home safety Archives

Aging adults need to be cognizant of heat stroke since their bodies do not adjust to high temperatures like they once did. This causes them to be more susceptible to dehydration. It is especially critical for adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease because they may not realize that they are overheating and need to cool down. Sadly, 36% of heat-related deaths reported in the United States were of people over 65. To keep aging adults comfortable and safe, here are some ways to help them stay cool.

Make sure they drink plenty of cold water throughout the day. It is also a good idea for them to avoid caffeine or alcohol.
Cook them light cold meals, such as chicken or pasta salad, instead of heavy, greasy meals.
For a snack, give them popsicles low in sugar; you could even make the popsicles yourself or use frozen fruits like berries or grapes.
If their house does not cool down enough, take them to a place you know the air conditioning will be cool, such as a mall, senior center, or library.
Keep a cool washcloth on the back of their neck and a bowl of ice-cold water nearby to replenish the towel’s coolness. You could also have them keep their feet in a basin of cool water.
If the washcloth method is not working, put them in a cool shower or bath. For optimal cooling, the recommended water temperature should be right below the body temperature.
If there is not already an air conditioning unit in the adult’s primary sitting area, check into investing in one. You can also find places that will rent them if that is a better financial decision. This will have a tremendous impact on cooling them down.
If you cannot afford an air conditioning unit, check into neighboring senior centers to see if any have been donated. During sweltering months, cities will often have donation drives specifically so aging adults can receive a unit.
Keep the shades drawn during the hottest parts of the day. Also, look into inexpensive curtains called mylar solar curtains. These curtains keep UV rays from penetrating through the glass as harshly.
Dress them in lightweight, breathable fabrics.

At Next Day Access, we specialize in keeping aging adults and people with disabilities comfortable and safe in their homes. We offer products specifically designed to make life easier for them. We encourage you to contact a Next Day Access near you to see the many ways we can help.

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.

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.

MEMPHIS, TENN. JULY 22, 2022 – Next Day Access Memphis receives the Deborah Cunningham 2022 Access Award from the Memphis Center for Independent Living for its initiatives in increasing access in the community. The awards ceremony will be held at Crosstown Concourse on Friday, July 29th, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Next Day Access Memphis is a local provider of accessibility and mobility products. They sell and install wheelchair ramps, grab bars, stair lifts, elevators, and more. Their mission is to help residences and businesses keep aging loved ones, individuals with disabilities, and patrons safe and independent.

The Deborah Cunningham Access Award recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses for their significant contributions to removing barriers or increasing access for people with disabilities in the community. Deborah Cunningham was the Executive Director of the Memphis Center for Independent Living and a national activist for disability rights. She advocated for accessible public transportation, affordable, and integrated housing, and equal access to public accommodations in Memphis and the surrounding areas.

“We are honored to receive the Deborah Cunningham Access Award,” said Greg Inman, Next Day Access Memphis Branch Manager. “I am blessed to have a team that is not only hardworking but passionate towards providing solutions to keep members of our community safe and independent in their homes.”

“Next Day Access provides people with disabilities in our community with ramps that enable them to move freely in and out of their homes which enables them to participate in their community,” said Christina Clift, Consumer Advocate at the Memphis Center for Independent Living. “They treat people with dignity and work with their financial situation to find a solution. We are happy to award Next Day Access the Deborah Cunningham Access Award.”

About Next Day Access

Next Day Access is a local 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.

Take your home to the next level with a Pollock residential elevator. If you have accessibility concerns and choose to age in place, installing an elevator will make navigating your home more manageable. Pollock Lifts Shaftless Elevators have been manufactured by Pollock for 35 years. Pollock offers three different sizes of their residential elevators:

Compact-a single person elevator
Twin-it is still compact but fits two people comfortably
The wheelchair-the largest of the three- holds anyone in a wheelchair, so they can easily maneuver through their home.

The travel distance of the elevator is 13 feet 9 inches. So, the elevator can fit in most homes. In addition, the elevator travels on rails, which means you have open living space when the lift is not in the room. It is manufactured with the highest safety standards.

Additional Benefits of Pollock Elevators

We offer quick elevator installations and can usually get them installed in a matter of days. The installation team gets in and out, leaving your property better than it looked before the installation.

