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According to the National Council on Aging, approximately one out of every four Americans age 65 and older falls every year. Falling has long been one of the most common ways older people get injured, and many times it’s preventable. You can adjust your living space and outdoor area to help reduce the risk of falling by installing grab bars and other assistive solutions, but it’s also important for senior living to increase strength and balance. One of the most popular outdoor activities for seniors is yoga. Here are some important benefits of yoga for seniors.

Improves Balance To Help Prevent Falls

When an older person is asked how they fell, their answer is often “I lost my balance.” Losing your balance is scary and sometimes there’s nothing you can do to get it back when you’re in the middle of a fall. Older people tend to have balance problems if they move around less than they used to, do fewer exercises and don’t realize their muscles have weakened as a result. Different yoga poses can focus specifically on strengthening the legs and core muscles, which can directly improve balance. The more stability seniors have, the better their balance will be and the more enjoyable senior living will be as a result.

Reduce The Risk Of Medical Issues

Proper blood flow is critical for healthy senior living. Certain yoga poses are designed to be low-impact and easy to do even if balance is a concern, so most seniors can participate in the movements. Practicing yoga over several weeks or months could reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure, maintain glucose levels, cholesterol levels, stabilize the heart rate and much more. Medical professionals often suggest that their patients participate in yoga as part of a treatment plan if someone had a recent surgery or was diagnosed with a medical condition. 

Relax The Body And Mind

Senior living can be stressful for a variety of reasons. They may be dealing with medical issues they didn’t have before, current events may be more concerning to them and much more. Yoga is a great way to regulate hormones to relax the mind and the body as a result. Reducing stress levels is important for everyone, especially for seniors. Keep movements steady and slow and focus on breathing throughout the process. The more you can relax the body, the more effective each yoga session will be.

Next Day Access understands how scary it can be for seniors to fall. Our goal is to equip your home with the right products to ensure you feel safe moving around at all times. One of the most popular products we install is grab bars, which helps give you some peace of mind if you have balance concerns. Grab bars are great to have even if you’re actively practicing yoga to improve your overall balance. If there’s anything we can do to help give you peace of mind regarding your mobility, don’t hesitate to Nous contacter at any time.

New building construction today takes into consideration people with disabilities more than it has in the past. The goal is to create accessible spaces for anyone who would enter the building, no matter their age or physical abilities. The World Health Organization offers a checklist of the features age-friendly cities have in general. Many of these features can be incorporated into buildings today, even if it’s an existing structure like a church, office, business or any other place where people congregate.

Simple Adjustments Can Make A Significant Difference

Many times you don’t have to undergo a complete overhaul of a building to make it more accessible. Simply installing grab bars in areas like bathrooms and stairwells can make it much easier for people to enter and exit. You also don’t necessarily have to have a wheelchair ramp at each entry and exit point, but at least having one point for a step-less entry is ideal. Take a look around at different areas of the building as well and see what could be considered a trip hazard. Consider replacing thick rugs with thinner ones, upgrading the lighting down dim hallways, installing non-slip materials inside and outside entryways and more.

Mobility Devices To Consider Installing

If you want to take building accessibility to the next level, you could consider installing a stair lift, a platform lift, an elevator or any other type of mobility device you deem to be appropriate. These products can significantly reduce the risk of falling for people with mobility limitations. If your budget allows for these items, they are well worth the investment to ensure anyone who visits your building will have a safe experience. Budgeting is often a concern, so you could spread out these investments over time or even consider installing one stair lift for a designated staircase rather than installing it on every staircase you have.

Create A Safer And More Accessible Environment Today

New buildings are great examples to look at when it comes to disability-inclusive spaces. The goal is to make everyone feel safe, secure and included any time they enter a building, no matter what their limitations or disabilities are. Most existing buildings can be modified to improve accessibility when you work with reputable and trustworthy professionals. Accessibility experts can visit your building and provide recommendations for accessibility, whether it’s the strategic placement of grab bars or installation of a stair lift on each staircase. Creating a safer and more accessible environment isn’t as difficult or time-consuming as you may think, and the benefits are well worth the costs.

