many other products we offer to make your home accessible.

Do you have members in your place of worship that face a mobility obstacle when trying to enter your establishment? What about people with limited mobility looking to find a place of worship? We are sure that your congregation, church elders, pastors, or priests would never want anyone to feel unwelcome.

Unfortunately, when you cannot enter a building, people with limited mobility sometimes cannot help but feel unwelcome. Next Day Access can help! We have built several wheelchair ramps throughout the communities we serve and can build them for your place of worship without difficulty.

Our professional wheelchair ramp installation team can provide ramps in even the most challenging spaces. We also offer various product options and will tailor our services to meet your needs. However, you also have options other than ramps that could be more convenient in specific locations.

These options include stairlifts, inclined platform lifts, or vertical platform lifts. We can assist in installing these products as well. The choice will likely depend on your budget.

If you prefer to stick with wheelchair ramps, we can get creative with the ramps since there are many different styles. The following ramps are best suited for a place of worship; there are also several types of ramps perfect for traveling or for your home.

Wheelchair Ramps at your Place of Worship

Threshold – These are smaller ramps designed to sit against the curb or the threshold of a door making it easier, once installed in the building, for people with wheelchairs to get around.

Modular Ramps – A more significant and permanent ramp. These ramps do not require a building permit because they can be taken down and reassembled at another location. The material usually is made of aluminum. Aluminum is the best material for outdoor and commercial ramps because it does not warp or rust.

Permanent Ramps – A building permit is required for these ramps because they are made of concrete or wood and cannot be moved once they are set in place. The construction time may take longer because the ramp is built on-site. Our Next Day Access team ensures that these ramps are aesthetically pleasing since they will be a permanent fixture.

At Next Day Access, we are proud of our work. We ensure that our ramps are slip-resistant, easy to access, and durable. Whether you need a ramp replaced or notice you need a ramp added to your place of worship, we are happy to assist.

Please do not hesitate to contact your nearest Next Day Access to schedule a consultation. During your consultation, we will visit your place of worship and help you determine the best ramps to use and the best locations for the ramps.

An estimated 40 million Americans are living with arthritis and suffer side effects from the disease daily. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, yet rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are the most common. Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects joints. It is a chronic pain condition and, if left untreated, can cause disabilities.

Maintaining a happy, active lifestyle can be difficult due to the joint pain, stiffness, and swelling caused by arthritis. We’ve listed some helpful tips and techniques to help make everyday tasks more manageable.

4 Tips for Living with Arthritis

Eat a Diet Rich in Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Arthritis can cause severe inflammation. Foods such as nuts, beans, fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or high-fiber bread help reduce inflammation.

Exercise Regularly

Low-impact exercises can help prevent stiffness and pain. Some great forms of exercising include swimming, cycling, or walking. You can also consider a low-impact yoga class incorporating gentle stretching into your routine. Stretching can move your joints through their full range of motion.

Stop Smoking

There are a variety of reasons smoking is bad for your health. One of those reasons is that if you live with arthritis pain, the toxins from cigarette smoke can make the pain worse. The toxins directly harm the connective tissue around joints, potentially leading to more pain.

Assistive Devices

Assistive devices such as a cane, walker, wrist cast, or even shoe inserts can make daily life easier on your joints.

At Next Day Access, we offer several assistive devices, including walkers, grab bars, railings, and more. Our goal is to help people find solutions when they have issues with mobility by providing accessibility devices and mobility equipment.

When you use assistive devices, it can make it easier for you to perform your everyday tasks. We hope the devices will improve your quality of life and help you better manage your condition. Don’t hesitate to contact your nearest Next Day Access if you have questions about our products and services.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 130 million people in the United States have diabetes or are pre-diabetic. Nearly 50% of adults over the age of 65 are pre-diabetic. If you are a caregiver, there is a chance you are helping manage diabetes in aging adults or needing to learn about pre-diabetes.

If it is not controlled, long-term complications can include:

Nerve Damage
Stroke
Blindness
Hearing Impairment
Heart Attack
Kidney Failure
Need for Amputation
Skin Infections

We have made an essential checklist for caregivers supporting someone with diabetes. This checklist will hopefully give them a better quality of life by leading a healthier lifestyle.

