home accessibility Archives

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.

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.

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.

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.

Exercise is important during all phases of life, but it’s especially important for aging adults. It is essential for maintaining independence and flexibility among other benefits. To determine the best exercises for you, focus on activities that help with strength, mobility, balance, and breaking a sweat by increasing your heart rate. However, the best exercises for you are the ones you will want to do habitually. Here are 4 of the best exercises to break a sweat this summer.

Walking

Walking is one of the best ways older adults can achieve cardio. You can modify your speed to a comfortable pace and go a distance that feels right for you. Walking requires good balance but can still be done if you need the assistance of a walker or a cane. Spending time outside also promotes positive mental well-being by reducing anxiety and improving mood.

Swimming or Water Aerobics

For many reasons, swimming and water activities are considered the best exercise for aging adults. Swimming expands the heart and lungs, making them stronger and more efficient at pumping blood through the body. In Water Aerobics, there is a lesser chance of injury since water reduces strain on your body’s joints. Swimming also decreases overall inflammation and boosts the immune system while improving metabolic efficiency.

Yoga

You can start yoga at a beginner’s level and work your way up to a more strenuous yoga class; starting out, you will focus more on different breathing techniques and balance. You can still break a sweat in the beginner’s class, however! Moving through the various poses will help improve flexibility, balance, and strength.

Cycling

According to Forbes Health, cycling is one of the best aerobic exercises for aging adults due to its many health benefits. “Whether you choose to use a stationary bike or an outdoor bicycle, cycling requires using your larger muscles such as hamstrings and quadriceps. Cycling leads to increased blood flow and demand for the heart and lungs. With any form of cardio, when this demand is repeated, the body adapts by increasing its capacity to tolerate the added load making the exercise beneficial for the heart and the lungs.” An additional benefit to cycling is that it is a non-impact exercise that helps people who need to reduce ground reaction forces during workouts due to muscle or joint pain.

It is never too late to start exercising. Even if you start slowly by just lifting 3-pound dumbbells daily. You are increasing your vitality and getting on track for healthier living. A recent Swedish study found that physical activity was the number one contributor to adding extra years to your life. However, getting active is not just about adding years to your life. It’s about adding life to your years.

Would you love to have greater peace of mind that your loved one is safe and protected when you cannot be with them? An innovative new product aims to do just that for you. The product is called Smart Alert Tech. The product is a simple, unassuming way to monitor your loved ones and their daily lives.

How Does Smart Alert Tech Work?

The Smart Alert Tech is a Smart Plug that essentially serves as a plug-in plug. One part of the plug goes into the wall like usual, and then you plug something you know is used daily by your loved one at a particular time into the other side of the plug, such as a coffee pot or the television.

The product relies heavily on your loved one’s routine. As a result, you may want them to know that you will start to worry if they do not turn on the tv or coffee when they usually would. You then download the Smart Alert Tech app and check it every morning to see if they are up and starting their day with no problems. You can get multiple devices for added peace of mind if you want. Once you have paired the device, you can set the alarm to show that your loved one is maintaining their routine.

Benefits of Smart Alert Tech

The Endless Capability-the Wi-Fi plug works with nearly any electronic device. Just be sure to pick an electronic device your loved one uses every day and pair it with the Smart Plug

It is more than just a Smart Plug-since you pair the device with your phone and can use a dedicated app to monitor your loved one, and this makes the Smart Alert Tech an exciting new option for keeping our aging loved ones safe.

Offline Notifications-If you lose power or Wi-Fi and have an interruption in service, you will receive an alert via the app regarding the issue.

Virtual Access-From anywhere in the world, you can change alert times, set vacation timers, check electricity usage, and more. In addition, you can give access to other family members, caregivers, or friends through the App.

At Next Day Access, we are always excited to share any new and innovative ways to keep your loved one safe and give you peace of mind. We also offer many products to keep your loved ones safe when they decide to age at home. Whether they just need grab bars in the bathroom or a wheelchair ramp installed, we can help.