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A mobility scooter can provide a significant amount of independence for seniors who have mobility limitations. However, this independence comes with the responsibility to ride safely to protect yourself and others around you. In many ways, a mobility scooter should be treated as a vehicle in that it should be maintained regularly, and proper precautions should be taken when operating it. Staying aware is one of the main factors when operating a scooter, and here are some tips for staying safe at all times.

Practice First To Become Comfortable Operating One

If you’re new to riding a mobility scooter or if you’ve just received a different model, practicing in an open space with few obstacles is a great place to start. Practice making turns, getting a feel for how fast the scooter goes, how it reacts to bumps, and try navigating a scooter ramp if you can. One of the most ideal ways to get used to riding a mobility scooter safely is by practicing, so take advantage of every chance you get.

Make Sure Others Can See You

You may feel like you’re visible to everyone when riding a mobility scooter, but it’s not natural for vehicles to look for them. Ensure you are visible when riding on the side of the street so traffic can see you. Consider attaching a flag to the back and include lights and reflectors on all sides of the scooter so it can be seen from every angle, day or night. You can’t assume others are watching for you, so the goal is to make your scooter as visible as possible.

Know How To Navigate A Scooter Ramp

Whether you have a scooter ramp at your home or if you’re visiting a public place with one, take some precautions when navigating it. Always approach the ramp as straight as possible to ensure your scooter will fit and so you won’t have to make any unnecessary turns. Go slowly on a scooter ramp and if other people are walking on it at the same time, stop and let them go by rather than trying to avoid them by moving to the side.

Ride On Sidewalks Rather Than Streets

A mobility scooter can significantly enhance the senior living experience for many people. While scooters can often be operated on the streets, it’s safer to do so on sidewalks whenever possible. You don’t have to worry about traffic on sidewalks, and if other people are walking, they can easily move to the side for you. Plus, if you have any problems with your scooter, you can feel safer stopping on the sidewalk rather than having to stay on the street.

Next Day Access offers several mobility scooters to help seniors meet their needs. Our professionals will teach you some tricks to help you operate your scooter as safely as possible, and we encourage you to prioritize safety every time you sit on yours. If you’re ready to invest in a scooter or upgrade to a new one, contact us at any time, and we would be thrilled to help.

Whether you’re a business owner or homeowner, wheelchair ramp installation is a complex project. In addition to being ADA compliant, professional wheelchair ramp installation can give you peace of mind knowing it has been inspected for safety and will not negatively impact your independent living efforts. A wheelchair ramp is essential for people with mobility concerns, and here are some of the main reasons why installing one is a task that should be left in the hands of professionals.

Not Worrying About Architectural Barriers

Not many wheelchair ramps are exactly alike due to the architecture of the building. The good news is professional wheelchair ramp installers have seen virtually every obstacle thrown their way, and they can avoid any barriers while providing a safe and sturdy wheelchair ramp. Precise measurements and innovative designs are necessary for unique situations, and most of the time, these are better to be left in the hands of a professional.

Professionals Follow All ADA Guidelines

ADA guidelines are in place to keep ramps safe for all users. The average individual may not know all the ins-and-outs about ADA compliance, and if they do, they may not have the proper tools, equipment, or expertise to meet the guidelines when installing a ramp. Professionals are obligated to meet these standards, and you can feel a sense of peace knowing the ramp at your home is secure.

Sturdiness And Safety Are Priorities

It doesn’t take much for a wheelchair ramp to be unstable. For a person with mobility concerns, even the slightest wobble or sway from a ramp can be enough to throw them off balance and potentially injure themselves. A professional wheelchair ramp installer will not allow this to happen and will ensure it is completely sturdy before leaving your home. They will even allow you to use it a few times and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Many Professional Installers Are Cost-Effective

Most people make the mistake of installing a wheelchair ramp themselves simply because they believe the cost of hiring a professional installer is too high. But when you consider the cost of the materials, the time it takes, and the necessary tools you need to complete the project, you’ll likely see how cost-effective professional installers are. Plus, you have the added element of peace of mind knowing the project will be completed the first time correctly without having to make any changes.

The experts at Next Day Access are highly trained and qualified to install any wheelchair ramp. When you reach out to us for a free home assessment, we will closely evaluate your space to determine how the layout of the ramp will need to be and give you a precise cost estimate. We always recommend having our professionals install your wheelchair ramp to ensure safety, security, and peace of mind. Be sure to contact us today to get the process started with improving your independent living and reducing any mobility concerns you may have.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday event at your home and need to make it wheelchair accessible, or if you or a loved one experienced an injury or had surgery and will be in a wheelchair for a few weeks, temporary wheelchair accessibility is simple. Sometimes all you need is a portable wheelchair ramp that’s easy to use instead of the stairs leading to the inside of your home. Regardless of the mobility concerns you’re worried about, renting a wheelchair ramp is a simple process. If you don’t need a permanent wheelchair ramp at your home, then here are some wheelchair ramp renting tips to consider.

