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Whether you’re a business owner or use a wheelchair to get from one place to another, it’s important to understand what makes a space wheelchair accessible. This guide from ADA-Compliance offers specific details and measurements to ensure you have wide enough doorways, entryways, and a sufficient turning radius.

People who don’t have to use wheelchairs usually don’t think twice about these factors, but they can make a huge difference to a person who does use one. Here are some important factors to help understand the width of wheelchairs and how to make spaces easier to navigate for people who use them.

Average Width Of Wheelchairs

The average width of a wheelchair is approximately 26”. However, different models can range anywhere from as small as 21” wide and as much as 39” wide. The overall width of a wheelchair is very important and can make a huge difference in how accessible some spaces are. In addition to being a little more challenging to turn, the wider your wheelchair is, the lower the chances are of easily accessing certain spaces. When choosing a wheelchair, the thought should be to get one that is just wide enough to be comfortable, but not much extra.

Required Width For Hallways And Doorways

Every hallway and doorway you see in a commercial building or home will be different. In most cases, a hallway or doorway of 32” in width should be sufficient for most wheelchair users to go through with ease. Some interior doorways are smaller than others and can measure up to 27”. This would be too small for most wheelchairs. As a business owner, making your space ADA compliant is important for inclusivity and to ensure wheelchair users have an easy experience navigating your facility.

Adequate Turning Space Is Important

Many businesses and homeowners install a wheelchair ramp for ease of entry into the building. Some wheelchair ramps are straightforward and don’t have any twists or turns, but others may have to include a turn or two. Professional wheelchair ramp installers have to ensure the turning radius is sufficient to make it as easy as possible for wheelchair users to turn safely. The ADA requires a 60” turning space since this measurement is what’s needed for a wheelchair to make a safe 180-degree turn. Not having a turning space of at least 60” can put unnecessary strain on wheelchair users and may force them to require assistance turning.

Next Day Access strives to make as many areas as possible wheelchair accessible. People in wheelchairs don’t usually choose to be confined to one, but it’s a necessary part of their life so they can remain mobile. Public facilities and even new home construction projects prioritize wheelchair accessibility today, but there is still a lot of work to do for existing structures. If you see any issues with wheelchair accessibility that requires attention, Nous contacter, and we would be happy to help.

A lift chair can significantly enhance a person’s quality of life and how much they enjoy relaxing in their home. Part of senior living may include aches, pains, soreness, or other conditions or diseases that limit mobility. Sitting down in a recliner may be simple enough, but getting back up is usually the most difficult part for seniors. With a lift chair, simply press a button to tilt the chair at the perfect angle to make getting out a breeze. If you’re considering purchasing a lift chair, here are some examples of when it may be time to invest in one.

Severe Mobility Limitations In Seniors

Falling can be devastating for seniors and can significantly impact how enjoyable independent senior living is. When sitting or lying down for an extended time, muscles, bones, and joints may experience a little pain when it’s time to get up. With power lift recliners, you can ease yourself up slowly until you get to a point where you can put your feet on the floor without shifting your bodyweight much. Compared to traditional recliners, power lift recliners are much safer in this regard.

Getting in and out of bed can be challenging as well. The good news with some power lift recliners is they are comfortable enough to sleep in instead of your bed. Add some additional padding for comfort, if needed, and recline yourself back to the perfect position to get quality sleep.

Caregivers Need Assistance

A lift chair is valuable to have for caregivers as well. Whether a senior loved one has mobility limitations due to age or experiencing an injury or a recent surgery, lift chairs can make moving them from one room to the next much easier. Instead of having to lift your loved one up and potentially lose balance, a lift chair puts them in a position where all you need to do is act as a brace for them as they get up. 

Safety Is A Concern

One of the fears seniors have about independent living is accidentally falling and injuring themselves, even when they are generally healthy. If safety is a concern, then a lift chair can provide peace of mind and eliminate one obstacle in the home. You don’t have to have a medical condition or a severe mobility limitation to use a lift chair. It’s a great investment to have to prevent injuries from occurring and to experience senior living accident-free.

Next Day Access has a quality line of power lift recliners available for you to choose from. Whether you simply want a basic lift chair to tilt you into a comfortable position, or if you want other luxurious features, we have you covered. For some seniors, lift chairs are necessities rather than luxuries if they have mobility limitations. We want to help equip you with the perfect chair to enhance your quality of life and have some peace of mind at the same time, so Nous contacter today to learn about our options.

