home accessibility Archives

If you have limited mobility and your home has a porch only accessible by stairs, you might consider investing in a porch lift. If your porch goes directly into your home, you could find a porch lift much more accessible to maneuver than a wheelchair ramp. There are many reasons people with limited mobility prefer a porch lift.

What is a wheelchair porch lift?

A porch lift is similar to a vertical platform lift. A porch lift is a machine used to elevate a wheelchair from one level to another. The difference between a porch lift and a vertical platform lift is that a porch lift is usually found outside and gives users access to a deck or porch.

The lift can travel a short distance vertically, and then it may travel a few feet horizontally. You can find them battery-operated or with a motor that powers the platform up and down. If it is battery operated, it has a lever, and if it is motorized, you can go up and down with the push of a button.

So why do many people opt for a porch lift? Here are a few reasons:

3 Reasons to Invest in a Wheelchair Porch Lift

Porch lifts are space efficient

Porch lifts generally require a 5’ by 5’ area regardless of how high it rises. The Americans with Disabilities Act has guidelines set in place for wheelchair ramps. The guidelines help builders determine a good reference point from ramp slope and length. The guidelines specify that every inch of a rise requires a foot of ramp length. So, most people save ample space by installing a porch lift versus a wheelchair ramp.

With a wheelchair ramp, there is also more maintenance and cleaning. Every structure requires maintenance, even the porch lift, yet with a wheelchair ramp, you will need to factor in the weather and its elements more.

Porch lifts are a great safety solution

When you use a qualified installation team, such as Next Day Access, we ensure the ramp is made code specific. Every region has a code specific to its area that governs the use and construction of lifts.

The codes might include ensuring there is a solid flush gate at the top of the landing, a cement pad that anchors the lift, a dedicated 20-amp power supply nearby, and a smooth pathway to the lift. Our installation team handles each step to ensure your lift is as safe as possible.

Also, most lifts come with sensors or a safety pin that keep the lift from lowering if there is anything below the platform. The lift will also not function if it has slippery debris, such as leaves or branches, on the lift.

The porch lift gives its user more independence

With a porch lift, people with limited mobility can use the lift independently. If they can press a button, the user does not have to depend on a caretaker to get them to ground level. The user can come and go with a porch lift as they please.

If you think a porch lift is right for you, please do not hesitate to contact your nearest Next Day Access. We have an assortment of porch lifts and will be sure to set up an in-home consultation where we can help you determine the right make and model for your home.

Next Day Access Expands into the Greater Oklahoma City Area to Bring Accessibility and Mobility Solutions to Local Communities.

Next Day Access is pleased to announce the opening of Next Day Access Oklahoma City. The franchise location, provider of residential and commercial accessibility and mobility solutions, is owned by husband and wife David and Angelia Goss.

David and Angelia Goss are managing partners of Next Day Access Oklahoma City. Before becoming a business owner, David started his professional career as a mechanical engineer working as a government civilian in the United States Air Force, managing the plant and equipment at the Tinker Air Force base. He also furthered his education with a Master’s in Business Administration; David retired from the Air Force with 34 years of service. Angelia has been a nurse for 30 years. She retired as a full-time nurse three years ago and is currently an adjunct skills/clinical instructor. Once they open, Angelia will be fully immersed in her new role as a managing partner and will be focusing on the business development side.

The idea of opening an accessibility business sparked when he and his wife became caretakers for Angelia’s father, which resulted in modifying their home. David renovated their bathroom himself to create a safer space for his father-in-law and a more efficient, accessible space for themselves as caretakers. With his mechanical engineering and managerial background, David felt opening a Next Day Access franchise was the right fit.

“Everyone we’ve met at Next Day Access has been great to work with and has made us feel comfortable during this process,” said David. “We’re excited to open and begin helping people by providing mobility solutions.”

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

To learn more about Next Day Access Oklahoma City, click here.

It is that time of year when many pool companies are overwhelmed with business as people begin closing their pools for the season. If you have a residential or commercial pool lift, it’ll need to be closed for the season so that the weather elements do not cause any damage to the lift.

What is a pool lift?

A pool lift is mobility equipment. There are portable, stationary, battery-powered, and more types of lifts. The lifts are designed to lower a person with limited mobility into a pool. The user sits in a chair that acts as a transfer bench. Using a motor, the chair swivels to a position that puts the user in the pool and then later lifts the person from the pool.

The pool lift requires routine maintenance and care. Having a maintenance and cleaning routine for your pool lift ensures that the equipment remains in good working condition.

During the summer, when the lift is being used often, it should be inspected for missing or loose hardware. The battery should be functioning properly with an adequate charge, and it would be best if it was also rinsed daily with fresh water.

You should wash all the components with mild soap and fresh water each week. You may also need to use a soft brush to remove rust or staining. The pool lift comes with an actuator tube. We recommend that you put the tube in its fully extended position so that you can clean the entire tube. Remember, most of these components are coming into proximity, and some pieces fully emerged into harsh chemicals, like chlorine.

