Category: Uncategorized

With so much negativity going on in the world today, it can sometimes be challenging to have a positive mindset. However, thinking positive thoughts and living life as optimistically as possible can go a long way in improving your mind, body, and soul. The mental health of the aging population is a concern nationwide for various reasons, as it can greatly impact a person’s overall well-being. The good news is there are plenty of ways you can maintain a positive attitude in your day-to-day life, and doing so can help you live a long, healthy, and happy life.

Think Optimistically

Negative self-talk can be draining for anyone. Many people don’t even realize how many negative thoughts go through their heads daily. When you choose to think optimistically instead of negatively in certain situations, you can prevent some of those negative thoughts from consuming you. Some people find it effective to be more conscious of their negative thoughts and write them down on paper. They can then find a way to turn those negative thoughts into positive ones to slowly train their brains to think more optimistically. This is a great exercise for the aging population who may be struggling to find something positive to think about.

Keep A Smile On Your Face

One of the most underrated healthy habits a person can have is always having a smile on their face. It’s hard to have a poor attitude when you smile, even when there isn’t much to smile about. The combination of smiling and thinking positive thoughts can help you both mentally and physically by:

• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Boosting your immune system
• Decreasing the risk of depression
• Improving emotional and psychological health
• Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks
• Lengthening your life span

These benefits can help you age well, and sometimes all it takes is putting a smile on your face.

Repeat Daily Positive Affirmations

Seniors striving for independent living can benefit greatly from daily positive affirmations. This involves repeating positive statements aloud to yourself in the morning and throughout the day to help train your mind to think positively. Some positive affirmations for the aging population include things like, “I will develop new healthy habits today and abandon poor old habits,” and, “My life is full of positivity, and I will not let negativity enter my thoughts.” The key is to repeat these statements throughout the day, not just one time in the morning. Our brains need to be trained to alter thoughts, so be diligent with positive affirmations, and you may start noticing different feelings after a few days.

Next Day Access can help seniors striving for independent living to live a more fulfilling life. Physical mobility aids can go a long way in improving positive thinking and overall wellbeing, so Nous contacter today to see how we can help.

One of the things the aging population fears about getting older is not having enough things to do to occupy their time. It’s easy to lose the social aspect of life when practicing independent living, especially when you don’t have many friends or family nearby to see frequently. A great way to solve this problem and more is to participate in volunteer opportunities. You can be a part of some great causes and take advantage of some of these benefits simultaneously.

Keep The Body Moving

An important aspect of independent living is maintaining good physical health. This can be difficult to do if you stay at home most of the time and don’t exercise or move around as much as you should. Volunteering with different organizations can keep you on your feet and moving around as much as you are capable of doing so. The physical activity with volunteering can be enough to keep you in good physical health and prevent injuries, diseases, and more.

Prevent Feelings Of Isolation

It’s easy to feel isolated when living at home, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteering can give the aging population a sense of community and provide them with a more satisfying lifestyle. Having a sense of purpose is essential, as it can reduce stress levels, provide a sense of accomplishment, reduce depression, and offer many other psychological benefits. 

Boost Mental Health

Mental health in the aging population is often overlooked in favor of physical health, but it can’t be ignored. Volunteer opportunities can keep the brain stimulated and provide a sense of purpose, which can lead to better mental health. Even talking to other people as you volunteer can give a significant boost to your overall mentality. The more you can stimulate your brain, the more you can reduce the likelihood of developing diseases like dementia and depression.

Learn New Skills And Make Friends

Volunteer opportunities can also help the aging population learn new things and make friends along the way. Sometimes volunteering means working with people of all ages to bridge the generational gaps as you work together with younger people. They can learn from you, and you can learn from them, and you may even make lifelong friends in the process. Learning new skills can also help keep your brain stimulated and active as you get older.

Next Day Access believes volunteering is important for people of all ages. If you provide senior care for a loved one, try finding great opportunities for them to stimulate their mind and body to take advantage of these benefits. These simple things may not seem like much, but they can go a long way in improving the chances of successful independent living as a senior loved one gets older. If there is anything we can do to help seniors fulfill their desire to participate in volunteer activities, feel free to Nous contacter at any time.

Flu season is right around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about when you’ll get your flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting an annual seasonal flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself. The importance of getting a flu vaccine this year is higher than ever before to potentially help reduce some pressure on healthcare systems that still have the COVID-19 pandemic to deal with. Some people choose not to get a flu shot for various reasons, including myths that may not be true. Whether you’re caring for a loved one and debating if you want to get a flu shot or your senior loved one isn’t sure, here are some of the common myths about the seasonal flu shot.