5 Ways to Help Manage Diabetes in Aging Adults

Learn about Diabetes

To ensure you give the best care it is important you educate yourself on diabetes. So, what is diabetes?

According to the World Health Organization, “Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar) which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.”.

There are three types of diabetes:

Type 1 – Where the pancreas produces little to no insulin.

Type 2 – Affects the way the body processes blood sugar.

Pre-diabetes – A condition in which blood sugar is high, yet not high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes.

For more information on diabetes, visit these online resources, American Diabetes Association or Mayo Clinic.

Help Aging Adults with Exercise

Being physically active helps keep blood sugar levels down and aids in weight loss. However, it’s important to know the best time to exercise. If the blood sugar is low, it could be dangerous to exercise. It is best after a meal, when blood sugar levels are generally higher.

Determine Stress Relieving Techniques

Blood sugar levels rise when a person is agitated, frustrated, and stressed. People that do not have diabetes have a fight or flight mechanism when stress increases. This mechanism does not work for people with diabetes—instead, their blood sugar spikes. Teach your aging loved one positive stress relieving techniques such as yoga and meditation.

Ensure the Aging Adult has a Medical ID

With diabetes, you can have diabetic emergencies at any time. These emergencies include fainting from low blood sugar, going into shock from diabetic ketoacidosis, or even developing a wound that turns into a severe infection.

When you cannot be with your loved one a Medical ID tag can be a helpful tool for anyone coming to your loved one’s aid. You could also consider purchasing a medical alert piece of jewelry that sends a message to 911 with the push of a button.

Help with Self-Monitoring

There are at-home blood sugar monitors that track accurate blood glucose levels. Teach them how to use this device properly and record how their diet, physical activity, and stress are being controlled over time.

There are support groups available for caregivers of aging adults with diabetes. At Next Day Access, we are also here to lend a hand. We offer accessibility devices like grab bars and handles or mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and scooters.

Sometimes your loved one will feel weak as they battle diabetes, and we have solutions to help them in those times. Don’t hesitate to contact your nearest Next Day Access if you have questions about our products and services.

If you experience mobility issues, you know stairs can be difficult to navigate and dangerous. Investing in a stair lift is a fantastic option because this will allow you to stay in your home and access every part of the home.

You may not think you have the budget for a stair lift but moving could be much more expensive. This blog will debate whether investing in a stair lift is a better option than moving. Here are just a few of the benefits of an affordable stair lift cost.

The Cost of a Stair Lift is Worth It

Greater Independence

Installing a stair lift creates more independence and freedom. When climbing stairs has become a challenge for you, you may only find yourself living only on the bottom or top floor. You can access every room in the house when you can use a stair lift to get up the stairs.

At a recent Next Day Access meeting, one of the owners described a customer who was overjoyed when her lift was installed. Her mobility was suffering, and she could no longer make it up and down the stairs.

Her home was built with all the bedrooms on the top level, so she was confined upstairs. She had relatives that checked in on her, but she was often home alone. With tears in her eyes, she described how happy she was that she could now order a pizza when home alone.

Such a simple thing that many of us take for granted. This sweet lady is no longer confined to a portion of her home. When we hear stories like this, we are reminded of our why.

Financially Responsible

Sit down with a notebook and compare the price of a stair lift vs. the expense of moving. Stair lift cost may be more affordable than you think. Usually, a stair lift is between $2500 to $4500. Stair lifts vary in price due to their different options, including a straight stair lift, curved stair lift, and outdoor stair lift.

When you work with a Next Day Access professional, we will do our best to help you find a stair lift that works within your budget, including the installation.

Once you have determined the price of the stair lift, investigate how much it will cost you to move. If you are an aging adult, you likely have many things. Packing materials, moving van rental, and movers can rack up to thousands of dollars more than a stair lift.

Also, consider where you are moving. Do you have to pay someone to go through your things to get rid of items that will not fit in your new home?

Next, look into the price of where you will be moving. The monthly cost is extremely expensive if you have chosen an assisted living facility.

Lastly, a stair lift will increase the value of your home. A stair lift is a financial gain in the long run. Financial reasons are one of the main reasons many people choose to invest in a stair lift rather than moving.

Avoid Stress

It has been said that moving is considered the #1 stressor for people. Finding a place, boxing up all your items, redecorating, and the move itself is enough to send some people over the edge. You likely also have many memories made at your current home. Ask yourself if you really want to start over somewhere new.