Consider The Duration You Need The Wheelchair Ramp

A portable wheelchair ramp can be installed quickly by a professional, but you need to think about how long you’ll need it to determine the installation date and the date it gets removed. If you’re simply accommodating a guest with mobility concerns, you can rent it beginning a few days before your event and have it removed a couple of days afterward. But if you need a portable wheelchair ramp through the duration of a short-term rehabilitation you may be going through, then ask your medical professional about the length you can expect to have mobility concerns. Most wheelchair ramp rental companies will allow you as long as you need, with the option to add a few more weeks or months if something unexpected arises.

Professionals Should Install And Remove The Ramp

While it may seem simple enough to install a wheelchair ramp on your own, this is a job most suitable for professional installers. They know exactly what to look for to ensure safety and security and can get ahead of any potential challenges before they become problems. And when it comes to removing the wheelchair ramp, rely on the professionals to do the job as well to ensure your home and the ramp doesn’t get damaged in the process.

Think About Indoor And Outdoor Use

Wheelchair ramp rental companies may offer everything from a portable wheelchair ramp to a threshold ramp and even a full ramp that can be installed outside the home. Think about how your home needs to be wheelchair accessible for the situation you’re in. If you go outside frequently, a ramp on your back porch may be a necessity. Various types of indoor ramps are also available to make navigating every area of the home easier.

Work With A Rental Company You Can Trust

There are plenty of wheelchair ramp rental companies out there, but make sure you work with a reputable one. Look at online reviews, the company’s history, licensing, and other important factors. Ask plenty of questions about your wheelchair ramp rental, and make sure the company gives you thorough answers. A wheelchair ramp installed incorrectly could have devastating consequences, which you won’t have to worry about when you work with the right company.

Next Day Access offers professional installation and removal of wheelchair ramp rentals. Be sure to contact us to discuss your needs, and we will accommodate any situation you may have.

Smartphone apps are designed to help you be more productive, make life more convenient, improve your lifestyle, and many other things. For wheelchair users, some smartphone apps could save your life or get you out of a situation where you’re in danger or trouble with no help. Independent living is often about utilizing the resources available to you to make life easier. Here are four valuable smartphone apps every wheelchair user should consider downloading and using.

Access Earth

The Access Earth app brings together a network of wheelchair users who exchange ideas and valuable information relevant to their lives. You can find out information like which restaurants are wheelchair accessible in your area, which attractions cater to wheelchair users, and other related information. The information comes from wheelchair users like you, so you can trust it’s reliable and useful and can help you plan for certain events or outings.

Wheelmate

The Wheelmate app is designed to help wheelchair users quickly find parking spots and wheelchair accessible restrooms. If you are always on-the-go at malls, shopping centers, grocery stores, or attend other events, turn on the Wheelmate app, and you’ll find a great parking spot quickly. It can be challenging navigating traffic in a busy parking lot or at a venue, but the Wheelmate app can take a little stress away.

ICE Standard With 911

The ICE Standard with 911 app is an essential app every wheelchair user should install on their smartphone. Most people have a lock screen on their smartphone that requires a password to enter. This is necessary for security purposes, but what happens if you’re experiencing a medical emergency and are unable to open your phone? The ICE Standard with 911 app is designed for you to input important health and medical information into the app, which can be accessed by medical personnel without needing your smartphone password. So if you’ve been in a wheelchair accident or experience another type of emergency, they can have access to your health information so they can make the appropriate decisions to help you.

Medisafe Pill And Med Reminder

An important part of independent living is keeping up with the medication you have to take regularly. This can be a challenge even if you stay at home most of the time. With the Medisafe Pill and Med Reminder, you’ll be alerted every time you need to take a particular medication. Simply spend a few minutes entering the necessary information, and you’ll always be reminded when it’s time to take your medication so you won’t risk missing a dose.
Next Day Access is here to help wheelchair users live life as normally as possible. Utilizing technology is a big part of independent living, and these smartphone apps can significantly enhance your quality of life. Give them a try and explore other apps that could help you live life as simply as possible. And if there’s anything we can do to assist, don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to share a great meal with family and friends you may not often see throughout the year. Many people overindulge in the meal and enjoy every bit of it, but you can still maintain healthy habits while doing so. Simple substitutions and alternatives can make for diabetes-friendly Thanksgiving dishes everyone can feel better about. And while you’re planning for hosting guests during the holiday, think about accessibility products like a threshold ramp to ensure everyone can arrive and leave safely. Here are some great diabetes-friendly dishes to consider preparing this Thanksgiving.