Sometimes seniors who strive for independent living need a little assistance around their homes. This assistance doesn’t mean they are incapable of accomplishing routine tasks or movements, but having the right tools, products, or devices can help them navigate their home safely. One of those products is a lift chair, also known as power lift recliners. Getting up from a recliner or couch can be challenging as a person gets older, and a lift chair can make this task easier to accomplish. Here are some of the main characteristics of a lift chair to help you decide whether it’s right for you.

Sit Down And Stand Up With Ease

Power lift recliners work by pressing a button to move you into a comfortable position slowly. When in a seated position, you can slowly lift yourself up in the chair, where it’s easy to just put your feet on the ground rather than having to shift your body weight to get up. And from a standing position, you can slowly lower your body in the chair and recline it to a comfortable spot. It’s easy for a senior to lose their balance when standing up from a recliner or couch since muscles could tighten up. And for anyone providing senior care, a lift chair offers some peace of mind since it’s easier to help your loved one sit and stand comfortably.

Comfortable And Adjustable

Lift chairs are available in many different options to suit your needs. Most of them look like a standard recliner, so you won’t have to worry about excessive cords or having a big and bulky recliner that seems out of place in your living room. Everyone has different comfort levels, and power lift recliners can adjust your seating position up, down, reclined, declined, and put your feet in a comfortable position. Some lift chairs even come with heating and massage options if these are attractive features for you.

Stylish Options To Match Your Home Decor

In addition to the comfort provided by lift chairs, they are attractive to have in your home as well. With so many different colors and styles to choose from, you can surely find the right fit to match your home decor. Many seniors replace their traditional recliners and couches with power lift recliners after trying one for the first time. The ease of use, convenience, safety, and aesthetically-pleasing designs combine to make them attractive options for seniors living at home.

Next Day Access offers a wide variety of power lift recliners for seniors to choose from. Whether you need a lift chair to improve your mobility or if you simply like the idea of being able to adjust your recliner to match your comfort level, we have you covered. When you’re ready to look into the benefits of lift chairs further, Nous contacter and we will provide you with all the options available and have your living room designed for comfort in no time.

Seniors should feel safe in their homes at all times. However, some of the most innocent features of a home could be creating the most significant risks. Things like improving the lighting in hallways and bathrooms may not seem necessary, but those simple things can prevent falls in seniors. We’ve put together a home safety checklist to look out for to help seniors striving for independent living be safer in their homes.

Identify All Trip-And-Fall Hazards

Walk through every room of the house to identify any potential trip-and-fall hazards, and think in terms of a senior who may have mobility limitations. So while a thick throw rug on the ground may seem harmless, not picking up your feet high enough to step on it can create a trip hazard. Extension cords or other exposed electrical cords can present hazards as well, so tuck those away behind furniture or put them as close to the wall as possible.

Bathrooms should also be evaluated closely since many falls happen there. Installing Barres d'appui in the bathroom can go a long way to prevent falls, especially when getting out of the bath or shower.

Evaluate The Lighting Throughout The Home

Having appropriate lighting in and around the home can prevent falls and other injuries as well. Getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom can be dangerous when you can’t see where you’re going, on top of any possible balance issues you may have. Utilize night lights in bathrooms, hallways, and stairways so you can see where you’re going with every step. And remember to include outdoor lighting as well if you come home when it’s dark outside occasionally.

Label Medication Clearly

Not taking the right medication at the correct times, or taking too much or too little, can lead to devastating results. Some seniors have to take different medication types throughout the day, making it difficult to keep track of what needs to be taken at what times. Implementing a labeling system can help tremendously, and you can even take it a step further by creating a checklist of the times each type of medication needs to be taken. Seniors can improve their chances of success with independent living by staying on their medication schedule as their doctor recommends.

Secure Locks And Emergency Alert Systems

Security should be a priority for seniors striving for independent living as well. Upgrading the locks on doors and windows is important, but it’s also valuable to invest in an emergency alert system just in case a fall occurs. Every minute makes a difference, so the quicker you can get help when needed, the better your chances are of recovering.

Free Home Safety Checklist

Next Day Access provides free home assessments for seniors who want to improve the safety of their homes. Whether it’s installing a wheelchair ramp, grab bars, stair lifts, or anything else that can improve your mobility, we have you covered.

Nous contacter and we would be happy to explain the various options available to you.