At Next Day Access, our accessibility professionals will recommend products and devices based on your needs and the needs of your guests. An age-friendly, disability-inclusive building doesn’t always mean making every area of the building accessible. You may just need one stair lift designed for people with mobility limitations, as well as a single wheelchair ramp. When you Nous contacter, we will discuss everything from your needs, desires, budget and more to ensure you’re comfortable and confident before we proceed with making your building more accessible.

During times like these when people, seniors in particular, need to be distancing themselves from others as much as possible, staying connected is important. The aging population has traditionally been hesitant to adopt modern technology for various reasons. However, more of the older US population has invested in some sort of technology in recent years. 

An AARP study shows that roughly 90% of people older than 50 have a laptop or computer, roughly 70% in that age group have a smartphone and roughly 40% in that range have a tablet. Those numbers decrease when you get into the age 70+ range, but could be rising in recent months. Staying connected is critical for seniors living at home and here’s how they can adopt technology to accomplish it.

Listen To Podcasts

Whether seniors enjoy hearing about current events, sports discussions, how to enjoy senior independent living or any other types of discussions, chances are there’s a podcast they can enjoy. Finding the podcast could be challenging for seniors who may be new to modern technology, but once you show them how to find it a few times, they may be able to pick it up on their own. Keeping the mind stimulated is critical for seniors living at home, and listening to podcasts is a simple way to accomplish this.

Use Video Technology To Connect With Friends And Family

With the social distancing guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some seniors haven’t been able to see their loved ones in person for weeks. The next greatest thing is using technology to have video calls with friends and family members. Investing in a smartphone or tablet is worth it when you consider these benefits, and it’s much easier to figure out how to use them than you think. FaceTime, Zoom and other applications have been more widely used in recent months than ever before and can provide a great way for seniors living at home to stay connected with friends and family.

Share Pictures And Videos

Sharing pictures and videos regularly using technology is a good way to keep up with loved ones even if you can’t talk to them daily. There are plenty of photo-sharing applications that can be downloaded and used on smartphones, tablets and computers. It’s refreshing for seniors living at home to be able to see what’s going on in the lives of their family members, especially if grandchildren or great-grandchildren are involved. They may not be physically present to see them grow up, but at least they can see them regularly through photos using technology.

Technology has evolved to the point now where it’s easier to use than ever before. Staying connected is important for everyone’s mental health, especially during these times when we can’t get together as much as we would like to physically. Once seniors living at home get used to how something works, they will likely enjoy it thoroughly. If there’s anything we can help with at Next Day Access, Nous contacter at any time.

People with mobility limitations often feel like they are restricted to staying inside their homes since it’s safer. Falling is a fear many seniors have, and for good reasons. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly three million elderly people are treated in emergency rooms every year because of injuries sustained due to a fall. However, the fear of falling can be reduced significantly by eliminating the greatest risks. Going up and down the stairs to your outdoor space can be dangerous to the point where you avoid it completely. Accessibility products like a wheelchair ramp, vertical platform lift or a stair lift can significantly reduce fall accidents and increase outdoor independence at the same time.

Customize A Wheelchair Ramp

Wheelchair ramps today can be customized to meet your physical needs as well as your aesthetic desires. Imagine being able to easily and safely walk down a wheelchair ramp to access your outdoor space rather than having to dangerously lift your feet and potentially lose your balance on stairs. And if you have a mobility scooter or a wheelchair you use frequently, accessing the outdoors will be a breeze. Having your customized wheelchair ramp installed by a professional can give you the confidence to access your outdoor space safely.

Invest In A Vertical Platform Lift

A vertical platform lift is ideal for people who have a porch with stairs. It’s designed to lift and lower you slowly from your porch, while allowing you to remain in your wheelchair or scooter. Depending on the layout of your outdoor area, it could be more space-efficient to have a vertical platform lift installed rather than a wheelchair ramp. Think of it like an elevator where you don’t have to put forth much effort to get from one level to the next.

An Outdoor Stair Lift Lets You Enjoy Your Space Safely

An outdoor stair lift is ideal for people who can get around by walking, but may have balance issues or other concerns with using stairs. Simply sit on the stair lift, press a button and you’ll be safely transported up and down to access your space. The stair lift can attach to your existing porch or deck and is sturdy enough to make you feel safe and secure while operating it. Many people find they enjoy their outdoor space much more when they don’t have to worry about the dangers of using the stairs, and a stair lift is a great way to make it happen.

