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People with mobility limitations today have plenty of options to help them move around independently. Manual wheelchairs are very common, but they aren’t always the most ideal arrangement for people who need a mobility aid for daily use. The good news is there are alternatives to a manual wheelchair that can make life as easy as possible. Choosing a mobility device to satisfy your specific needs is important, and here are some of the alternatives to manual wheelchairs to consider.

Power Wheelchair

A power wheelchair is an essential mobility device for people who rely on a wheelchair to get wherever they need to go. Depending on how often you use a wheelchair and the type of terrain you typically ride on, you have various options to choose from. Some power wheelchairs are more portable than others, some have front-wheel drive versus back-wheel drive, and many other features to consider. The turning radius is one thing you need to look at closely, especially if you’ll be using it indoors or in spaces where you’ll have to make tight turns.

Electric Mobility Scooter

An electric mobility scooter can be viewed as a luxury by some people but necessary for others. If you’ll be using a mobility scooter frequently to complete day-to-day tasks, then you should explore all of the features it has to offer. A four-wheeled electric scooter will be more stable than a three-wheeled scooter, so consider that depending on the terrain you ride on most often. The turning radius of an electric scooter is important as well. Mobility scooters tend to have more features than wheelchairs, including additional storage, the ability to go faster, longer battery life, and much more.

Consider Your Needs Before Deciding

Before you decide whether to buy a manual wheelchair, a power wheelchair, or a mobility scooter, think hard about the needs you have. If you simply use a wheelchair to ride down to the end of the street to get the mail, then a manual wheelchair may be sufficient. But if you go to the grocery store, ride on sidewalks frequently, or experience uneven or rough terrain, then a power wheelchair or mobility scooter are more ideal options. Each product has unique features to allow you to choose the ones that would benefit your life the most, so look at them all closely to help you narrow down your decisions.

Alternatives to a Manual Wheelchair

Next Day Access offers a wide range of mobility products, including manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. Riding a manual wheelchair can be difficult and tiring after a while, especially if you use it often throughout the day. Power wheelchairs are the next step up, with electric scooters being even more luxurious. People with mobility limitations shouldn’t have to be limited in every aspect of their lives, and these alternatives to manual wheelchairs can make a huge difference in the quality of life a person has. If you have any questions or concerns about any of these alternatives, contact us today, and we would be happy to talk about them with you.

Owning a wheelchair is a major investment for you or a loved one with limited mobility. However, since it is such a great investment, it’s important to find the right one that suits your needs. There are many different models, styles, and types to choose from, but the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve explained a few tips to help you narrow down your wheelchair options and be on the road to independent living.

Think About How Often You’ll Use Your Wheelchair

The various price points are major factors when people look into buying any type of mobility device. Wheelchair prices can range from inexpensive to very expensive, so it’s important to think about how often you’ll use it. The typical lifespan of a wheelchair is up to about five years, depending on how often it’s used, where it’s used primarily, and how well it is taken care of. If you plan on using it as your primary mobility device, then you may want to get one with more features that will make life easier to navigate. But if you’re just planning on using it occasionally, then you may not need the features and can invest in a practical wheelchair that’s reliable enough to get you from one place to another.

Learn About The Features

Many wheelchairs have basic features with the option to add additional features. If you have the opportunity to sit in the wheelchair before purchasing it, you can see how comfortable the seat is, whether it’s wide enough, how comfortable the armrests are, and more. For power wheelchairs, try them out and see how easy they are to navigate and what the turning radius is. Some of these features may not be important to you, but it’s valuable to ensure you have at least the basic features you need to enjoy your wheelchair as often as you need to use it.

Power vs. Manual Wheelchairs

Power wheelchairs are ideal for people striving for independent living. They are easy to navigate effortlessly, but they require a little more maintenance and care than manual wheelchairs. On the other hand, manual wheelchairs have fewer components and less maintenance, but they are a little more challenging to use. Test out as many different options as you can so you have a good idea of what will make your life easier and make independent living a possibility.

Next Day Access has the mobility device you need to improve your chances of successful independent living. We want to help you be comfortable with your wheelchair purchase, and we are here to answer any questions you may have as you’re shopping. Our experts are knowledgeable in all aspects of wheelchairs, and we pass that knowledge to our customers to help them feel confident in their decision. When you’re ready to buy a new wheelchair, contact us, and we would be happy to discuss the various options available to you.