There is a full warranty. In the unlikely event the elevator breaks down, the lifts come with a 12-month warranty for all parts and labor. Our support team is also available for you 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

If there is a power outage, the elevator has a dedicated battery backup, so it will always return to the ground floor. Then using a manual lever, you can open the doors and exit the elevator.

Here are just a few of the standard features you can expect with your Pollock elevator:

Traction drive
Quiet Travel
Safety/sensor edges
Self-leveling if floors are uneven
Wireless remote control
Soft start and stop
Large vision panels with LED lighting

You can also add optional extras such as:

Faster motor
In elevator phone
Handrails
Heavy Duty Capacity
Mood lighting
Tip-up Seat
Power-operated door

Pollock Elevators Near Me

The Pollock elevators originated in England, but you can find them specifically at Next Day Access. At Next Day Access, we aim to provide as many accessibility and mobility options as possible. In addition, we understand that you would probably rather age at home than go to a nursing home, so we offer several products that help you age at home comfortably and safely.

Once someone suffers from a stroke, they often develop new limitations or a physical disability. Their first challenge is transitioning back home from the hospital or skilled nursing unit. Since a stroke comes with no warning, the house may not be equipped for new disabilities and physical challenges.

Nearly one-third of stroke survivors are permanently disabled after their stroke. This means they are no longer able to do many of the things they did previously without assistance.

Home Modifications for Stroke Survivors: 6 Helpful Ideas

To help stroke survivors transition home more smoothly, caregivers should evaluate the home for modifications to support the stroke survivor and make them feel safe and comfortable at home. Here are six tips for home modifications for stroke survivors that will make the transition easier for them.

Reorganize

Reorganize to accommodate mobility aids. If the stroke survivor needs a wheelchair, Next Day Access has an abundance of wheelchairs or scooters to help them better maneuver the home. We also provide many styles of wheelchair ramps. If the home has stairs, we also offer various stairlifts.

We even have porch lifts that can raise the wheelchair user to the patio or porch level of a home. Be prepared to rearrange furniture to make room for wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids.

Modify the Bathroom

Get to work in the bathroom. Install grab bars and shower handles. Wet slippery surfaces can cause issues for most, but they can be especially disastrous for someone with a physical impairment. Invest in a shower stool and non-slip mats for the bathroom.

At Next Day Access, we can easily install a walk-in tub. Walk-in tubs help tremendously when trying to avoid slips when entering the tub area.

Change the Bed

Modify the bed. Sometimes a standard bed may be too low for stroke survivors to get into safely and comfortably. You can raise the bed with bed risers or rent an adjustable hospital bed.

There are all sorts of adjustable beds on the market today if you would rather the room not have a hospital look. You will also want to look into bed rails to keep your loved one from falling out of bed overnight.

Rearrange the Kitchen

Reposition items in the kitchen. Make sure things used daily are convenient to reach and consider changing the knobs on cabinets to pull knobs. You can also have cabinets with drawers that slide out for easier reach. Another tip is to place pantry items or dishes in lower cabinets.

Reconfigure the Changing Area

Reorganize the closet and dressing area. Add a chair into the wardrobe so your loved one can sit comfortably while dressing and have clothes hanging low in the closet for easier access.

Add Dressing Aids

Include dressing aids in the closet. You can purchase zipper pullers and button hook aids, grabbing tools for out of reach items, shoehorns to help put on shoes, and many other devices to help your loved one feel more independence and privacy while changing.

How Next Day Access Can Help

At Next Day Access, we are more than prepared to help you figure out everything you need to modify the home for stroke survivors. Even if the stroke survivor is expected to make a full recovery, we have items you can rent to ease their return home.

If your loved one is not likely to make a full recovery, we provide an abundance of mobility equipment and accessibility devices at fantastic prices. These products help the stroke survivor regain a feeling of independence at home while also staying safe.

Our experts are happy to set up an in-home consultation to walk you through the house, showing you precisely the necessary modifications. We also have an installation team that works quickly and efficiently if you need things installed immediately.

When a stroke happens, we hope you will contact us as soon as possible. We will do all we can to provide you with the knowledge and products you need for your new normal.