To maintain the lift’s structural integrity, do a monthly corrosion inspection. If you notice any components show excessive corrosion, contact Next Day Access so we can get you replacement parts.

Once you close the pool and the lift, you should keep the lift’s battery charged. If you allow the battery to deplete fully, you could damage the battery. We also recommend that you have a spare battery so that one can be charged if the other one is in use. Keep in mind that temperature extremes can also affect battery performance and lifespan. The batteries should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment. It is also critical that the controller terminals and battery are kept clean to ensure they are making electrical contact.

At Next Day Access, we provide several types of pool lifts and are happy to answer any questions you have about pool lift maintenance. The lifts are a significant investment, so you will want to be sure they are looked after properly. If you are looking for a pool lift, we encourage you to contact us for an in-home consultation. We can help you determine the perfect lift for your pool.

Next Day Access offers custom curved and straight stairlifts to meet the needs of our customers. Our stairlifts help you comfortably and confidently move safely from ground level to the next level, all while aging in place.

How do stairlifts work?

A stairlift helps people with limited mobility get safely from the ground floor to the second floor. It is basically a chair that travels along a track or rail that has been mounted to a staircase. The stairlift requires connection to a 13-amp socket.

If there is not one in the vicinity of the staircase you can hire an electrician to install one. Since they are mounted to the rail or track, they are compatible with most staircases. It does not matter if the staircase has walls or banisters on either side. Stair Lifts In

What if I lose power?

Since our stairlifts are also battery-powered, there is a battery at either the top or bottom of the stairs. The stairlift will be charging anytime it is not in use. When you experience a power outage, your fully charged stairlift will continue to run several trips before needing to be charged again.

What is the weight capacity of a stairlift?

You can purchase heavy-duty lifts with a weight capacity of up to 600 pounds. These lifts will also have a comfortable chair to suit the user. The standard stairlift weight capacity is generally 300 to 350 pounds. The seats on the standard lift are also designed to be comfortable.

My staircase is curved, and complicated-will a stairlift still fit?

For a large majority of homes, yes, the stairlift will fit. Now, if you have narrow or rounded stairs, they may not fit a stairlift, but we can try to find a solution that works for your home. If you have stairs with curved on the end, we can provide you with a curved stairlift.

We determine how to design your stairlift by coming to your home and taking a photo survey with a 3-D camera. The images are then sent to the manufacturer to construct your custom railing.

If I only need a stairlift for a short time, can I rent one from Next Day Access?

We understand that there are many reasons you could need a stairlift for a short time. Maybe you have a temporary injury, or a relative or friend visiting that will need to use a stairlift. Unfortunately, curved stairlifts are unavailable since they are custom-made, but you can rent a straight stairlift.

Stairlifts from Next Day Access are available in various models and styles, so you can easily find one that matches your style and budget. Our stairlifts are elegantly crafted and can meet the needs of all sizes. Contact your nearest Next Day Access if you have more questions about stairlifts or if you would like to schedule an in-home consultation.

Next Day Access is pleased to announce the opening of its Next Day Access Kansas City. The franchise location, provider of residential and commercial accessibility and mobility products, is owned by April Springer, Chris Bakalars, and Carl Loge.

Bakalars, a veteran of the US Army, and Loge, a multi-faceted business owner, bring nine years of experience together in the Next Day Access business. Along with their newest location in Kansas City, they have locations in Minneapolis and Pittsburgh. Springer joined Next Day Access Minneapolis in 2020 as their Operations Manager and has been substantial in the business’ growth.

Springer now joins Bakalars and Loge as a partner in Next Day Access Kansas City. The three are excited to expand their business to reach and help more people in need of accessibility products in the Kansas City area.

“Joining Next Day Access was a new industry and career for me. I have always wanted to own a business and provide a service that helps others,” said Springer. “Starting in an operational role in the company really helped me understand the infrastructure needed to succeed in this enterprise. My business partners know and have experienced much of it already themselves. I wouldn’t be where I am without them or the other owners and partners in this industry I’ve met along the way.”

Learn more about Kansas City Next Day Access.

About Kansas City 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.

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.

“People are not confined to their wheelchairs. They are, in fact, liberated by their wheels. A person with paralysis can get around as quickly in a wheelchair as a non-disabled person can walking,” said the Christopher Reeve Foundation. When you have the perfect wheelchair for you, you have better mobility and are more comfortable, and your chair is more accessible for you to use.

Many factors go into choosing the perfect wheelchair, such as your abilities, types of usage, and cost. To help you choose, here is a list of available wheelchair options.

Manual Wheelchair Options

You could find a manual chair more comfortable if you have more upper body strength. The manual chairs are propelled by using your arms and hands to push the wheels forward.

Today’s wheelchairs weigh significantly less and come in a variety of styles. These lightweight versions are easier to fold and put in and out of cars. You can now find manual chairs with a suspension option that gives a much smoother ride.

