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Tag: stairlift

Disability Day is on December 3rd by the International Day of People with Disabilities, dedicated to bringing awareness and compassion for the challenges faced by people with disabilities. The theme for this year is leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-COVID- 19 world. With this goal, they hope to recognize the challenges, barriers, and opportunities for people with a disability.

Since March 2020, when COVID-19 began, many people were affected by drastic changes, such as working and primarily staying at home, being away from our loved ones, and masks. However, those with disabilities had several negative repercussions from COVID-19. Their social isolation was more pronounced, and there was a lack of emergency equipment to help individuals with specific needs.

Why Do We Celebrate Disability Day? 

According to the United Nations, the first annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons began in 1992. Since then, the day is celebrated to help create change and bring awareness for people with disabilities.  

Themes from Previous Years:

Since 1992, there have been several different celebrated themes. Some include: 

  • 2014: Sustainable development – the promise of technology 
  • 2012: Removing Barriers, open doors for an inclusive society and development for all 
  • 2007: Decent work for people with disabilities. 
  • 2002: Independent living and sustainable livelihoods 
  • 1998: Arts, culture, and independent living 

As seen above, some of the themes are about independent living. And at Next Day Access, we offer products and solutions to help aging loved ones and people with disabilities live independently at home for as long as possible. We offer accessibility and mobility solutions to keep your home safe. Contact us to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Posted in Celebrations & AwarenessesTagged , , , , , , , , , ,

When most people fall, it is common to get a bruise or scrape. However, if an older adult falls, the results are far worse, causing broken bones, head injuries, or worse. It is common for older adults to fall more frequently because of lower body weakness, difficulties with walking and balance, or vision problems. Studies show one out of every four Americans over the age of 65 experiences a fall each year.

There are many ways an older adult could slip and fall, but one of the biggest causes is misstepping. At most senior living facilities, you won’t find stairs, but what if your aging loved one wants to stay at home where stairs are inevitable? Fortunately, there are many ways to make your loved one’s home safe, even if stairs are present. 

How to Make Stairs Safer for Seniors Aging in Place:

  • Invest in a stairlift. At Next Day Access, we offer an assortment of stairlifts. Our stairlifts safely help your loved ones go up and down the stairs. Stairlifts are easy to use and can be installed within hours to a day, depending on your staircase.
  • Add non-slip strips. These strips can easily be applied with adhesive to the stairs. You could even apply them in areas of the bathroom that could get wet and slippery.   
  • Try to decrease stair time. Is it possible to reorganize the home where your loved one never needs to go to the second floor? Could their bedroom be on the lower level? You may not be able to cut out stair time entirely, but if you limit the amount of time your loved one spends on stairs, it may reduce the likelihood of falling.
  • Add hand railings to the stairs. If you do not have a set of sturdy hand railings on the stairs you should invest in them as soon as possible. The CDC even recommends have railings on staircases. Railings help with balance and support, reducing the chances of falling.
  • Do not use a carpet runner on stairs. Having a leveled floor is one of the best ways to ensure safety in your home. Although a runner is decorative for stairs, it can be a trip hazard for older adults. If you can avoid using rugs, it can help your loved one keep safe from tripping and falling.
  • Invest in ramps for outdoors stairs or single steps. Ramps come in all sizes and can be installed usually in less than a day. Next Day Access has a variety of ramps to fit your unique needs whether it be an outdoor or indoor ramp.

At Next Day Access, we provide, sell, and install accessibility and mobility solutions to keep your aging loved one safe and comfortable at home. We understand the danger of stairs for seniors and have many different products to help them navigate a home with stairs. Contact us to schedule your free in-home consultation. 

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html

Posted in Aging in Place, Fall PreventionTagged , , , , , , , , ,

The month of November recognizes the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, and social workers who serve their community proudly. These individuals play an essential role in our healthcare system and homes across the nation. To recognize their hard work and show appreciation, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) asked to celebrate November as Home Care and Hospice Month. 

