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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

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. 

“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.

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. 

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 21st 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. You can use the lift for multiple functions, including lifting heavy items. 
  5. 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. 
  6. 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. 

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