Sweet Potato And Apple Hashbrowns

If you enjoy the sweet potato casseroles topped with sugary marshmallows, then you may love this alternative. Slice sweet potatoes and apples into sticks and cook them in a small amount of oil in a skillet. Season them with your favorite seasonings and top them with a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet touch. It’s a simple and unique recipe that won’t take you long to prepare and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Apricot And Cranberry Sauce

Anyone who enjoys cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving should try this apricot and cranberry sauce recipe. Blending cranberries with dried apricots will reduce the sugar content of the dish, as well as provide beneficial minerals and antioxidants. With no added sugars, this is a side dish you can enjoy without feeling as guilty as you may feel with regular cranberry sauce.

Potato Medley With Roasted Herbs

This may be one of the simplest diabetes-friendly dishes that will be the biggest hit at your Thanksgiving meal. Baby purple potatoes are used since they can help you keep your healthy habits in check. Olive oil and fresh herbs are the ingredients that give these potatoes amazing flavor. Simply drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes, sprinkle them with fresh herbs and bake them in the oven for a healthy Thanksgiving dish.

Cauliflower Stuffing

Stuffing is one of the most popular Thanksgiving dishes, but it’s also one of the unhealthiest. If you’re preparing the stuffing this year, consider taking out the bread and substituting it with cauliflower pieces instead. With all of the other ingredients, herbs, and spices, your guests may not even be able to tell the difference in the taste.

Pumpkin Pie Parfaits With Greek Yogurt

The problem with traditional pumpkin pie is it’s not very healthy, and it’s easy to eat too much. Instead of eliminating pumpkin pie, consider creating a unique pumpkin pie parfait using Greek yogurt. The ingredients include pumpkin pie puree, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and nuts for a healthy sweet treat at the end of your great meal.

Next Day Access wants to help you plan your Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends. Whether you’re providing senior care or will be hosting seniors with mobility limitations, we can help you take the worry out of hosting people. A threshold ramp is simple to use temporarily and can make your guests feel more comfortable. Then you can just focus on preparing a great meal. If there’s anything we can do to help you this Thanksgiving, feel free to contact us at any time.

Shower safety is something that should be prioritized for seniors focused on independent living. Slipping and falling is common in the bathtub or shower, but many times it’s preventable by adding something as simple as a shower chair. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly three million people ages 65 and older are treated in the emergency department, and about one out of every five falls lead to severe injuries. Since the shower is one of the most likely areas of the home where falls occur, here are some tips for creating a safe shower environment for seniors.

Invest In A Shower Chair

A shower chair is a simple investment that can make showers more enjoyable for seniors. Standing for several minutes at a time could be challenging for seniors in general, and it adds to the stress on the body when they are worried about every step they take on the slippery surface. A shower chair can be positioned where they can sit and relax while still bathing properly and easily.

Strategically Place Grab Bars In The Shower Area

Placing grab bars in and around the shower area may be the most valuable addition to a senior’s shower space. These are much more sturdy than a towel bar and can provide a significant amount of stability when they need it most. Just have them installed at the proper height and in locations along the wall where you commonly stand or walk, and you can have peace of mind knowing you can maintain or regain balance when grabbing them.

Use Non-Slip Mats And Rugs On The Floor

Regardless of whether you have a traditional shower or a walk-in shower, the mats and rugs used on the floor can be problematic. Non-slip mats and rugs are essential to ensure they won’t slip out from under your feet when you step on them. Some rugs and mats are also slippery by nature when they get wet, so be sure to replace those as well. And as far as inside the shower goes, consider purchasing an anti-slip mat to reduce the risk of slipping and give you a little more traction at the same time.

Consider A Walk-In Tub

If getting in and out of the shower is becoming a challenge as you get older, it may be time to consider investing in a walk-in tub. These are designed for people to walk in and out of the tub with ease and without having to lift your feet very high. They come equipped with important safety features like an anti-slip surface, a comfortable seat, and items to grab onto to help maintain stability.