You often see automatic door openers when entering a store or commercial business. This is extremely helpful for people using wheelchairs or anyone with mobility difficulties. It is a feat to get a large, heavy, commercial door open. Now imagine trying to open it if you have a disability.

One of the top ways automatic doors benefit your business is by accommodating the needs of all who enter. Automatic doors make entering your business convenient for everyone. Automatic doors consist of hands-free sensors, which make entering easier for those needing additional assistance.

Here are a few other reasons your business needs automatic door openers:

Increases Your Security

Next Day Access offers many distinct types of automatic doors. Certain automated doors can be equipped with additional security features. One of the increased security features offered is the addition of controls or sensors which allow you to monitor who comes in and out of your property.

Conserves Energy

Automatic doors help cut back on building-wide energy usage. The automatic doors can run on low voltage, meaning they will cost you less to run over an extended period. Automatic doors are also insulated, which helps maintain your building’s internal climate. Also, since the doors are only opened when a patron walks into your business, there is less loss of heat occurring through open doors.

Safe Hygienically

Since you do not need to touch automatic doors to open them, they are easier to keep sanitary and clean. This helps to limit the spread of illnesses.

Aesthetically Appealing

Automatic doors look nice and inviting. Using automatic doors creates an aesthetically pleasing entryway into your business as it has a welcoming vibe that is good for business. You can find automatic doors that look contemporary and sleek.

Improves Business

Customers prefer to shop where it is inviting and convenient. Also, since your doors allow everyone to enter your business, you have a higher traffic flow throughout the business, equating to higher sales.

At Next Day Access, we offer several styles of automatic doors. From the standard Open Sesame Large Wireless Wall Push Pad style to the Open Sesame Model 133-an automatic door opening system for free-swinging doors. Contact your local Next Day Access to schedule a free consultation. Our experts can help you figure out the perfect automatic door openers for your business.

In Canada, every June is Brain Injury Awareness Month. The reason we honor those with brain injuries is to shine a light on an often-invisible illness.

It all began when brain injury associations across Canada came together to enlighten people about a disability that affects more than 1.5 million people in often complicated, unique, and challenging ways.

Why Run These Campaigns?

By running these campaigns in national, provincial, and local areas, the hope is the existing obstacles and the prevalence of brain injuries will make people see the need for more services and support at all stages of brain injury recovery.

The people behind the scenes of Brain Injury Awareness Month ask you to follow them on social media. They also ask you use the hashtags #ShineALightOnBrainInjury, #BrainInjuryAcrossAmerica, and #BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth.

What’s a Helpful Resource?

Brain injuries can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. One can find comfort in knowing there is support for people dealing with this obstacle. One fantastic website with information is braininjurycanada.ca.

You can find different ways to get involved including helping with campaigns and raising money for research. You can also become knowledgeable on brain injuries and how you can provide assistance and care. The website even has a section dedicated to health care professionals.

According to their website, Brain Injury Canada is a national charitable organization focused on education, awareness, and advocacy for the brain injury community. This resource site has been developed to be universally accessible and easy to navigate. It supports those living with acquired brain injury, their families/caregivers, and health care professionals. Prior to publication, all content on the website is first reviewed by one or more members of our Scientific Advisory Committee, all of whom have significant experience and are leading subject matter experts. Content is sourced using evidence-based resources included on source pages for your reference.

How We Can Help

At Next Day Access, we urge you to check out the Brain Injury Canada website. You can also help those suffering from brain injuries. Additionally, we at Next Day Access offer several different equipment and devices to help anyone living with a disability.

We understand how difficult it can be to adjust to a brain injury or any other form of disability. Our goal is to provide you or your loved ones with accessibility and mobility equipment to create a comfortable home. We offer equipment to help and home modifications to help keep loved ones safe at home. Contact us today and let us help.

Grandparents are special people in our lives, so it is essential to show them we care. Every year our nation honors grandparents by dedicating the month of June to Care for Your Grandparents Month. Sometimes it is not always easy to show our appreciation to our grandparents.

Many of them do not want to be a bother to us, or it may seem they have everything they need. There are many ways we can celebrate them. Here are a few ways you can show you care:

Provide Food

Take them out to dinner or cook them a nice meal. If you have small children, they can help prepare the meal. You could even see if you have a recipe from grandma to use for dinner. If your grandparents prefer to go out to dinner, take them to their favorite place.