“Home care and hospice nurses, therapists, aides, and other providers who choose to use their lives to serve our country’s aged, disabled, and dying. This noble work deserves our recognition and praise, and we celebrate November as Home Care & Hospice Month for that very reason.”  – NAHC President William A. Dombi. 

Hospice care professionals are an important role to end-of-life care and individuals who are terminally ill. They focus on helping someone with a terminal illness comfortably and increasing their quality of life. Hospice is usually offered in the home or a long-term care facility. 

Some of their services include:

  • Managing patient’s pain and symptoms
  • Emotional support
  • Providing medical equipment like wheelchairs
  • Teaching caregivers on how to provide the best care
  • Dietary counseling
  • Grief and loss counseling for patient and loves ones

Along with providing the best care for patients, a huge part of their job is also supporting families. So, they help with education, emotional and spiritual support, financial issues, and assisting with the patient’s hygiene.

“Within the hospice care setting, the looming reality of a patient’s death can be extremely hard for both patients and family members to accept. During this time, many difficult decisions must be made regarding treatments that will benefit the patient in their last weeks or months, often bringing quality of life concerns into play. Nurses step in at this time to guide patients and families confronting those tough decisions and helping them adapt to painful realities,” says the American Nurses Association. 

At Next Day Access, we recognize the noble work done by hospice teams. This November, we are proud to honor the individuals in our healthcare system who help make differences in lives. We are thankful for those who continue to work and study hard to help the community.  

Source: https://www.nahc.org/

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Inevitably there will come a time when you need a home health aide to take care of your aging loved one or even share the responsibility. Do not look at it like you are giving up, but instead, you are doing them a favor.  

For some parents approaching the subject of a caregiver, other than yourself, may cause them to be upset. However difficult the conversation can be, it could be the only way to ensure your aging loved one is receiving top notch care every day. To help you decide if your loved one needs a home health aide, here’s a list of warning signs.

A Lack in Personal Hygiene  

A change in personal appearance and behavior are common indicators that your loved one needs some help at home. You may not notice changes in personal hygiene, such as wearing dirty clothes. Notice your family member’s appearance and pay attention to their body odor. These are some signs your aging loved one could be letting their hygiene go. It can become too troublesome for them, or it could be memory loss.

Often, as adults age, their skin becomes thinner and thus more brittle, and a shower could physically hurt them. It could be time for sponge baths.

Weight Loss 

This could sneak up on you if you are used to seeing your parent/grandparent often. But if you find that your loved one appears thinner than what you consider their “normal” weight, it may be a sign of trouble for the future. Possible causes could be trouble with meal preparation, depression, memory loss or cognitive decline. 

It is common for people suffering from a memory impairment, such as Alzheimer’s to forget how to cook their food or even eat.

Housekeeping is No Longer a Priority 

If you notice your parent’s home is full of clutter and messy when it is typically in tip-top shape, this could be a sign that something is wrong. They could be too tired or even depressed to perform daily chores. Depression can cause them to neglect to keep the house clean. The bottom line, a messy home can cause a healthy person to become sick. Their mood will lift in a clean home, and they will relax and breathe easier.

If you notice items appearing in unusual places, for example, the container of coffee creamer tucked into the dishwasher rather than the refrigerator, or shoes placed on the table rather than beneath it, this could also be a sign of early-onset dementia, stroke, or even Alzheimer’s.

When to look for help?

If you find you are exhausted and overwhelmed trying to take care of your relative, it may be time to consider a home health care aide. The change could upset your loved one at first, but it is likely they will grow to appreciate the companionship and help around the house. Encourage and support them as you transition to finding a home health aide.

Next Day Access is in the business of improving the quality of life for seniors. We have a large variety of home modifications, accessibility devices, and mobility equipment to help older loved ones get around easier in their homes and while they are out in town. Contact us today for a free in-home consultation.  

