Category: Uncategorized

A Victim of the Minneapolis Riots Needs Our Help

Close to midnight on mayo 29, the third day of the riots, Launette Figliuzzi’s life was going to forever change. Unable to sleep, she was in the kitchen to get a snack when she felt an unexplainable and intense neurological pain in her back. Her alarmed husband, Tom, immediately called an ambulance and they took her to the Fairview Hospital in Princeton, MN, about 10 miles from their home. Little did Tom know he wouldn’t hold his wife’s hand again for the next three months. 

The doctor there believed Launette had suffered a spinal stroke and that time was crucial. The hospital had called for a medical helicopter to airlift her to Fairview Southdale Hospital of Edina, MN since it was best equipped to handle this kind of rare stroke. Later they were informed the medical helicopters had been grounded due to the heavy air traffic as a result of the uncontrolled riots. 

Delayed Medical Care Due to the Riots

Instead, they transported her by ground; however, due to the riots, all of the major highways had been closed. This caused the ambulance to be rerouted down many side streets, causing huge delays in her care. 

By the time Launette arrived at Fairview Southdale, her paralysis had moved up to her waist and shortly thereafter, up to her chest. After multiple MRI’s, a diagnosis of a spinal stroke was confirmed. However, tragically, by then it was too late for Launette to receive the drug used to break up blood clots and halt and/or reverse the damage caused by the stroke.

That night, as Launette lay frightened and all alone in her hospital room due to COVID regulations, she couldn’t quite grasp she had become permanently paralyzed from the chest down and that her life was irreparably altered. Fortunately, she was later transferred to the Minneapolis VA hospital, which is known for its top-rated Spinal Cord Injury Center. She is still an inpatient there, receiving excellent care and undergoing extensive therapy.

Anger Sets In

As the months pass by, Tom can’t help but be frustrated and angry that his wife was denied access to timely medical care due to the riots. He is certain immediate treatment would have been instrumental in keeping her paralysis from setting in. If the authorities had been allowed to control the riots, she would have had access to quicker aid with the use of the air ambulance. The mayhem and violence allowed to go unchecked for three whole days by state and local officials directly impacted Launette’s access to the critical care she so desperately needed. 

A Silent Casualty of the Riots

In the media, Launette has remained a silent casualty. She has become collateral damage due to riots that have been portrayed by the media as “mostly peaceful protests.” As a result, Launette is permanently paralyzed from her chest to her toes. 

Tom Figliuzzi explained, “Launette is such a positive person, but it does bother her when she hears commentary coming from the state and city leadership proclaiming that the damage is only bricks and mortar…” 

Launette said, “The governor needs to know I am not bricks and mortar, I’m a real, live human being who is now paralyzed for the rest of my life.”

Deserving of our Help

If anyone deserves help, it is Launette, who is a mom/bonus mom to 5 kids and grandmother to 13 grandchildren. She served 22 years in the US Army and retired achieving the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8). She then served another 15 years as the County Veterans Service Officer in Sherburne and Wright County MN, and in Cass County, North Dakota. She has helped thousands of veterans obtain their earned benefits and now, ironically, she desperately needs that same kind of help for herself.

How Next Day Access has Helped

We have worked with the VA to get Launette more accessibility in her home. When asked what he thought about the service he has received from Next Day Access, Tom said, “I have nothing but genuine love for the people at Next Day Access. They’re very empathetic. I want to commend Bill who helped install a threshold ramp from the VA (not one of Next Day Access products) free of charge. Who does that these days? I also want to give praises to April, the heart and soul of the branch. She makes sure everything gets ordered and is on time. She literally cried when one of the parts didn’t arrive on time. I also really appreciate Chris, the owner, who reached out to give his take on a bathroom modification.” 

According to Tom, “Next Day Access professionalism goes beyond just their jobs. These are real people with real families and they really care.” 

How You Can Help

Some have asked why Launette needs a fundraiser when she utilizes the VA. Unfortunately, there is a false impression that the VA provides everything a veteran needs when they are discharged. Although the VA provides basic immobility ramps and safety devices, most veterans bear the financial burden for home adaptations, vehicles, and specialized equipment. Of course, there are exceptions, but she does not fall within those parameters. 