Next Day Access enjoys turning desires into realities when it comes to creating outdoor independence for seniors. Our products and workmanship are guaranteed, and we are happy to customize any product to fit your specific needs. When you’re ready to enjoy more of your outdoor space, give us a call to schedule a free evaluation of your home. We will consider your needs and desires and make the right product recommendations and solutions to ensure you can enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest extent.

The warmer temperatures of the spring are here, which means summer is just around the corner. For many people, summer is a time to gather with family and friends by a swimming pool, at a park or just in each other’s backyard to pass the time and enjoy the weather. However, for seniors living at home, hot temperatures can be tough to deal with. Staying indoors or in shady areas as much as possible is ideal for seniors vulnerable to the heat. Here are some other ways to plan for the summer season.

Stock Up On Sun Protection

Excessive sun exposure can be damaging to anyone, but especially seniors. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat cramps are examples of the consequences of being in the sun for too long, and the results could be devastating. Protecting the skin with sunscreen is one thing, but also consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shade as much of your skin as possible. Sun protection for seniors living at home can also include staying hydrated at all times.

Read Warning Labels On Medication

The medication you take may have severe risks associated with them if you combine it with sun exposure. Read the labels carefully and ask your medical professional what precautions should be taken. Sometimes you can keep yourself safe by being outside, but staying in the shade and constantly drinking water. Other times it may be recommended to avoid the outdoors entirely when you’re taking a certain prescription.

Check Your HVAC Unit

Now is the time to have your HVAC unit inspected by a professional. The last thing you want to happen is your A/C fails in the middle of the heat of the summer. HVAC companies are typically booked out during the summer, so chances are a repair professional will not be able to come immediately. The inside of a home can get uncomfortable quickly with no A/C and can have devastating results for seniors living at home.

Have Your Assistive Devices Inspected

If you have any assistive devices, like a stair lift, auto lift, porch lift or even grab bars, get them inspected now so they’ll be in good shape for the summer. Your auto lift is important to have inspected since you may not have used it much during the fall and winter seasons. You don’t want to get excited about a summer trip you’re taking, just to have it delayed because the auto lift fails and you can’t load the wheelchair or scooter you rely on.

Next Day Access is preparing for the summer season just like you. The spring season is the most popular time of year for making changes, getting organized and setting plans for the next few weeks and months. Safety is often the number one concern for seniors as the temperatures rise quickly during the summer. Keep yourself cool and safe this summer, while maintaining your accessibility, and Nous contacter if we can help.

Minor power outages that last anywhere from minutes to a couple of hours occur all the time, and most people are largely unaffected by them. However, what happens when a major event or natural disaster occurs that knocks out power for multiple hours, or even days? All of the food in your refrigerator and freezer can spoil, you can’t charge your mobility scooter or other devices, the indoor temperature of your home can get uncomfortable quickly and more. For seniors living at home, being prepared for these major power outages is critical and here are some ways you can do it.

Invest In A Quality Generator

Permanent backup generators are available if you live in an area prone to frequent power outages. However, many people opt for investing in a temporary or portable generator that can get them by for several days if the power goes out for any reason. The generator you purchase needs to be strong enough to power your HVAC system, appliances and other necessities. Seniors with disabilities may not be able to live comfortably very long without electricity, so having a quality generator ready to go can bring some peace of mind.

Have Certain Backup Mobility Options Ready To Go

You may be unable to charge your mobility scooter when the power is out, so have a manual wheelchair, cane or walker ready to go just in case. Since you may not use these backup mobility options very much, be sure to keep them in an easily-accessible storage closet so you can grab them quickly. Also, when you’re looking into buying accessibility products that operate on electricity, strongly consider investing in items with a battery backup for emergencies like power outages.

Keep A Stash Of Essential Items On Both Levels

If you have a multi-story home, consider keeping a stash of essential items like clothes, toiletries, blankets and more on each level. You may rely on your stair lift or home elevator to get from one level to another, but if the power goes out, you could be stuck at the level you’re currently on for a while unless the device has a battery backup. In the event of an extended power outage, having everything you need to live somewhat comfortably for a few days will help significantly.