Bathrooms are often the most difficult rooms in the home for seniors to navigate through. There may be tight corners, inadequate lighting, slippery floors, high bathtub walls, and more. If you’re considering remodeling a bathroom, think about how it could make senior living easier. According to the National Council on Aging, nearly three million injuries treated in emergency departments each year are the result of falls. By incorporating these products, you can make your bathroom safer for your elderly loved one.

Grab Bars

One of the most ideal investments for any bathroom is the installation of grab bars. These are much stronger than towel bars and are designed to be sturdy even if you have to put all of your weight on them. Grab bars are perfect for installing inside and immediately outside the shower, near the toilet, and anywhere else you think of in the bathroom. They can also give seniors peace of mind when they walk in the bathroom with slippery floors since they have reliable grab bars to hold and maintain their balance.

Walk-In Tub

A walk-in tub can be a luxury and a necessity at the same time. Independent senior living can be improved drastically when a person doesn’t have to take a big step to enter the bathtub. With a walk-in tub, you can open a door and walk in without having to take a big step and can sit down with ease. The risk of slipping and falling while getting in and out of the bathtub will decrease significantly when your senior loved one uses a walk-in tub.

Raised Toilet

Sometimes the standard height of a toilet is too low for seniors with physical limitations. A raised toilet seat can make it easier to sit down and get up without putting significant strain on the joints. Just remember to include grab bars as well for an even easier experience. Seniors and caregivers alike can enjoy the benefits of a raised toilet to ensure as much safety as possible.

Shower Seat

If you decide a walk-in tub isn’t right for you for any reason, then consider installing a shower seat instead. Sometimes even a ten-minute shower can be difficult for seniors with mobility concerns and can increase the risk of falling while exiting the shower. Many shower seats can be folded while not in use, or if there’s another person in the house who doesn’t need it when they take a shower. Resting for a couple of minutes on a seat in the shower can make the whole experience safer.

Next Day Access offers a wide variety of bathroom products to help you make your bathroom remodel as safe and elegant as possible. Even if you don’t have mobility concerns now, think about the future and what would make life easier for you when you get older. Grab bars are easy to install at any time, but a major upgrade like a walk-in tub could be very beneficial in the future. Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time to schedule your free home assessment and learn more.

More seniors than ever before are striving for independent living in the comfort of their homes. However, sometimes adjustments need to be made to improve physical limitations and make the home a safe place to navigate. Whether you have stairs present to enter the home, have a two-story home, an outdoor patio with stairs, or other similar arrangements, a stair lift can be a life-changing investment. Seniors striving for independent living should explore all the benefits of installing a stair lift to determine whether it fits their situation.

Experience Successful Independent Living

While some seniors see the benefits of living in an assisted living facility, the vast majority want to live in the comfort of their home. This can be challenging as you get older since you may need additional assistance to handle daily tasks. Going up and down stairs can become increasingly difficult as you get older, which can make for a dangerous situation. A stair lift can restore independent living and make any senior feel confident navigating the stairs. Instead of worrying about tripping and falling, simply sit on the seat, press a button, and you’ll be moved where you need to go without the risk of falling.

Provide Access To The Entire Home

Stairs can limit a senior’s ability to access their entire home if they have mobility limitations. Regardless of the type of stairs you have in your home, a stair lift can give you access to every square foot. A straight or curved stair lift can be installed easily by a professional. With so many different options available, the uniqueness of your staircase won’t limit your ability to have a stair lift installed. Some seniors sacrifice living space when they are worried about using the stairs, but a stair lift can give them that space back.

A Stair Lift Is A Great Long-Term Investment

A stair lift isn’t the cheapest mobility aid you can purchase, but the long-term benefits are well worth the investment. Consider alternatives when deciding the most ideal option. Living in an assisted living facility can be very costly over time, and moving to a new home without stairs sometimes isn’t practical. If the main problem you have with your current home is with accessibility, then a stair lift is the most cost-effective option people can pursue to ensure they can live comfortably in their home.

Next Day Access strives to help seniors achieve their goals of independent living in their home. Many times the most ideal solution to a problem revolving around stairs is installing a stair lift. Once seniors see how much more peace of mind they can have navigating the stairs, they will likely see it as a worthy investment. And for caregivers or family members worried about their loved ones, they can also have some confidence knowing a fall risk has been eliminated. If you have any questions or concerns about installing a stair lift in your home, contact us at any time, and we would be happy to help.