Posted in CaregiversTagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Travel regulations eased since the onset of the Covid Pandemic. Now, many people are taking advantage of the cheaper flights to Europe. Europe is a beautiful place to vacation with great history. Given the older architecture, not every place in Europe is equipped with accessibility laws in place. Which can present difficulties with navigating a wheelchair or other mobility devices. Successful traveling with a mobility device to Europe requires a lot of research and planning, but it’s worth it. Here are a few tips to consider so you can travel safely abroad. 

Accessibility laws 

The United Kingdom and Germany’s accessibility laws are similar to America with their requirements for buildings and transportation. Yet, many countries do not have these same laws. Before traveling to Europe, research which countries have requirements that help citizens with a disability.

Book hotels in advance

Many hotels have very few accessible hotel rooms, so booking hotels far in advance is ideal. When finding a hotel, try to stay in the most accessible parts of town. Look for towns that are not surrounded by hills or stairs. A good way to get an idea of the lay of the town is using Google Maps Street View.

Booking transportation online

In Europe, every training system has different boarding and booking procedures for mobility device users. Most times, you can book wheelchair spots online in advance. However, be aware that each line requires prior notification for a wheelchair reserved spot due to the low availability.

Accessible tour companies 

You can also find accessible tour companies. It is a great idea to book with a tour company, especially one that knows the ins and outs of traveling with mobility equipment. A company that specializes in accessibility tours will take you to the most convenient, smoothest, and shortest routes. It will alleviate a lot of stress when you know your accessibility needs are better met and understood. 

Lastly, enjoy your trip! You’ve done as much planning as you can, and now that’s left is exploring the European history, culture, and beautiful architecture. If you’re in need of a power chair, scooter, or other accessibility and mobility products to help you navigate through Europe, contact your local Next Day Access business.

Posted in Health & WellnessTagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

World Occupational Therapy Day is on Wednesday, October 27th of this year. This day was initially launched to celebrate and heighten the visibility of occupational therapy. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Belong. Be you.” This year’s theme promotes the power of diversity and inclusion as we work together to build community and resilience. 

What is Occupational Therapy? 

Occupational therapy teaches you how to adapt. After an illness or injury, tasks may not be as easy as they used to be, especially if the pain is involved. Your OT will set up a plan to improve the way you accomplish activities. They determine if you need to learn how to do things in a completely new way or if you need assistance with remembering how you once performed the task. If they notice the lesson is painful, they will help you figure out how to achieve your everyday activities with minimum pain.

People with the following struggles find enormous relief when they see an occupational therapist: 

  • Spinal cord injury 
  • Low vision  
  • Alzheimer’s disease 
  • Poor balance 
  • Cancer 
  • Diabetes 
  • Multiple sclerosis 
  • Cerebral palsy 
  • Mental health or behavioral issues 
  • Joint replacement 
  • New Injuries that change the way the patient will function through life 

Occupational Therapists Aid Seniors Choosing to Age in Place 

While Occupational Therapists excel at helping those with an injury, disability or illness, they can also help if you have an older loved one choosing to age in place. They can teach them how to adjust to daily life, whether it be bathing, dressing, or learning how to adapt to home modifications.

At Next Day Access, we are proud to aid occupational therapists when they need products for their patient’s homes. We have a wide variety of mobility equipment, home modifications, and accessibility products to help ensure that anyone living with a disability or aging in place is secure and comfortable at home. You can even contact us for a free in-home consultation.  

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Have you reached the point in life where it is time to take care of the parents or grandparents that once took care of you? As your loved ones grow older, they often need help with small tasks like picking up groceries, making health-related decisions, or bathing. Whatever their needs may be, it is essential to be supportive and not overbearing. Here are a few steps to help guide you as you navigate supporting an aging loved one. 