Developing and maintaining healthy habits can be challenging for seniors living at home, especially amid the coronavirus pandemic. However, with a little guidance and understanding of how each dimension of wellness impacts your life, you can approach your lifestyle with health and wellness at the forefront of your mind. This handy fact sheet from the National Wellness Institute, Inc. details the six dimensions of wellness, and we’ve explained below how each dimension can positively impact your life.

Emotional

Being aware of your emotions is important for successful independent living. Negative self-talk can make anyone emotionally unstable and potentially lead to deteriorating relationships, the development of health issues, and other concerns. It’s essential to accept the feelings you have and work to channel positive energy through negative situations to create emotional stability.

Intellectual

Seniors striving for independent living need to challenge their brain daily. Learn new things, solve problems, be creative, and stay up-to-date on the latest technology to keep the mind sharp. Brain health is just as important as physical health, so you have to give your brain some exercise frequently too.

Occupational

Retiring and living at home seems like a dream for many seniors until they realize they quickly get bored without going to work. Everyone should feel a sense of purpose in their lives, so if you feel like that aspect is lacking, find something meaningful to participate in. This could be anything from volunteering to learning new hobbies or even caring for grandchildren.

Physical

Physical fitness is one of the most critical healthy habits to develop and maintain. Seniors don’t have to go through exhausting exercises daily, but just a simple 30-minute walk around the block can go a long way in improving overall wellness. Being in good physical shape can lead to better sleep, healthier eating habits, and an improved mental state at the same time.

Social

Socializing with family and friends is important for seniors. And for seniors receiving senior care, it’s even more important to stay connected with loved ones if they are unable to get out of the house much. The feeling of isolation is not good for a senior’s overall health, so utilize technology to participate in video calls with loved ones, or even just voice calls regularly.

Spiritual

Most people have a spiritual side to them, but that side may still need to be discovered. Spirituality may mean going to church regularly, or it could simply mean sitting in a quiet place outdoors and observing nature. Meditation is also a common spiritual exercise people do. There’s no right or wrong way to connect with your spiritual side, but it is important for many people to help them find a sense of purpose and meaning.

At Next Day Access, we want to help seniors live their life to the fullest every day. The six dimensions of wellness can be very impactful when prioritized, and it’s essential to do so. If you have any physical limitations that could be improved, Nous contacter, and we would be happy to discuss options with you to help boost your overall health and wellness.

The body’s immune system has been a popular point of discussion over the last several months during the coronavirus pandemic. People with compromised immune systems are generally more susceptible to getting ill, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists out several conditions that could weaken anyone’s immune system. Depending on your condition, it may not be realistic to strengthen your immune system to where it was many years ago, but you can still develop healthy habits to boost immunity. Here are some good habits to implement into your daily life and keep you healthier at the same time.

Remain Engaged And Connected

The feeling of isolation and being disconnected from loved ones can lead to unexpected health issues. When caring for a loved one, it’s vital to ensure their mental health is just as good or better than their physical health. Remaining in touch with loved ones via telephone, video calling, or other ways can help seniors feel like they are involved with what is going on in their loved ones’ lives. Being disconnected can lead to depression, constant fatigue, stress, anxiety, and other concerns, all of which can lead to a weakened immune system.

Focus On Your Diet

When people think about strengthening their immune system, they usually begin with their diet. Developing healthy habits with meal plans is essential in boosting your immune system. It requires some discipline and practice, but it doesn’t mean you have to avoid eating some of the things you enjoy most. Incorporating healthy fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and the right amount of dairy can give you exactly what you need to stay healthy. And one of the most overlooked good habits to have is staying hydrated even when you’re inside and away from the weather elements most of the time.

Reduce Stress By Participating In Spiritual Activities

It’s no coincidence that many people get sick when they are stressed the most. Being stressed or anxious constantly can lead to a lack of sleep and poor eating habits, which can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to falling ill. Don’t ignore feelings of stress, and find ways to reduce it. Many people find success in participating in spiritual activities like going to church, doing yoga, meditating, picking up new hobbies, or anything else you enjoy doing. Being in touch with your spirituality is important so you can feel a sense of peace with your life, health, and wellness.

Next Day Access is here to help seniors live a healthy lifestyle, and we also can provide tips and advice for caregivers who are caring for a loved one. Mental health is equally as important as physical health, especially for seniors living at home. Keeping a strong immune system is vital for maintaining great health, so it should be prioritized as much as possible. We are here to help in any way we can, so don’t hesitate to Nous contacter at any time.