The Flu Shot Can Give You The Flu

The flu shot itself very likely won’t give you the flu, but it is possible to experience minor symptoms. The viruses contained within the flu shot are not infectious and are inactive, and helps the immune system develop antibodies to protect against the flu. As a primary caregiver, it’s essential to know that side effects can occur following a flu shot, such as soreness, slight fever, achiness, and other minor symptoms. It takes a couple of weeks for the flu shot to take effect, so it is possible to get the flu between the time you get the shot and the time it becomes effective, but the flu shot itself very likely won’t give you the flu.

It’s Safer To Get The Flu Than The Flu Vaccine

The flu can be a very dangerous infection, particularly for seniors with underlying health conditions. There are many different beliefs about vaccines in general, but in a basic sense, getting the flu is more dangerous to a person’s health than the flu vaccine. Older people focused on independent senior living should strongly consider getting a flu vaccine every year to decrease the chances of getting the flu and ending up in the hospital.

Anyone With An Egg Allergy Should Avoid Flu Shots

This myth revolves around the fact that some flu vaccines grow inside chicken eggs. Anyone with severe allergic reactions to consuming eggs should consult with their medical professional before getting a flu shot, but most of the time, it won’t cause any significant reactions. Just be sure to express any concerns to the professional administering the vaccine before receiving it.

You Don’t Have To Get The Flu Shot Every Year

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting the flu shot annually. It’s especially important for seniors or anyone caring for a loved one to get the vaccine annually. The strains of flu change each year, and the vaccine has to be adjusted accordingly to provide better protection. Older people practicing independent senior living may even request stronger doses of the vaccine each year to ensure their immunity levels are high enough throughout the flu season.

Getting the flu shot is more important than ever this year. At Next Day Access, we are here to help seniors enjoy independent living, so Nous contacter at any time if we can help.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 25% of adults in the United States report having some type of disability. These disabilities may pertain to cognitive abilities, vision, hearing, or others, but the most common type of disability has to do with mobility. Many times mobility limitations are unavoidable and happen as you get older or suffer an injury. The good news is there are plenty of mobility devices to help you get around and live as normal of a lifestyle as possible. If you’re considering whether an electric scooter or an electric wheelchair is right for you, we’ve got you covered with the benefits of each.

Benefits Of An Electric Wheelchair

An electric wheelchair is typically a compact device with a tight turning radius to help people navigate doorways, entryways, and other areas where tight turns are required. The compact nature also applies to parking it, since it’s usually easy to find a place inside the home where it’s out of the way. And if you won’t be using it for a while for any reason, most electric wheelchairs can be broken down for easy storage in a closet or other similar space. It’s relatively simple to navigate tight spaces with an electric wheelchair, but it can be a little more challenging to get out of.

Why An Electric Scooter May Be Right For You

If you frequently go on long walks either down the sidewalk, in a shopping mall, or other areas, then an electric scooter may be ideal. Electric scooters are typically more durable and can be operated at faster speeds than electric wheelchairs. The durability makes them suitable for using outdoors, but you should still proceed with caution and ensure you’re using it on the flattest surfaces possible. The weight capacity is also higher than most electric wheelchairs, and the swivel chair of an electric scooter makes it much easier to get in and out of. And if you aren’t fond of how wheelchairs look, then electric scooters will likely be more stylish and aesthetically pleasing for you.

Consider Your Specific Needs And Budget

Deciding between an electric scooter and an electric wheelchair comes down to knowing what you’ll use it for. If it will be used primarily for indoor use, then an electric wheelchair is usually the ideal option because of its maneuverability. But if you spend a lot of time outdoors and moving longer distances, then an electric scooter may be the way to go. With so many options available, you can also narrow your choices based on your budget and can still find exactly what you need to make mobility more convenient.

Next Day Access offers both electric wheelchairs and scooters to help people with disabilities navigate life more comfortable. One of our most popular products is a mobility scooter since it offers a great deal of convenience and fits many customers’ lifestyle. If you’re still uncertain with which fit is right for you, Nous contacter and we would be happy to go over some options with you.