Step 1: Assess Their Needs 

Assessing your loved one’s needs is most important when learning to be supportive rather than making them feel like they have not lost their independence. Experts recommend considering the following issues seniors often face to help you better assess their needs:

  • Family support 
  • Home safety 
  • Medical needs 
  • Cognitive health 
  • Mobility
  • Personal hygiene 
  • Meal preparation 
  • Social interaction 

How well do they handle each area listed above? Try to monitor their ability to address each of these areas on their own. Regarding family support, is there another family that can help? If so, it is an innovative idea for you to keep a family notebook. In this notebook, you can share with family when you notice they might lack the ability to care for themselves or are unsafe. You can work together to make the necessary changes.  

Step 2: Be Financially Prepared 

As parents or loved ones grow older, they may need help managing finances. While having conversations about money can be awkward, and some may want to avoid it, discussing it now can help prepare for the future. You can start the conversation by asking about essential documents, gathering information about accounts and key contacts, and helping with deciding long-term plans. If you talk to your loved ones now, it will give them more control over financial decisions, so you aren’t overwhelmed with what they would want in an emergency.

Step 3: Install Home Modifications 

To avoid your loved one from sustaining an injury in their home, having accessibility experts evaluate their home for any safety concerns is essential. Older adults fall easier, and a fall can cause injuries or even death. With home modifications, such as grab bars or stairlifts, your loved one can live comfortably and safely at home.

It is a noble endeavor to take on someone else’s needs. It can sometimes feel daunting, yet if you have a plan, you will be more capable of meeting your loved one’s needs. Next Day Access is here to help. Next Day Access can assist you with determining the home modifications you will need to ensure your loved one stays as safe as possible. Contact us for a free in-home consultation. 

Posted in Caregivers, Finances, Health & WellnessTagged , , , , , , , , ,

If you or a loved one is feeling trapped in their own home due to the fact they can’t access their various levels of their home, we have a cost-effective solution for you. Installing a stair lift may be just what you’re looking for. Designed to provide safe accessibility, we can help you find and install just what you’re needing. Take a look at these added benefits of installing a stair lift.

1. Ensured Safety:

You no longer have to worry about the tricky stairs along with the trips and falls they cause. As the sense of balance diminishes as we age, moving things up and down a set of stairs can turn into a true hazard, real fast. Adding a stair lift in the home is one way to help provide peace of mind for both parents and children.

2. Comfortable and Trusted Design:

We work with brands that we believe in their products and we trust and know will get the job done. If you have a curved or straight staircase, we can help you find the right model. Most models are designed so they aren’t in the way in the high traffic area of a staircase.

3. Greater Sense of Independence:

Our loved one may face emotional struggles as they have to rely on others to help them around the house but adding a stair lift can help them regain a little bit of that lost independence. They’ll be able to move safely about their home and someone doesn’t have to always be there watching over their shoulder. Think about what that could mean for a loved one.

To learn more about the stair lift brands and products we care visit our website here. No matter the stair case, budget or look you’re wanting, we have something for everyone. Contact us today to find a dealer near you.

Posted in Aging in PlaceTagged , , Leave a Comment on Three Benefits of Installing a Stair Lift in Your Home

stair-lifts-home-accessibility-next-day-accessA stair lift can change your entire home and the way you are able to enjoy it. Problems with staircases and the physical acts of climbing and descending stairs are ended with a stair lift from Next Day Access and its locally owned and locally operated franchise.

It’s often a necessary addition to the home, and we applaud those who make the decision to install a stair lift. Why do we applaud people who put a stair lift in their home? Because it is a brave and bold move to acknowledge that things are not as they once were and that a bit of assistance is now required. There is joy in this purchase because one’s house becomes one’s beloved home again. And Next Day Access can take care of your needs for a stair lift outside the home as well as in it.

Customers often worry about the installation and how it will change their home’s structure. Nothing is done to the structure of the home to alter it any way.

Our payment plans should ease anyone’s concerns about the affordability of a stair lift. We not only work for you, we work with you. Our “Whole Home-Whole Life” approach means comfort and accessibility in your current home.

Next Day Access will develop a turnkey solution to let you remain in your residence comfortably and for longer. Figuring out mobility solutions in your home can be a puzzle. We supply the critical pieces.

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