Ensure Devices Are Fully Charged

Power outages are sometimes unexpected, but others can be predicted. Weather events like hurricanes or even severe thunderstorms can be forecasted ahead of time so you can plan accordingly. Ensure all of your devices, like your phone, tablet, mobility scooter, lift chair and any other battery-operated device you have are fully charged. These can be lifelines for seniors living at home, so having a full charge on them is critical.

Next Day Access is here to help keep seniors living at home mobile and active under any circumstances. Contact us today to schedule a free home evaluation and we can help you prepare for both the expected and unexpected circumstances that arise in your home.

Caregivers dedicate a significant part of their lives to caring for a loved one. Everything from cooking to cleaning, paying bills and running errands and providing other support can take up so much time they often forget to take care of themselves. As much as you appreciate everything your primary caregiver does for you, a nice and thoughtful gift would be a great way to show them how much you care about them. These gift ideas can lighten the burden from your caregiver in some ways, while also showing your immense appreciation for them.

Gift Cards For Activities They Enjoy

You may already know what your primary caregiver enjoys doing in their free time or as a hobby, but if you don’t, then strike up a conversation to find out. Purchasing a gift card is simple and you can find an abundance of options in stores or online. You may consider getting them a gift card to their favorite restaurant, a movie theater, a recreational class, a golf course or anything else they enjoy doing. This small token of appreciation will mean a lot to your primary caregiver and help them remember to enjoy themselves sometimes also.

Spa Packages

If your caregiver enjoys relaxing in their spare time, then purchasing them a spa package would be the ultimate gift idea. The gift of a day, or even half a day, of relaxation at a spa could rejuvenate them tremendously. Your primary caregiver is always giving attention throughout the day, but a spa package reverses the role and allows them to get some well-deserved attention.

Tablet Or Kindle

Your primary caregiver may spend a lot of time with you in waiting rooms and other places, so a tablet or a kindle can provide them with entertainment they enjoy. They can download ebooks, watch shows, play games or do other activities while they wait with you. These are things they may like doing in the evening after a long day, but are too tired to focus their attention. Plus, with a tablet, your caregiver can download productivity and organization apps to help them with their day-to-day duties as well.

DIY Gifts From The Heart

A handmade gift that comes from the heart is a great way to show love and appreciation to your primary caregiver. Write them a heartfelt note, sew them a blanket or craft something else with the skills you have. You could personalize things like tote bags or purses with their name on it as well, if those are things they would enjoy. Heartfelt gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money to make your caregiver feel special.

Caregivers are vital to the aging population to ensure they are comfortable and taken care of well. Caring for a loved one is an important job and is often underappreciated. Take care of your caregiver today and if there’s anything we can do to help at Next Day Access, don’t hesitate to Nous contacter.

Whether you’re looking for a reason to get outside and be active or if you’re forced to stay at home due to COVID-19 restrictions, gardening can be one of the healthiest outdoor activities for seniors. Tending to a garden can give you a great workout, offer unexpected mental benefits and even improve your overall health. If accessibility to your garden is an issue, then you’re a wheelchair ramp or a platform lift away from making it easier on you. Here are some of the benefits you can expect to receive when managing a garden.

Gardening Provides A Great Workout

If you’re unable to start your garden due to physical limitations, ask a friend, family member or neighbor for help. Unloading bags of soil and other components to start your garden can be heavy, and the last thing you want to do is hurt yourself. Once the foundation of your garden is set, you can get a great cardiovascular workout by using gardening tools to spread soil, plant your crops and maintain them throughout the spring and summer. However, as with any outdoor activities for seniors, prepare yourself and know your limits so you don’t get overheated or too fatigued.

Therapeutic Benefits Of Being Outdoors

Being outdoors in nature is one of the most overlooked therapeutic benefits people experience. Seniors tend to lack vitamin D, but being outdoors is a great way to soak some in. Whether you want to plant a flower garden, an herb garden or fruits and vegetables, watching your hard work flourish is satisfying. Spending time outside reduces cortisol and stress levels and starting a garden is a perfect way to ensure you get enough outside time.

Improve Eating Habits By Planting Fruits And Vegetables

Some seniors don’t have ideal eating habits when they are living independently at home. Planting a garden of fruits and vegetables can change some of those eating habits for the better. Watching the seeds of your labor grow into beautiful plants and then produce a fruit or vegetable is satisfying. Eating food from your garden can give you a certain amount of pride while boosting your overall health as well. 