Bathroom safety is a high priority for seniors, and Next Day Access is here to help you create the safest environment possible. Whether it’s installing grab bars or renovating your entire bathroom to install a walk-in tub, we are here for you every step of the way. Preventing slips and falls in the bathroom is much easier than people think, and we can help identify potential hazards with a free home assessment. Be sure to contact us to schedule an appointment and create a safe bathroom environment.

The bathroom is widely regarded as the most dangerous room in a home, especially for seniors with limited balance and mobility. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, more than 33% of people age 65 and older will fall each year, and falling is the leading cause of emergency department visits and injury-related deaths. Many of these falls happen in the bathroom for various reasons, but the good news is many of them are preventable. Here are some bathroom safety tips to consider for every part of the bathroom.

Shower And Bathtub Modifications

If you prefer taking a shower over a bath, consider investing in a shower chair so you can sit and bathe. Anti-slip mats in the shower are also valuable to reduce the risk of slipping and falling significantly. And regardless of whether you primarily take a shower or bath, installing grab bars can help you maintain balance and regain balance if you feel like you’re slipping or don’t feel comfortable. Sometimes seniors get to the point where they need to sit down and take a bath but have a hard time getting in and out. If that’s true for you, then walk-in tubs are available to make the process easier, but they are more costly and require more extensive modifications.

Make The Bathroom Floor Safer

As careful as you may be when you’re in the bathtub or shower, you have to be even more careful when walking on the bathroom floor. Anti-slip rugs or mats should be used immediately outside the bathtub or shower, as well as in other areas you walk in the bathroom. Taking a warm shower can increase the humidity level in the bathroom significantly, and you may not realize the floor is slippery. Installing grab bars along the walls where you have to walk can help maintain balance as well.

Sink, Toilet, And Bathroom Storage Safety

If you have a hard time turning the water faucet on in the sink, consider replacing it with handles that are easier to grab and move. And if the sink or toilet is too high or low for you to access comfortably, then you may consider replacing them with newer versions that suit your needs a little better. Bathroom storage should also be a consideration since you need to be able to access certain items occasionally but don’t want them to be in the way. Consider storing extra rolls of toilet paper on top of the toilet tank, and keep your towels and other accessories in cabinets high enough to reach conveniently.

Next Day Access understands the importance of bathroom safety, and we are here to make the space as safe as possible. Sometimes all it takes are minor changes to improve the safety of a room significantly. With the increased risk of slipping and falling in the bathroom for seniors, the investment of grab bars or other safety products is well worth it. If you’d like us to provide you with a free home assessment and make suggestions to improve bathroom safety in your home, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Caring for a loved one with diabetes is more common than people think. According to the American Diabetes Association, over 10% of the United States population had diabetes in 2018, which equates to more than 34 million people. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart attack, stroke, hearing impairments, kidney failure, and many more problems. Seniors often need assistance managing their diabetes, so here are some caregiver tips to consider.

Commit To Lifestyle Changes With Them

Eating a strict diet and committing to an exercise routine can be difficult for seniors, especially if it hasn’t been their normal lifestyle for many years. When caring for a loved one with diabetes, consider committing to lifestyle changes with them so they can see you’re thoroughly engaged with helping them manage it. That way, you can talk to them about the challenges of the new lifestyle and what you experienced that made the situation better. Knowing they aren’t alone can help make healthy habits easier to achieve.

Work To Manage Stress

High levels of stress can harm a person’s blood sugar levels. Find out what triggers stress in your senior loved one and work with them to manage it. If watching the news on television makes them feel stressed, then make sure they don’t watch it, and you can just give them important information they need to know. You may also suggest they participate in stress-relieving exercises like yoga or meditation or picking up a new hobby to focus their attention on other things.

Promote Self-Monitoring

Even when you’re primarily responsible for caring for a loved one, there will be times when you can’t be present. Self-monitoring is important for seniors with diabetes to track blood sugar levels and understand what is healthy and unhealthy for them. Promoting self-monitoring may mean helping them keep a journal of what they do throughout the day and then explain how they feel afterward. They may be able to identify particular stressors and eliminate them or realize that exercise makes them feel great and participate more.

Strategically Coordinate Physical Activities

Exercise is important even for seniors with diabetes. However, it may not be safe to exercise when your senior loved one’s blood sugar levels are low. The most ideal times to engage in physical activities are roughly an hour after eating a meal, which correlates to when blood sugar levels are at their highest. Just be sure to keep water, snacks, and glucose tablets handy when exercising in case they get overexerted.

Developing healthy habits doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require some discipline. These caregiver tips can help make the process of managing a senior loved one’s diabetes easier, which can also give you some peace of mind. Caring for a loved one can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life and can significantly increase their quality of life at the same time. If you would like more tips about how to improve your senior loved one’s quality of life, contact Next Day Access today.