There are three r’s to remember when determining if you would like to purchase a stair lift. Regain your independence, retain full use of your home, and remain in the home you love.

Next Day Access can help you through the entire process if you decide to invest in a stair lift. Contact your nearest Next Day Access to schedule a consultation and get more information.

Everyday tasks can be challenging for aging adults due to certain health conditions such as low vision or weakened muscles. We rounded up a few products that we hope will make tasks less complicated.

1. Clip-on book light

It is much easier for aging adults to see with additional light. The great thing about the clip-on booklight is that you can use it anywhere. It does not have to be just for reading. The booklight is perfect for reading as well as crafts or hobbies.

2. Large button remote control

The remotes that generally come with today’s televisions often have very small buttons. It can be frustrating for aging adults to figure out the correct button they need. You can help them easily transition from the original remote to a large button remote control. The simplified remote means they will have an easier time watching their favorite movies or shows.

3. Bed Rail

Getting in and out of bed can be difficult for aging adults, especially if they have back problems, arthritis, or are recovering from surgery. Whatever the scenario, a bed rail is a helpful device. The rail assists them by offering additional stability since they can hold onto the rail as they get in and out of bed. Many rails also come with storage pockets that can hold their remote or glasses. Additionally, the rail helps to keep them safe. With the rail up, they are considerably less likely to fall off the bed.

4. Amazon Echo

Technology has come so far and has been helpful in so many ways. In this case, the Amazon Echo can act as an “assistant” for an aging adult. The Amazon Echo is a voice-activated device that plays audiobooks and music, tells the weather, reads the news, and more.

5. Grab Bars

Grab bars are beneficial when aging adults need to use the restroom, especially as their muscles weaken. The bars make sitting and standing much easier since they can pull themselves up by leaning on the grab bars. They are easy to install, but you will need to be sure to install them in the proper place.

These are just a few items to make everyday life easier for aging adults. There are many more devices available. In fact, at Next Day Access, our primary goal is to provide aging adults and people with disabilities items to make life better for them. We sell and install wheelchair ramps, walk-in tubs, grab bars, bed rails, scooters, and much more. Contact us today if you need more information.

According to the CDC, millions of people over 65 have horrible falls that result in hospital visits every year. One out of four aging adults falls each year. These statistics are staggering.

When an older adult falls, it is nowhere close to the same as someone younger falling because our bones become more brittle as we age. If an aging adult falls, they are more likely to break a bone or worse. Not to mention if someone older falls once, the likelihood of them falling again increases.

Falls can happen at any moment. Even simple movements like reaching into an overhead cabinet can trigger a fall. Luckily, there are simple exercises that help with balance and strength which ultimately help reduce falls by making you steadier on your feet. These exercises can be done in the comfort of your home.

We found these exercises on YouTube from a channel titled Bob and Brad. Bob and Brand, both former physical therapists, have many videos on YouTube where they work together, using their physical therapy training, to create videos of exercises specifically geared for aging adults.

Exercise 1

Grab a tissue box and remote control for this exercise. Then stand between two high tables or countertops. Put the remote on one table and the tissue box on the other. Use one arm to pick up the larger object and move it across your body to the other table.

Then pick it up again and move it back to its original location. Do the same with the remote control using the other arm. As for how many repetitions the aging adult should do, Bob and Brad recommend doing it until tired. However, if you find the exercise easy, you can increase the distance from the countertop or table or increase repetitions.

Exercise 2

You can use the same tissue box and remote control for this exercise. This time place the objects on the countertop/table. Your loved one should be standing far enough away, so they must lean forward and reach for the items.

Have them lean forward to pick up the larger item with one arm and bring it to them while standing up straight again. Next, lean forward and put it back on the table/countertop. If that is too easy, move to the smaller object and have them put it down further away from where they are standing.

Preventing Falls While Exercising

The last thing you want is for your loved one to fall while exercising. Make sure to be nearby while they exercise so you can provide instant stability if they get off balance. It is also a good idea to have them wear a gait belt for extra safety.

When it comes to ensuring your loved one remains safe and comfortable at home, contact us at Next Day Access. We offer many accessibility devices to keep your loved one safe and independent at home.

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.