Fracturing a hip is painful for anyone. Seniors especially experience a significant amount of pain and have a much more difficult time making a full recovery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of hip fracture patients is likely to increase as the population gets older, and many of those people will no longer be able to practice independent living. Before it gets to that point, take action to ensure you are as healthy as possible, and even make home modifications to improve balance and stability. Follow these tips to help prevent hip fractures in seniors.

Get Regular Health Exams

A common disease seniors should be aware of and catch as early as possible is osteoporosis. By getting regular health examinations, your physician can detect early signs of osteoporosis or even take preventive measures if the disease runs in your family. People often find out they have the disease after they break a hip or other bone, making the recovery process much more challenging. Don’t overlook the importance of regular vision exams also. A person’s vision is often taken for granted and can deteriorate as they get older. Not being able to see well can increase the risk of tripping and falling.

Evaluate The Safety Of A Senior’s Home

One of the simplest prevention tips to implement is making home modifications for seniors. Eliminate stairs and install a wheelchair ramp to enter the home instead. Consider installing a stair lift for interior stairs to avoid the dangers of walking up and down the stairs. Other simple modifications that cost little to no money include removing rugs that present trip hazards, improving the lighting in dark hallways or bathrooms, and rearranging furniture to make it easy to navigate any room. If you are unsure what the most common home modifications for seniors are, consider having a professional provide an evaluation.

Improve Balance And Strength

A common reason why seniors fall is because they lose their balance. Participating in balance and strength exercises can go a long way in preventing falls, and also preventing injuries when you do fall since you’ll be more flexible. Activities like yoga, using resistance bands, and taking regular walks on a treadmill or around your neighborhood can improve balance and strength tremendously over time.

Implement Safety Measures Throughout The Home

The safety measures you implement in your home could be the reason why you’re able to enjoy independent living for years to come. Simple things like grab bars in bathrooms can keep your balance enough to prevent a fall or lessen the impact if you do fall. Investing in a lift chair is an ideal option also to make it much more effortless to get up after sitting for an extended period.

Next Day Access can help seniors live a long and healthy life in their homes by providing safety and mobility products. We believe seniors should be able to practice independent living if they are healthy enough to do so, and our goal is to make it as easy as possible for them. Be sure to Nous contacter today to schedule a free home assessment and see how we can make your home a safer place to navigate.

Protecting the heart is one thing seniors living at home need to practice daily. While some heart diseases and conditions are genetic and unavoidable, many of them are controllable and preventable. Developing healthy habits is important for the aging population, and it starts with what they put inside their body. Here are five categories of superfoods to help keep your heart as healthy as possible.

Whole Grains Rich In Fiber

When shopping for grains, be sure to look for whole grains rather than processed grains. Consuming processed grains can raise your cholesterol levels, while whole grains manage cholesterol. Having normal cholesterol levels is critical for preventing heart disease, so incorporate foods like oatmeal, whole-grain tortillas or bread, and rice to get a healthy serving of whole grains rich in fiber.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Incorporating leafy green vegetables into your regular diet is one of the greatest healthy habits you can develop. Things like kale, spinach, and collard greens have excellent sources of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins needed to keep the body healthy. Getting plenty of vitamin K is vital for seniors since it is great for protecting arteries. Vitamin K is prevalent in leafy green vegetables, so be diligent in getting enough of them daily.

Lean Proteins

Not all proteins are created equally. Lean sources of protein include skinless chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, and low-fat yogurt. You still want to incorporate a mix of leafy green vegetables, but a small portion of lean protein at every meal should be prioritized for seniors living at home.

Avocados

Avocados have their own category as a superfood since people can’t agree whether they are considered a fruit or a vegetable. However, most experts agree that avocados provide people with a great source of healthy, monounsaturated fats. Incorporating the proper amount of these types of healthy fats into your diet can help regulate cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing heart disease at the same time.

Fruits And Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables should be a part of every meal for seniors living at home. And if you don’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, then frozen ones are viable options as well. Assuming you have freezer space, consider keeping it stocked with healthy frozen food options, so you’ll always have them accessible. Things to avoid with fruits and vegetables are canned foods since they often contain a high amount of sodium and other unhealthy preservatives.

Next Day Access wants to help the aging population live long and healthy lives at home. The food you eat daily plays a significant role in your overall health and physical ability, so it’s important to prioritize it and meal plan appropriately. A healthy mix of a good diet and exercise can keep seniors living at home for a long time, and we have products and tools to help you move in and around your home with ease. Don’t hesitate to Nous contacter at any time to schedule a free home assessment and see how we can help.