February is dedicated to honoring Black History Month every year as a way to show recognition and respect to past and present African Americans who have made positive impacts in their community and our country. Some of the black history facts have been a part of a dark history when you think about slavery and racism issues. We still fight against some of these issues today. But there have also been plenty of influential black history people who have positively impacted our country and deserve every bit of recognition received. 

Have you ever wondered why February was chosen to be the month for celebrating Black History Month? We’ve given you some context and facts on how it has evolved.

How Black History Month Started

Carter G. Woodson started Black History Month in 1915. Woodson is a historian who attended Harvard University and initially thought of the idea of Black History Month when attending a 50th-anniversary celebration of the 13th amendment, which abolished slavery. He made it his mission to encourage others to study the prominent black history people who have made such impactful contributions to our society. From forming organizations to writing professional journals, Woodson is credited for being the person who began Black History Month and it has evolved from that point.

February Was Chosen To Align With Special Birthdays

In 1926, Woodson and his organization made the celebration of black history an entire week and dedicated the second week of February to it. February was chosen for Black History Month because of two historical figures who have birthdays that month, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The black community had celebrated these prominent figures even before an entire week was dedicated to honoring them. Lincoln was celebrated because he abolished slavery during his presidency, and Douglass fought hard for people as an abolitionist who made significant changes to cement his legacy.

As the years progressed into the 1960s, the celebration of black history for an entire week slowly turned into an entire month. Schools started teaching more black history facts, while clubs and communities focused some attention on Black History Month as well. Fast forward to today and Black History Month is celebrated in many different ways by various organizations and communities as a testament to the black history people who have been most impactful in our society.

Black History Month Is Celebrated More Than Ever Before

Every February, Black History Month is celebrated to reflect on prominent people like Martin Luther King, Jr., Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, and many others. The celebrations and recognitions have evolved into people being more interested in black history facts than ever before. People want to learn more about black history and even go out of their way to support black-owned businesses. It’s a small way to support Black History Month for what it stands for and continue that support throughout the year.

Everyone at Next Day Access enjoys learning about Black History Month and how history has led us to where we are today. Share some of the learning with us and if you need assistance with mobility equipment, contact us at any time.

Black History Month is recognized every February and is a celebration of past and present African-American women and men who have made lasting impacts on the United States. Some of the most noteworthy black history people include Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman. Of course, there are plenty of other influential people that deserve to be recognized as well. Here are some simple ways you can honor Black History Month this year.

Research And Recognize Skilled Black Professionals

Chances are you have several skilled black professionals in your area whom you can give some recognition. Those people could be musicians, authors, poets, or have many other types of skills. Do some research about the black professionals in your area and offer some support if you’re able. You can get some great entertainment while also learning more about the talents black professionals have.

Support Black Entrepreneurs

Whether it’s a restaurant, retail store, pop-up shop, or any place that sells goods or services, consider seeking out black-owned companies. This is one of the simplest ways to honor Black History Month, and you may find a great business to support throughout the year as well. Entrepreneurs work hard on their business and need customer support to keep them going. A small token of your support can go a long way in helping them succeed.

Learn About Black History Month

If you’ve heard about Black History Month, but don’t necessarily know what it’s all about, now is the time to brush up on your black history facts. You can read some interesting books and stories about prominent black people across many generations who have impacted their communities and beyond. From Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947 to Oprah Winfrey becoming the first black female billionaire a couple of decades ago, this is the month where all of these figures are recognized.

Check Out Black History Facts

As with any kind of research you do online, there are plenty of opinions that often get passed on as factual. When checking out black history facts, be sure your sources are reliable so you know you’re reading accurate information. Black history has had a significant role in shaping our country’s history, and you may be surprised at how many influential people were in your area. One of the common places to seek black history facts is your local library or a museum. You may find a whole section of the building dedicated to Black History Month and this can be the year you learn more than you ever have before.
Next Day Access supports Black History Month every February and celebrates its meaning throughout the year. We appreciate our history and the role that African-Americans have played to shape our country into what it is today. Take the time to learn more about Black History Month and if there is anything we can do to help you with mobility assistance, contact us at any time.