If you choose, you can add products to these chairs like “frog legs”. The frog legs also aid in suspension. Another invention for manual chairs is the super-light titanium chairs that aim to be easier on the user’s shoulders.

You can also change out the tires so that they can work easier over harder terrain. For example, if you want to go off-road, some tires accommodate the rough and rocky roads. There are rims for tires called FlexRim tires that help create a more accessible, low-impact push, which helps protect arms and hands.

Power Chairs

If a person finds it difficult to push a wheelchair, there are power wheelchairs and scooters that will do the work for them. The power chair uses a joystick controlled by an electric motor.

There are many different styles of power chairs. A traditional power chair resembles a manual wheelchair but carries the bulk of the batteries, motor, and control system. However, you can also find them with a captain’s chair-style seat on top of a power base.

Innovation has given a wider choice for power chairs. You can find light, fast and powerful power chairs these days. New models can be off-road ready, can fold for travel, and be customized for the most complex needs of people using a wheelchair.

Specialized Wheelchairs

There are wheelchairs for children, wheelchairs that tilt or recline, and standing wheelchairs for people to put themselves in a standing position to prevent pressure sores and improve circulation.

Special chairs are also designed for sports and leisure, such as basketball or tennis. There are even beach wheelchairs with tires to navigate the sandy beach terrain.

We hope that sharing these available wheelchair choices can help you determine the best wheelchair for your scenario. If you cannot choose the right chair, Next Day Access is here to help. Do not hesitate to contact your nearest Next Day Access location to schedule a consultation. We will work with you by presenting our various models and sharing the information you need to determine which wheelchair suits you best.

Curious about wheelchair ramps? Watch this quick video to learn 5 common types of wheelchair 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.

When given the choice, 90% of aging adults would like to stay in their home rather than move into an assisted living community or retirement home. This is called aging in place. At Next Day Access, our specialty is providing the necessities needed for aging adults to age in place safely. Therefore, we have compiled some tips to keep aging adults safe and relaxed in their homes.

Fall Proofing

1. Try to keep from falling. You can do this by practicing exercises that help with fall prevention (we have some exercises listed in a previous blog that you can do from the comfort of your home.). If you have fallen before, you are more likely to fall again. Investing in a particular alarm you can wear and press if you fall is a good idea. That way, if you fall and cannot get to the phone to call for help, help will still be on the way.

You can also ensure your home is “fall-proof” by adding rubber slip-resistant mats in the bathroom or kitchen, investing in a walk-in tub, and installing grab bars and shower handles. If you must have rugs in your home, be sure they are taped down, so you do not slip on them. Keep paths well-lit and clear of clutter and consider investing in hallway railings.

Lastly, if you have a walker or cane, always use it rather than holding onto furniture or walls while walking through your home.

Emergency Contacts

2. Keep emergency numbers nearby or stored where you can easily access them in your phone. You should have a list of emergency contacts, as well as poison control, your local police station (not just 911), and your healthcare provider’s number.

The number for poison control is 1-800-222-1222.

Safety Practices

3. Protect yourself from fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. When cooking, do not wear loose garments. If your appliances have damaged electrical cords or are popping while cooking, it is time to invest in a replacement. Make sure you have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home and that the batteries are always up to date. If you rent your home, it is a law that they provide smoke detectors. You may have to purchase a carbon monoxide detector. If you have a gas stove, ensure all burners are turned off completely. The burners can emit dangerous gas if not turned off completely. Lastly, never leave candles burning or smoke in bed.

Medication Organization

4. Keep your medications organized. Keep your medicines in their original bottles so you do not mix them up. Ask your pharmacist to adhere large print labels on your medication bottles so you can see exactly what you are taking. Bring your medicine bottles to every doctor’s visit so they can ensure you are taking them correctly.

Alarm System

5. Keep safe from criminals. The best way to deter burglars is by installing an alarm system. They even make ones with cameras mounted at your door or near windows to see who is on your doorstep or near windows. In addition to an alarm, never let a stranger inside your home. If they are there for repairs, have them show you proof of their business relationship with the company you hired. Keep all doors and windows locked at all times. Never share your personal information, such as your social security number or bank information, with a stranger on the phone.

We hope these tips will help you feel safe and more relaxed at home. When you feel safe, it helps you feel more relaxed. Next Day Access can help you secure your home in many ways. Contact your nearest Next Day Access location for more information or to schedule an in-home consultation.

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.

What is a wheelchair porch lift?

3 Reasons to Invest in a Wheelchair Porch Lift

Porch lifts are space efficient

Porch lifts are a great safety solution

The porch lift gives its user more independence

What is a pool lift?

About Kansas City Next Day Access

Manual Wheelchair Options

Power Chairs

Specialized Wheelchairs

4 Tips for Living with Arthritis

Eat a Diet Rich in Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Exercise Regularly

Stop Smoking

Assistive Devices

Fall Proofing

Emergency Contacts

Safety Practices

Medication Organization

Alarm System

The Cost of a Stair Lift is Worth It

Greater Independence

Financially Responsible

Avoid Stress

Customer Reviews

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