Many things that change throughout a person’s life, especially when they get older, developing osteoporosis shouldn’t be overlooked. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, it is known as a silent disease since there are typically no warning signs of its development. In fact, the disease is often diagnosed when a patient visits a medical facility due to a fracture. Understanding the risk factors and good habits you can develop to reduce the risk of osteoporosis is important.

Common Risk Factors For Developing Osteoporosis

Some people will develop the disease whether genetics is a factor or not. Age is a risk factor no one can avoid, but other risk factors include smoking, living a sedentary lifestyle, and being underweight. Females are also usually more prone to developing osteoporosis. Having a family history of osteoporosis or previously fracturing a bone can also increase the risk of developing the bone disease. Many of these risk factors can’t be avoided, but good habits can reduce some modifiable risks.

Healthy Habits to Reduce Your Risk

Calcium is the most important mineral you can put in your body to maintain strong bones. Without the proper amount of calcium, the body will naturally pull calcium from the teeth and bones, eventually leading to bone loss. It’s also important to consume plenty of magnesium and vitamin D, which combine to help absorb calcium. Potassium, zinc, and other vitamins also play a large role in maintaining healthy and strong bones.

So, what foods should you eat as part of a healthy diet for osteoporosis prevention? Healthy servings of the following foods are beneficial:

• Proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, and lean red meat
• Dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt
• Vegetables like kale, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, and brussel sprouts
• Fruits like raisins, grapefruit, prunes, strawberries, and figs

Many of these foods may be common in your diet already, so it’s important to ensure you’re incorporating a good mix of them daily.

Early Detection Is Critical

Seniors should talk to their primary physician about when they should begin osteoporosis screenings. The earlier the signs of osteoporosis can be detected, the better the chances are of preventing it and continuing independent living without any bone problems. The first screening for osteoporosis usually comes around age 65, but your physician can indicate whether you should have one done earlier due to your family history or other factors.

Next Day Access is here to help seniors enjoy independent living as long as possible. Whether you have osteoporosis or simply want to make your home safer to navigate, we have you covered. A wheelchair ramp to enter the home is safer than using the stairs, and grab bars can significantly improve bathroom safety. These are two common products we install for seniors, but we would be happy to provide you with a free home assessment to see which accessibility products are right for you. Be sure to Nous contacter today to get started.

No one wants to become a scam victim, but it could easily happen if you aren’t aware of the various tactics and methods scammers use. Seniors tend to be targeted more than other people simply because they are more vulnerable. Falling victim to a scam can lead to serious financial consequences, identify theft, embarrassment, and even fear. When caring for a loved one, it’s important to make them aware of what scams are being used today and how they can recognize them and prevent themselves from becoming victims.

Don’t Answer The Phone From An Unrecognized Number

Scammers are good at making their phone numbers as recognizable as possible. It’s not uncommon for seniors to receive a call from an unknown number, but they answer it anyway because it contains their area code. The most ideal advice when providing senior care is not answering any calls from phone numbers they don’t already have in their phone. Help them put all of the important numbers in their phone, so the name pops up on the caller ID. There may be times when a friend or family member calls and you don’t have their number, but they should either leave a voicemail or follow-up with a text message so you can verify the legitimacy of it.

Store Sensitive Information Securely

Seniors should not carry around their social security cards, insurance information, or anything else containing sensitive information. Just use these documents when needed on the day of medical appointments or any other necessary purpose. Seniors should know that most medical facilities will not contact them to provide this type of information over the phone. If someone who calls you is claiming to be a representative from a facility you visit and asks you for sensitive information, hang up and call them back so you know you’re talking to a legitimate representative since you initiated the call.

Monitor Financial Statements And Credit Reports

Sometimes even the most cautious seniors practicing independent living can fall victim to identity theft or other kinds of theft. Credit card numbers can be stolen online in various ways, computers can be hacked, and much more. When caring for a loved one, help them monitor financial statements and credit reports manually or set them up with a monitoring service. They can receive a notification every time a transaction is made or if their name is used to apply for credit and immediately stop the crime.

Promote Open Communication With Seniors

Seniors may not want to admit they’ve been a victim of a scam. It’s essential to have open communication lines when providing senior care to a loved one so they’ll feel comfortable telling you when an event like this happens. They may not know what they can do, but by telling you, both of you can talk about options and find the right solution to protect their credit, finances, and overall peace of mind.

Next Day Access helps seniors who strive for independent living by providing high-quality mobility equipment and products. If you or a loved one requires mobility assistance, Nous contacter at any time to schedule a free home assessment.