People with mobility limitations typically notice even the smallest steps to enter a building or a room. A raised step of just a couple of inches can be a trip hazard for people who don’t have good balance or stability. Whether you’ve suffered an injury that has limited your mobility, or if you or a loved one are getting older and having a more challenging time moving around, a wheelchair ramp could be exactly what you need to make mobility a breeze. No matter if you’re at home or in public, ramps are often the answer to solving mobility problems.

Installing A Wheelchair Ramp At Your Home

Wheelchair ramps have come a long way in terms of durability and aesthetics. Professional wheelchair ramp installers do a great job of ensuring the ramp does not stick out too much and blends in with the rest of your home as much as possible. You have different materials to choose from, and the good ones will have at least a 1,000-pound weight capacity so you can feel safe and secure on it, even when using a wheelchair or mobility scooter. It just takes a matter of a few hours to install a wheelchair ramp properly, and you’ll be living safer as a result.

A Threshold Ramp Can Solve Many Problems

A threshold ramp serves many purposes in and around the home. Depending on the steps present at your front entryway, it can be positioned there with a sturdy handrail for added stability. A threshold ramp is also commonly used in garages or by small curbs to help people in walkers, wheelchairs, or scooters move with ease. But even if you don’t require a mobility aid, not having to pick up your feet high enough to step up a few inches can give you some peace of mind and confidence as you’re walking.

Take A Portable Ramp With You Anywhere

Portable ramps are lightweight and designed to be folded up for easy storage. Some people keep portable ramps in their homes just in case they need a temporary ramp for guests, but others always have it available in their vehicle in the event it’s needed in public. Simply unfold it, put it on the ground where there’s an architectural barrier, and then fold it back up for storage. Taking accessibility with you is easier than ever when you have a portable ramp available to you.

Next Day Access professionals can walk you through the different options you have when it comes to wheelchair ramps. Our experts will recommend the appropriate ramp material based on the area you live in, the most ideal ramp surface, what would look great aesthetically, and much more. And all of these recommendations will happen during a free assessment we provide you when visiting your home. We are ready to help you improve accessibility no matter where you are, so Nous contacter today to schedule your free home assessment and get started.

As you get older, the fear of falling increases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about three million elderly people have to visit an emergency room every year due to fall injuries. While some falls occur purely as a fluke no one could have anticipated, most of the falls people experience are preventable. Having a wheelchair ramp for your home is one of the most recommended products for people with limited mobility, as you’re eliminating the most commonly used step to get inside your home. However, a wheelchair ramp can be dangerous also if it’s not installed properly or not used correctly. Here are some important ramp safety tips to keep in mind.

Incorporate Proper Slope

Having a professional install your wheelchair ramp is highly recommended so you can ensure the proper slope is used. The ADA standard says the slope should be one-foot of length per one-inch of rise. This allows for a perfect gradual incline and decline to keep you stable and balanced while walking on it, even on potentially wet surfaces. If you go out in public and see a wheelchair ramp that looks to be steeper than it should be, avoid it if possible to prevent an injury, especially if the outdoor conditions aren’t ideal.

Avoid Slippery Surfaces

Some wheelchair ramps are made of materials that make them dangerous to walk on when wet. Wood, concrete, and solid aluminum are commonly used materials for wheelchair ramps and can be slippery when moisture is present. Some of the better ramps include an open-weave surface that allows water, snow, and ice to pass through it, offering a safe surface to walk on. Even riding a mobility scooter on a slippery ramp can be dangerous since the wheels can lose traction and start spinning. When in doubt, avoid ramps with slippery surfaces or ask for assistance if you have to use it.

Consider The Turning Radius And Proper Handrails

Ramps that have turns should have the proper turning radius to make it safe for people in a wheelchair or a mobility scooter to turn. A 60” turning radius is the standard set by the ADA, but can be more depending on how wide the wheelchair ramp is. Making tight turns can be unsafe and put you in an undesirable position, so take a look at the turning radius before entering a particular ramp. Always look at the handrails on the ramps to ensure they are at a comfortable height on each side and are sturdy enough to lean on if you accidentally lose your balance and have to put your weight on them.

Next Day Access prioritizes wheelchair ramp safety with every product we install. Whether you need a temporary ramp to accommodate guests or need a permanent ramp installed in or around your home, we have you covered with high-quality products. Wheelchair ramps can solve many mobility problems when installed and used safely, so feel free to Nous contacter if you could benefit from them.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a temporary halt to restaurant dining, but now restaurants across the country are reopening with specific guidelines in place. One of the most common guidelines is allowing customers to dine outside or limiting the number of customers allowed to dine inside at one time. Along with social distancing guidelines and other sanitization guidelines to follow, restaurant owners also need to ensure their outdoor spaces are accessible for people with mobility limitations. Everything from wheelchair accessible restrooms to smoothing out pathways is essential, and here are three ways you can make your outdoor restaurant space more accessible.