Visit Often

Stop by and visit often. If you live nearby, stop by their home to visit as often as possible. Grandparents do not get out like they once could and can feel lonely at home, especially since the Covid virus. If you feel safe doing so, stop by just to say hello, even if you are waving from the windows. This is an excellent opportunity to let them know they are on your mind.

Send Mail

If your grandparents live far away, sending nice cards or letters are a lovely way to stay in touch. Of course, you should also call them to check up on them. Even if you only discuss the weather, the phone call will remind them that you think of them.

Teach Technology

Teach them to use technology. Setting up an iPad for your grandparents could mean a lot. They will be able to converse freely and see pictures they may not see otherwise. This is a wonderful way to help them feel connected to the outside world. You can show them how to look up things that interest them. For example, if your grandfather is an avid bird watcher, you can show him websites he can visit to give him all the information he wants about birds.

Help Clean

Help them clean around the house and the yard. As our grandparents get older, it is not as easy to mow the lawn, trim the hedges, sweep the floor, and put dishes away. We do not want our grandparents to feel uncomfortable in their home, and if a mess piles up, they are bound to get a little frustrated from the clutter.

Modify Home

Make sure their home is safe and up to date on the home modifications they need as they age. If you notice a grandparent is unsteady on their feet, install grab bars in the bathroom or rails in the hallways. Is it time for a wheelchair ramp or a stairlift? Many people add modifications before they need them, so the cost does not hit them all at once when they do need them.

At Next Day Access, we agree that grandparents are special, and we are honored to celebrate Care for Your Grandparents Month in June. If you notice your grandparents need any mobility equipment or they have accessibility concerns, we offer several solutions to keep them safe and comfortable at home.

From walk-in bathtubs to vehicle lifts we are sure to have whatever your grandparents need. Please check out all the products we offer to make your loved one feel more at ease and to give you peace of mind.

Being a caregiver is a noble endeavor. Whether you are a caregiver by profession or taking care of a family member, we know at times it is not easy, and you could suffer from burnout. According to Pew Research Center, 40 million adults in North America are taking care of someone who is chronically ill, disabled, or aging.

Many times, once you are feeling signs of burnout, your brain could be suffering a psychological condition brought on by unrelieved stress. Here are a few warning signs that you might be feeling burnt out.

Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout

You are always tired.
You have an issue with sleep-you either can’t sleep or have difficulty waking up.
Weight loss or weight gain due to changes in eating habits
A feeling of hopelessness
Neglecting your physical or emotional needs
Not spending time doing things you once enjoyed
Mood swings
Low immunity caused by stress
Beginning to get irritable with your patient or loved one
Physical problems like headaches or stomach aches
Anxiety about your future

Noticing these signs might upset you, especially if you genuinely care for the person you are helping, but you need to realize that you are only human. When your needs are not being met, burnout is bound to happen. Burnout does not mean you love them any less. It just means you need a break. Here are a few ways to avoid burnout as a caregiver.

How to Avoid Burnout as a Caregiver

Take care of yourself by making sure you eat a healthy diet and exercise. If possible, talk to a doctor about any sleep issues so you can get a good night’s rest each night.
Ask for help. No one can do everything. There are just not enough hours in the day, and it does not make you a terrible caregiver to ask for help. In fact, it makes you a better caregiver when you know your limitations.
Give yourself permission to get out of the house and enjoy yourself. Whether it’s getting a manicure or seeing a movie, invest in your happiness.
Check with your work regarding family leave benefits. This could help add more hours to your day.
Join a support group. Many other people are going through similar struggles and communicating with them can drastically improve your mood.
If you are a family caregiver, check into hiring a nurse from a company like Home Instead. They have nurses on call that can come and sit with your loved one to give you time to run errands etc.

At Next Day Access, one of our top goals is to be there for caregivers. Whether helping you decide on a wheelchair ramp or installing accessibility devices like grab bars in the bathroom, we exist to make life easier for you and your loved one.

We offer several different accessibility devices and mobility equipment to help you keep your loved one safe and comfortable as well as items that help put less strain on you, like patient lifts and walk-in bathtubs. We urge you to explore our website and see for yourself the many solutions we can provide for you and your loved one’s needs. Contact us today!