Cold and flu season is upon us. Now is an important time to revisit safety and prevention tips to keep seniors as safe and healthy as possible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu due to having weaker immune systems. Because of this, the vast majority of deaths caused by the flu occur in people ages 65 and older. Maintaining healthy habits during the winter is important, and here are some other tips to help prevent getting the flu or a cold.

Get A Flu Shot Early

The flu vaccine is designed to reduce the risk of getting the flu. Seniors need to get the flu vaccine, as well as anyone providing senior care. The earlier in flu season you can get the vaccine, the better. However, it’s not too late to get it even if you wait until several weeks into the season.

Keep Exercising

Since a weak immune system is one of the main reasons why seniors are more vulnerable to the flu, finding ways to strengthen it can reduce the risk of getting it. Exercising regularly can significantly boost your immune system, so it’s important to incorporate it while practicing independent living. If it’s too cold to exercise outside, make a little room in your home to do some light exercising. Even a small amount of exercise daily can go a long way in boosting your immune system and fighting off the flu.

Practice Proper Hygiene

Proper hygiene includes washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your nose, eyes, and mouth, disinfecting surfaces, and much more. Stock up on soap and hand sanitizer for this fall and winter season, so you’ll always have it available when you need it. When you get into the healthy habits of having great hygiene practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of getting sick.

Avoid Large Crowds When Possible

No matter how great your hygiene or overall health is, you increase your risk of getting a cold or flu when you are in large crowds. With the holiday season upcoming, avoiding crowds may be challenging, but you can still safely enjoy your time. Take necessary precautions by maintaining your hand-washing routine, try not to go in spaces without proper ventilation, and avoid contact with people who may not be feeling well.

Eat A Nutritious Diet

Boosting your Vitamin C intake can boost your immune system and potentially reduce the chances of getting a cold or the flu. Proteins like fish, yogurt, and eggs are also valuable for boosting the immune system. If you are unable to consume these regularly for any reason, consider asking your doctor about a supplement you can take to compensate.

Sometimes it’s the healthy habits you incorporate into your daily life that are more impactful than anything else when reducing the risk of getting the flu. Taking action now to boost your immune system and being diligent about it can help keep you safe and healthy all fall and winter long. If you need any other tips about fall or winter safety this year, contact us at any time at Next Day Access.

Aside from changing out the clothes in our closets from short sleeves and shorts to long sleeves and pants, we have to make some other adjustments as the seasons change and bring colder temperatures. Seniors practicing independent living may need assistance getting the home prepared for the winter, but they should also focus on themselves and what changes they will endure. Shorter days can lead to less physical activity and not as many social engagements, and now is the time to address them. Consider these ways seniors are impacted by the seasons changing.

Physical Challenges

Shorter days and less-than-ideal weather conditions during the winter lead to fewer opportunities to engage in outdoor activities. However, the aging population still needs to find ways to be physically active to maintain good overall health. Physical exercises don’t have to be strenuous, and sometimes simple stretches or balance exercises can be enough to keep the heart healthy. But by being inactive during the colder months, seniors could lose strength and balance and make it hard to recover and get back into being physically active when the weather warms up.

Nutritional Obstacles

We sometimes take for granted how beneficial it is for our bodies to be in the sun. With less daylight in the winter, you may not get as much natural vitamin D from the sun and need to pursue other alternatives. Consider eating foods high in vitamin D, like eggs or salmon, and drinking plenty of milk. And if it’s challenging to get your hands on fresh fruits and vegetables in the winter, stock up on frozen varieties to ensure you get enough vitamin C to remain as healthy as possible. The important thing is to be conscious of what you are putting into your body and prioritize foods and drinks with high nutritional value.

Fewer Social Interactions

Social interactions are important for senior living. While seniors may spend a lot of time outdoors socializing with neighbors or friends during the summer, the cold weather of the winter forces people inside their homes. Mental health is a focal point for senior living during the winter months. Even if you are unable to visit people in person as often, consider using video technology to talk to people and see their faces. Talking to someone every night can keep seniors socially active and maintain good mental health at the same time.

At Next Day Access, we want to help seniors make the transition to different seasons as easy and seamless as possible. The aging population usually spends the majority of their time indoors during the late fall and winter months, and sometimes home modifications can make the experience more pleasant. You should be able to feel comfortable and confident navigating your home, especially since you’ll be spending a lot of time in it. We would be happy to provide you with a free home assessment and discuss your needs, so feel free to contact us at any time.