home accessibility Archives

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.

Improving Mobility and Accessibility in Minneapolis | Next Day Access

“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.

Exploring Types of Wheelchair Ramps | Next Day Access | Accessibility & Mobility Solutions

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.

Mastering Bathroom Safety: All About Grab Bars | Next Day Access

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.

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.

Accessible Living Delivered in a Day | Next Day Access Mobility Solutions

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.

Vertical Platform Lifts: Safe & Durable Accessibility Solutions | Next Day Access

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.