At the urging of family, friends, and others who know and love Launette and Tom, a GoFundMe account has been set up. It was a hard decision to accept the help, as they are from backgrounds that don’t ask or impose on others. But now, they themselves need to overcome a huge financial burden that neither of them could have imagined. 

One large expense they need funding for is a specialized wheelchair. This wheelchair has the ability to not only transport but it can help Launette with therapy. It raises her into a standing position for better circulation and for weight-bearing on her limbs to prevent osteoporosis. This is a very costly wheelchair and is well out of their means. They would use any extra monies raised for home adaptations so they are able to remain in the home they love.

If you are able to donate any amount of money towards these items, click here to visit their GoFundMe page. Tom and Launette want to thank you in advance for your generosity.

A person’s vision is one of the most common things taken for granted until it’s gone or begins deteriorating. Like going to the doctor or dentist for a checkup annually, doing the same with an eye doctor can detect problems early and potentially correct them before any major harm is done. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 61 million Americans are considered to have a high risk of developing vision loss at some point, and of that number, just 50% have visited their eye doctor in the past year. If you’re the primary caregiver for an aging parent, be sure to take them to regular eye doctor visits to prevent these eye diseases that contribute to senior vision loss.

Cataracts

Cataracts are when the lens at the front of the eyeball becomes blurry, leading to deteriorated vision in some situations. Symptoms usually aren’t severe at first but can worsen over time if left untreated. Most of the symptoms include having blurry vision in general, inability to see well at night, needing bright lighting to see anything and not being able to distinguish different colors easily. These vision problems can make independent living dangerous, so visit an eye doctor when symptoms appear.

Glaucoma

When there is excessive pressure on the optic nerve that connects to the brain from the back of the eye, glaucoma can develop. Some of the signs of glaucoma include eye pain, sudden visual disturbances, blurry vision in general, frequent headaches, seeing halos around lights, blind spots and more. Glaucoma can worsen over time, so it’s important to take your aging parent to the eye doctor as soon as possible to preserve their long-term vision.

AMD

AMD stands for age-related macular degeneration and impacts the middle of a person’s vision the most. If your aging parent has AMD, they will likely experience fogginess in everything they see, lines or waves in objects that are straight or a dark and blurry patch in the middle of their vision. Without proper action taken, AMD can lead to permanent vision problems and the potential for legal blindness. It does not lead to complete blindness since it does not impact a person’s peripheral vision.

Diabetic Eye Disease

A primary caregiver needs to monitor their aging parent with diabetes closely. Not properly controlling diabetes can lead to diabetic eye disease, which is referred to as diabetic retinopathy. When this occurs, the small blood vessels on the back part of the eye rupture and lead to blind spots or dark patches in certain areas of your vision. 

We shouldn’t take our vision for granted because we don’t know when it could be taken away from us. However, with annual vision exams, eye doctors can discover potential issues early and may be able to prevent them from developing to the point where vision loss is a reality. Everyone should be able to enjoy their home and surroundings to the fullest extent, so contact Next Day Access if there’s anything we can do to help with home accessibility.

Many times the aging population will experience changes in their cognitive ability, but this doesn’t always mean they’ve developed a cognitive disability. Alzheimer’s is one of the first things that comes to mind for seniors and caregivers alike when cognitive abilities begin changing. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Disease is characterized by a slow decline in thinking, memory and reasoning skills. A senior may not realize they are experiencing these declines in cognitive ability, so it’s important to observe their actions and seek medical advice and assistance if you notice any of these signs.

Frequent Memory Loss

We’ve all had moments where we’ve forgotten something, lost our keys or can’t remember why we walked into a room. Younger people often call this a brain freeze and seniors may call it having a senior moment. These episodes may happen occasionally, but when they become more frequent is when there should be some worry about the development of a cognitive disability. 