Anyone who uses a wheelchair to get around normally should prioritize regular maintenance checkups. According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, people who did not maintain their wheelchairs frequently and did not use a wheelchair prescribed by a professional increased their risk of having an accident significantly. No matter how old your current wheelchair is, it’s a good habit to have it maintained regularly. Depending on how often you use it, regular maintenance could be monthly or just a couple of times each year. Here’s why wheelchair maintenance checkups are critical for maintaining independent living.

Avoid Sudden And Unexpected Problems

Sudden and unexpected problems can leave you stranded in places you don’t want to be. People who use a power wheelchair could find themselves stuck in a grocery store, parking lot, or anywhere else they go often. The mechanics of a power wheelchair need to be examined periodically to ensure any potential issues are caught before they leave you stranded. By doing so, you’ll significantly reduce your risk of having an unexpected issue.

Wheelchair Damage May Not Be Obvious

Even if you inspect your wheelchair yourself frequently, some damage may be hidden from the average person. If you use your wheelchair daily, it has to go over rough terrain, water puddles, mud, debris, and many other things often. Cleaning your wheelchair afterward is essential, but sometimes those elements could get into the internal mechanisms of the wheelchair that aren’t easily visible. Sometimes you’ll notice a problem right away, but other times problems won’t be discovered until a trained and experienced eye examines it.

Keep Your Wheelchair In Good Working Condition

If you rely on your wheelchair to continue independent living, then it needs to be kept in good working condition. This will make it more reliable when you need it most, while also extending its lifespan. Sometimes small issues can lead to large issues in the future and may create the need to buy a brand new wheelchair. Routine maintenance and repairs often pay for themselves in the long-run when you compare it to buying a new one.

Maintain Independent Living

Wheelchair users appreciate their wheelchair most because of the independence it gives them. In this regard, people with power wheelchairs should keep maintenance logs and prioritize maintenance as much as they would a vehicle. Repair technicians need to know the history of maintenance and repairs to make the appropriate recommendations when needed. Just like if your vehicle stops working, a non-functioning wheelchair can be a great inconvenience and put a temporary halt to independent living.

Next Day Access offers reliable wheelchairs for people who need them to maintain independent living. We highly recommend regular maintenance checkups for every wheelchair, and we have experienced technicians to help you out. Our goal is to ensure you can keep moving whenever you need to without fear of breaking down or becoming stranded. Be sure to contact us to learn more about how we can help you maintain independent living with your wheelchair.

The winter season brings many challenges for people with disabilities, so now is the time to begin preparations. Anyone who uses a mobility scooter or a wheelchair needs to take precautions to ensure their devices are safe to use anywhere they go. Slippery sidewalks, pathways, and even a wheelchair ramp can be very dangerous when snow and ice are present. By taking the proper precautions now, you can ensure you’ll be safe and ready for the many different weather elements the winter season brings. Here are some tips to consider.

Schedule A Service Appointment

If you use a power wheelchair or mobility scooter, scheduling a service appointment before the winter weather begins is essential. The batteries and other electrical components react adversely to cold weather, just like vehicles do. Even if you keep yours stored in your home, it’s ideal to get all mechanical components and batteries evaluated since you may have to take it out into the elements at some point. The last thing you want to happen is finding out your battery was weak at the wrong time, and you end up getting stranded out in the cold as a result.

Have Snow Tires Installed

People who have to use their wheelchair or mobility scooter outdoors often should consider getting snow tires installed if the area is prone to getting snow. Tires with better grips make for a safer experience for you and others around you. Just like vehicles, a wheelchair or mobility scooter can slide out of control on icy surfaces if proper precautions aren’t taken. The local technician in your area can recommend the type of snow tires you need based on your region.

Be Prepared For Outages With A Backup Power Source

No matter how predictable your day-to-day life is, it’s sometimes hard to predict when power outages may occur. This is why it’s critical to ensure your mobility scooter or power wheelchair is always fully charged, so it’s accessible when you need it most. During the most intense winter storms, you could be without power for several days, which means you need to have a backup power source available as well. Your mobility device is your key to independent living, so if you don’t have a way to charge it, you could be in a dangerous situation. Invest in a generator or other backup power source to ensure your mobility device is ready to go when you need it.

Next Day Access wants to ensure everyone using a mobility device is safe this winter. In addition to investing in a quality mobility device and maintaining it regularly, be sure to also keep family members or friends informed when you have to go outside. Sometimes batteries can fail unexpectedly, so if others know where you are, they can come to get you as quickly as possible. Our goal is to ensure this does not happen to you, so contact us today to see how we can help you get through the winter season as safely as possible.