Ensure Outdoor Pathways Are Smooth

Some restaurants have smooth and decorative entryways to their establishment’s front door, but the outdoor dining area doesn’t get as much attention. Since customers will be directed straight to the outdoor dining space in many cases, it’s vital to ensure that the pathways are smooth enough for people in a wheelchair, walker, or even a mobility scooter to approach the area safely. A wheelchair accessible space may be as simple as installing a wheelchair ramp that’s wide enough for people to turn around with ease. In many cases, slight modifications are all that’s needed to become wheelchair accessible at your restaurant.

Install A Stair Lift For Deck Dining

Restaurants with an outdoor deck for dining may consider installing a stair lift to help customers enter the space without navigating stairs. A stair lift is great to always have at your restaurant, but if the hope is to open indoor dining soon, you can also rent one for temporary use. Depending on how high the deck is from the ground, you may consider installing a wheelchair ramp as well, so people with a mobility scooter can easily access the space.

Make Restrooms Wheelchair Accessible

Your indoor restrooms may be wheelchair accessible, but any outdoor portable restrooms you have now need to be as well. Ensure the portable restrooms you’re using are wide enough for a wheelchair or mobility scooter to enter, and the bottom is as flat to the ground as possible. Any hand washing or sanitizing stations you have outside should be at a height that’s easy to reach in a wheelchair. Just remember that any outdoor facilities you have must adhere to ADA regulations, just like your indoor space.

Next Day Access can help business owners make their restaurant wheelchair accessible to provide a welcoming environment for all customers. Outdoor dining may be the norm for the foreseeable future, so taking the necessary steps now to make it easily accessible for anyone can help your business tremendously. Whether you need a complete overhaul of your outdoor dining space or just need a few creative modifications, don’t hesitate to Nous contacter. We would be happy to provide you with a free assessment with recommendations.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced many students to take remote classes from home rather than attend school in a traditional classroom. Whether you’re a parent with mobility limitations or if your child has a physical disability, making your home accessible when you’re there more often will make your day-to-day life much easier. Remote learning may be challenging enough, so incorporating these home accessibility products and tips can make some aspects of remote learning a little less stressful.

Install Wheelchair Ramps Or Threshold Ramps At Entryways

Most Rampes pour fauteuils roulants are installed at the home’s front entryway, but they can also be installed in other entryways. If some of your learning will take place in a climate-controlled garage, basement, or other areas, a wheelchair ramp can provide a safe way for your child to get to and from their new home classroom. And if some entryways to interior rooms are raised at all, installing threshold ramps can prevent tripping and falling.

A Stair Lift Provides Independent Access To All Levels Of The Home

Spending more time at home may mean using more of the home than you normally would daily. Anyone with mobility limitations knows how challenging and dangerous it can be to navigate stairs, so consider installing a stair lift. As a parent, you can have a little more peace of mind knowing your child with a disability can go up or down the stairs with ease if they need to get supplies or learning materials. A stair lift is an essential product if you have a multi-level home.

Improve Bathroom Safety With Grab Bars

If you don’t already have grab bars in your bathroom, consider installing them now that remote learning is underway. Kids will sometimes need to use the bathroom in the middle of a school lesson and hurry back as quickly as possible. This can prevent a fall risk for children with mobility limitations, so you can help them out by placing grab bars in the bathroom to provide some added stability.

Set Up A Home Classroom That’s Easy To Navigate

Whether you have all of the above products already installed or not, one of the simplest ways to make remote learning successful is by setting up an easily-accessible home classroom. If you’re transforming a bedroom into a classroom, move out the bed or other furniture to create more of a classroom environment than a bedroom environment. But regardless of where the home classroom is set up, take steps to reduce clutter and develop good organization habits to mock the traditional classroom as much as possible.