There are also different levels of memory loss that can signify Alzheimer’s development compared to just having a senior moment. Losing track of time and missing a medical appointment can happen occasionally and may be viewed as normal for the aging population. However, leaving the home on time for the appointment, but then forgetting where you are going once in your car is not normal and could be a sign of Alzheimer’s development. Those signs make independent senior living dangerous, so any caretaker or loved one should take appropriate action when noticed.

Neurological Concerns

Problems with basic motor skills, personality changes, inability to carry a conversation and other similar characteristics may be signs of neurological problems and potentially Alzheimer’s. Again, you’re looking for major changes or repetitive actions that cause concern, since everyone has days where their mood may be different than the previous day. But when a person’s mood changes swiftly and for no apparent reason at all, it may be worth taking a closer look at other actions they are doing. Your loved one may also be experiencing depression, which is dealt with differently by every person and should be addressed immediately before it escalates. 

Visit A Doctor If Concerning Signs Persist

If you notice any of these signs or character changes in your senior loved one, reach out to a doctor as soon as possible. People striving for independent senior living may not want to hear about your reasons for concern, but it is important for them that you take action. Alzheimer’s can develop suddenly and quickly and, if left undetected, can be dangerous for anyone living alone. The earlier you can detect Alzheimer’s the better you can prepare for helping them live their life as normally as possible.

Senior living can be challenging with a cognitive disability. If there’s anything you need to help your senior loved one increase their mobility at home, contact Next Day Access.

Each individual of the aging population has a unique view about how their life will look 5, 10, 15 or even 20 years from now. Those who strive for independent living may want to continue doing so, but aren’t sure if their cognitive ability will remain strong for so many years. The National Institute on Aging suggests that aging doesn’t have to be completely negative on the brain. The inability to remember certain things comes with aging, but can also be an early sign of dementia. Understanding the differences between the two is critical, especially if you’re caring for a loved one.

How Dementia Develops

Dementia develops as a result of damaged brain cells prohibiting those cells from communicating with one another. Many different cognitive functions can be impacted, depending on which brain cells are affected the most. Like aging, dementia occurs over time for the aging population and can significantly impact how a person interacts with others and behaves in general. 

Cognitive Changes Are Normal For The Aging Population

Certain components of the brain can shrink as you get older, as well as decreased blood flow and increased inflammation. All of these can lead to cognitive decline or at least a disruption in cognitive abilities. One of the most difficult things to do is notice these signs when caring for a loved one and determining whether they are simply part of the aging process or early signs of dementia. Many of the signs are the same, but the typical cognitive changes that are seen as normal include occasional loss of short-term memory, difficulty paying attention to others when they speak, difficulty concentrating on specific tasks and other similar signs. How you can tell these signs are just a part of getting older is if a senior just experiences these signs occasionally and appears to be sharp cognitively otherwise.

Common Signs Of Dementia

When a person has dementia, independent living is rarely an option. Most of the time a person with dementia is unable to complete everyday tasks, is forgetful most of the time and rarely finishes anything they begin. The decline in cognitive function tends to be more rapid for a person with dementia and some of the signs to look out for include:

• Change in personality
• Repeating the same questions
• Not recalling events that just happened
• Inability to use the right words appropriately
• Constant confusion
• Being apathetic in many aspects of life

It’s important to look out for any gradual or sudden changes in cognitive ability when caring for a loved one. If you have any suspicions or concerns, visiting a medical professional early may lead to early detection of dementia and help you and your loved one manage it a little easier.

At Next Day Access, we are here to help aging seniors succeed at independent living by providing them the tools and solutions they need to move freely. If there is anything we can do to help your aging loved one, Nous contacter at any time to schedule a free home assessment.

Seniors who can still drive a car safely are usually doing very well with independent living. Sometimes, though, they may be driving the same car for many years and it doesn’t provide them with the comfort, safety or versatility needed anymore. Most seniors want to avoid all the bells and whistles that come with many new cars today, but features like a rear-view camera can be beneficial so they won’t have to strain their neck or back looking behind them when the vehicle is in reverse. This is just one example of what a senior should consider when choosing a new car and here are several other considerations.