A senior living at home who has to navigate stairs every day has to take extra precautions to prevent falls. One misstep can lead to a potentially devastating fall that could lead to severe injuries and put their independent living efforts in jeopardy. According to a 23-year study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, more than 24 million people had to be treated in emergency departments because of an injury related to stairs. This equates to over one million people per year on average. Simple home modifications for seniors can go a long way in preventing falls, and installing a stair lift is a common one. Here are some of the benefits and reasons why surprising your loved one with a stair lift this year could be the gift they need.

Reduce The Risk Of Falling

Whether your senior loved one admits it or not, chances are they are slightly fearful or hesitant about going down the stairs at times. People who have stability concerns particularly would benefit from a stair lift since it reduces the risk of falling significantly. They simply need to sit in the stair lift, press a button, and the device will take them up or down the stairs. The peace of mind provided with the reduced risk of falling makes for a priceless gift.

Maintain Independent Living

Seniors with a two-story house may be limited to the first floor if it’s painful for them to walk up the stairs or they feel unsafe doing so. This can put a damper on independent living since they are unable to access every area of their home and may need assistance getting things from the second floor. A stair lift can solve the problem and is one of the simplest home modifications for seniors to make.

Access The Home Pain-Free

Climbing the stairs can be painful for a senior loved one whether they express it to you or not. This can result in staying on one level of their home for longer than they would like simply because they don’t want to put themselves through more pain by navigating the stairs. A stair lift is a wonderful alternative to allow your senior loved one to access their entire home pain-free. 

Visit The Outdoors With A Stair Lift

Don’t forget about the outdoors when you’re looking for home modifications for seniors that need to be completed. An outdoor stair lift can be a great gift to give as well since some seniors don’t go outside as much as they would like to. Outdoor stair lifts are designed to withstand weather elements, and you can also invest in a protective cover to help keep it in good shape for years to come.

The gift of independence is often what seniors want, but they don’t know exactly what types of gifts would help them achieve it. Next Day Access can help you provide this to them by offering and installing a quality stair lift in their home. If you have any questions about a particular stair lift or are ready to schedule an appointment to have it installed, feel free to contact us at any time.

Whether you’re providing senior care for a loved one or if they are focused on independent living, creating a safe and comfortable environment at home is a priority. As we get older, aches and pains may become a normal part of life and can get to the point where relaxing on the recliner is the most comfortable thing to do. However, sometimes it can be a struggle getting in and out of a standard recliner, and it may not be as comfortable as it was a few years ago. A lift chair is a wonderful option for seniors regardless of their mobility limitations, and we’ve examined some of the most ideal features your senior loved one may enjoy.

Multiple Reclining Positions

Some lift chairs recline like a standard recliner to a position at about 45-degrees. Others recline much more to a position of 180-degrees to mimic a bed. Many seniors choose a lift chair that reclines to 180-degrees, so they have more options to choose from depending on how they are feeling on any given day. They may start in the lift chair by relaxing and watching television or reading a book, but then decide to take a nap. With multiple reclining positions, they can do both without having to get up.

Massaging Features

Lift chairs also come with massaging features to create a luxurious experience in the comfort of the home. This is a great feature for people who need some senior care, as it can target pain points or aches that may be limiting mobility. Each lift chair is different regarding the various massaging options it offers, so you can make the appropriate selection based on your loved one’s needs.

Soothing Heat

A heated lift chair is a perfect thing to have in the winter months. It’s particularly good for people who may experience back pain or other muscular pain. When you turn on the heat on your lift chair, it will slowly heat up to provide a comforting experience while relaxing in the living room. Whether it’s to relieve some pain or just to be nice and warm when it’s cold outside, this is a feature most people enjoy with their lift chair.

Controlling The Lift Mechanism

Having control of the lift mechanism is important for seniors striving for independent living. They can use the buttons on the side of the chair or on the remote to recline to the perfect position at any time. Seniors often need to reposition themselves when they sit in one spot for a while, and with a lift chair, they have the independence to do so easily.

Next Day Access enjoys seeing the looks on people’s faces when they receive their new lift chair. The benefits of a lift chair speak for themselves, and arguably, the most important benefit is the independent living opportunity it provides. Everyone has specific features they like about a lift chair, and most will agree that it’s a worthy investment in many ways. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you are ready to purchase yours.