Next Day Access understands the challenges parents are going through since they likely haven’t had to set up their home for remote learning before. The good news is it’s generally easy to do so, and we have the right products and tools to help you achieve it. If you’ve noticed the accessibility in your home could improve in any way, feel free to Nous contacter, and we would be happy to help by providing a free home assessment.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is designed to create equal opportunities for people with disabilities and prohibit forms of discrimination directed toward disabled people. The ADA states that an employer must make reasonable accommodations for people with a known physical disability or a cognitive disability unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship on the business’s overall operations. Understanding your rights as an employee can be tricky, and it is sometimes hard for people to request accommodations since they are unsure how the request will be received. We’ve outlined some of the details of reasonable accommodations to help you gain a better overall understanding.

Many Accommodations Cost Very Little Money

Most people with a physical disability or a cognitive disability don’t want to create an undue hardship for their employer. However, they also want to do their jobs as well as possible. People with disabilities don’t usually want to be treated any differently than others, so they hesitate to ask for what they need to make their lives easier. In many situations, the accommodations needed cost very little money to an employer, and sometimes it doesn’t cost any money at all. 

Something as simple as raising or lowering a desk takes a few minutes to achieve and can make a huge difference in productivity. But even if you need a more ergonomic chair to help you sit more comfortably with less pain, this type of request falls under reasonable accommodations and would not create an undue burden for the employer.

You Have A Right To Ask For Reasonable Accommodations

It’s your right to ask for a reasonable accommodation to help you do your job better or more efficiently. Most employers are willing to help you out, especially if the cost of doing so is minimal. Too many people hesitate to ask for these accommodations because of the fear of getting fired or looked down on. But if the employer truly understands accessibility standards, then they should have no problem looking into your concern and accommodating as much as possible. 

Work With Your Employer To Find A Compromise

There’s a balance to find between making too many requests and keeping your requests to just those that help you do your job better. Don’t hesitate to discuss potential accommodations with your employer and be open to compromising with them if some requests may be costly. For example, installing a wheelchair ramp, stair lift, or other accessibility products may cost more than simply raising or lowering a desk. If those costs are unreasonable for your employer, a compromise may be to allow you to work remotely a couple of times each week so you won’t have to put your body through as much strain going to work. 

Working with your employer to find reasonable accommodations can tremendously help people with a physical disability or a cognitive disability. Next Day Access is here to help as well, so feel free to Nous contacter at any time.

Power wheelchairs can make navigation much easier for people with disabilities. With the technology available today, maneuvering even some of the tightest spaces is a breeze with electric wheelchairs. If you’re considering investing in a power wheelchair, it’s important to understand the options available so you can make the ideal choice suited for your needs. For example, a travel wheelchair is more compact but may not have some other features that are important to you for daily life. This quick guide will help you understand the important factors to consider before purchasing a power wheelchair.

Understanding Drive Wheels

The first thing to understand is the different types of drive wheels with power wheelchairs: front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel drive:

• Front-wheel drive power wheelchairs have larger drive wheels in the front, providing more stability when climbing steep hills and other uneven terrains. However, the turning radius typically is not as sharp, so maneuvering the wheelchair indoors when spaces are tighter could be challenging.
• Mid-wheel drive power wheelchairs have six total wheels, with the two largest ones being in the middle. The center of gravity is better with this type, so the stability is greater as a result. Believe it or not, the turning radius is good even with two extra wheels. But you may sacrifice comfort at the same time with the additional wheels since you’ll feel more of the bumps and vibrations.
• Rear-wheel drive power wheelchairs have a wider turning radius than the other models and don’t have as much stability on inclines or uneven terrain. This type is usually the most comfortable option, though, so it’s still a good option if you don’t have to make tight turns and typically move on flat terrain.

Prioritize Comfort

Once you decide the type of drive wheel you need, you can focus on the comfort level of different options. Some power wheelchairs have more padding on the seat and back than others, and some have headrests while others don’t. The armrest position and the steering controls should also be considered since you don’t want to strain while maneuvering. If possible, test out a couple of options and navigate through wheelchair accessible areas to see which ones are easiest to maneuver for your needs.

Consider Storage Options For Travel Purposes

A good travel wheelchair will break down and be compact enough to be easily stored. Of course, if you don’t travel much and mainly need your power wheelchair for home use, then this feature may not be necessary for you. Depending on your specific situation, having a designated travel wheelchair and a separate wheelchair for home use may be ideal. That way, you’ll have the perfect option no matter where life takes you any given day.

Navigating any wheelchair ramp is a breeze when you have the right power wheelchair. Next Day Access offers several different models to ensure you can find the perfect fit. Power wheelchairs can make life more convenient in many ways, so Nous contacter today to learn about your options.