Safety Is The Number One Priority

Safety should be the number one priority for anyone shopping for a new vehicle, but especially seniors. Technology has advanced tremendously when it comes to automobile safety. Features like rear-view cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, modern airbag technology and automatic emergency braking are just a few of the features that create a safe driving experience. Seniors may have to get used to the sounds and lights the safety features make in the vehicle, but it’s well worth it because of the safety it provides on the road.

Buying A Used Car Can Save Money

Unless a senior is sold on just buying a new vehicle, it’s worth it to take a close look at pre-owned vehicles. When you do some research and know the vehicle’s accident history, whether there are any recalls and how many owners it has had, you can feel more confident in your purchase. There are plenty of high-quality used vehicles on the market offering the safety features you need at a lower price. 

A common thought seniors have is they don���t believe they need a big vehicle just for themselves, so they opt for a small car since it’s less expensive. However, small cars are typically more dangerous simply because of their size. But when you shop for pre-owned vehicles, you may find a great option on a mid-size vehicle for a similar price as a brand new small car.

Choose A Vehicle With Minimal Distractions

Sometimes the more features you have, the more distractions can be present, which makes the vehicle less safe. Luxury features like a microphone to talk to people in the back seat, bigger screens in the front and other features aren’t usually necessary. While practicing independent living at home, you could take the time to learn about these features more so they become less of a distraction, but you also have to justify whether they are needed.

Have An Auto Lift Installed

If you have a wheelchair or mobility scooter for getting around easier, consider asking the car dealer to install an auto lift before you purchase a vehicle. A good auto lift can be installed on virtually any vehicle and can make mobility much easier for you. Even if you don’t need assistance walking right now, consider having it installed anyway so you have it if you ever need it several years down the road.

Next Day Access provides high-quality auto lifts and other accessibility products to help seniors thrive with independent living. Feel free to Nous contacter at any time to learn more about our products.

For seniors, gardening is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable activities they can participate in. However, not all seniors are fortunate enough to be able to do so because of a physical disability or some sort of mobility limitation. This doesn’t mean those seniors have to refrain from gardening completely. There are many different opportunities with indoor gardening to take advantage of. Here are some of the many benefits seniors can experience with an indoor garden.

Develop A Connection With Nature

Successful independent living means spending time both indoors and outdoors. But if a physical disability limits the amount of time you can spend outdoors, then bring nature with you inside with a garden. There’s something about a colorful flower or other greenery in the home that can help you develop a connection with nature. You may experience a relaxing effect simply by seeing your indoor plants rather than just walls all the time.

Be Prideful Of Gardening Accomplishments

Your indoor garden can be as basic or robust as you’d like. Gardening indoors is a bit different from outdoors since you have to experiment with where to place your plants to get the ideal sunlight, how often to water them and more. Once you find the perfect combination of sunlight and water, you may feel a sense of accomplishment. Nurturing plants gives some people emotional benefits, similar to caring for a child and seeing them thrive. It’s important for a senior practicing independent living to feel accomplished in life and gardening is a great way to achieve it.

Reap The Health Benefits Of Indoor Gardening

Health benefits of indoor gardening can come in physical or mental form. Herbs like thyme, rosemary and basil are popular for growing indoors and can help develop healthy habits to incorporate in your diet. Those herbs also give off a refreshing scent, as do plants like lavender and mint. Breathing in these refreshing scents of nature can be stress-relieving and make you feel like you’re outdoors on a nice spring or summer day.

Spark Creativity With A Garden

When it comes to indoor gardening, you can be as creative as you’d like. If you simply want to grow small flowers on a windowsill that require little maintenance, you can enjoy them just as much as you might a robust garden with various herbs. The main thing to remember is to not let a physical disability or mobility limitation deter you from gardening if it’s an activity you enjoy doing. 

Next Day Access is here to help seniors achieve independent living by providing an extensive line of mobility products. The feeling of being limited in your home can be difficult to live with, and sometimes all it takes is something like a stair lift to expand access to other areas of the home. The important thing is to continue doing what you enjoy as you get older, so feel free to Nous contacter at any time if we can help you achieve this.