Gardening Tips For Seniors

Gardening is one of the most common outdoor activities for seniors, but it has to be done safely. Stay hydrated while you’re tending to your garden, wear appropriate clothing to avoid sunburn, wear sunscreen and ensure you have the proper equipment to get the job done easily. Make accessibility easier with a wheelchair ramp or platform lift and put in appropriate safety precautions to prevent injury. Gardening is meant to be a fun and enjoyable activity as long as you do it safely.

Next Day Access is here to help make your garden easy to access no matter your physical limitations. Both indoor and outdoor gardening can offer many benefits to seniors, so it’s well worth the effort of getting yours started. Be sure to Nous contacter for a free evaluation and estimate to see how we can make your gardening experience a breeze.

Many people across the country and worldwide deal with stress daily. According to an AARP survey, about 40% of Americans ages 18-34 feel more stressed today than they did three years ago, compared to about 26% of the aging population age 65 and older feel the same way. Everyone has unique stressors they deal with, but the most common ones include finances, responsibilities, family, work, politics, health and other factors. Sometimes distancing yourself from these factors even temporarily can go a long way in reducing your daily stress. Here are some tips and strategies to try incorporating if you constantly feel stressed.

Find A Good Laugh

Laughter is one of the most effective medications for a variety of situations, and it’s free for everyone to take. The positive feelings of laughing can stick with you long afterward and can turn around your day almost instantly. Laughter can reduce stress hormones, decrease anxiety, relax your muscles and improve your overall mood. Whether it’s watching funny videos online, talking with a loved one about old times or anything else that creates a good laugh, you may be surprised at how much better you feel afterward.

Be Mindful Of What Triggers Your Stress

Stress triggers can be difficult to identify for seniors practicing independent living. It requires being more conscious of your thoughts and feelings and noticing when they turn negative. This could happen when you watch a certain television program, feel overwhelmed with work or family issues or anything else. The key is to identify your feelings of being overwhelmed and step back from the situation briefly. Negative thoughts can consume our minds, so think about the positive things in your life when you see they are creeping in.

Call a Friend Or Family Member Even If You’re Not Feeling Stressed

Practicing independent living doesn’t mean you can’t call friends or family at any time. They love hearing your voice just as much as you love hearing theirs. With the busy lives we have, it’s often difficult to find the time just to chat. Sometimes the most ideal type of senior care is keeping relationships strong by talking on the phone or even participating in video calls so you can see each other.

Limit The Amount Of News You Watch

Staying current with the news is important, but there can be a lot of negativity portrayed as well. Depending on the news outlet you watch and how often you watch it, you could be voluntarily exposing yourself to negativity all day, which is enough to stress anyone out. Keep up with the news by watching it once or twice a day, but avoid keeping it on throughout the day.

Stress occurs in people of all ages, even the aging population. An important factor of senior care that often gets overlooked is the mental health aspect. Reducing daily stress can help seniors stay healthy and happy for years to come. If there’s anything you need to reduce stress surrounding limited mobility at your home, Nous contacter at Next Day Access.

The risk of getting ill is usually higher for the aging population in general. During these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the risks are even more magnified. When caring for seniors living at home, make sure they have everything they need for independent living without having to leave the house much except to get some fresh air. The more you can help them prepare for an illness, the greater the chances are you can reduce their risk of getting ill. Take these tips into consideration when helping seniors living at home.

Stock Up On Groceries And Essential Items

If possible, try to stock up on groceries and essential items for at least two weeks. You could offer to do the majority of their shopping for them to ensure they have enough food, beverages and medication in their home for a while. Many grocery stores offer delivery or curbside service as well, so take advantage of those options to reduce exposure to bacteria and coming in contact with other people. When there’s plenty of food and other essentials in the house, you can feel confident knowing you’ll still have what you need if you do get sick and can’t leave the house.

Identify Telehealth Options With Medical Providers

Going to a medical facility for routine checkups can expose you to more germs and increase your risk of getting sick. For seniors living at home, pursuing telehealth and remote doctor appointments can be a major benefit. Of course, some examinations may require you to physically be at the facility. Sometimes seniors visit their doctor just for specific advice on medical concerns, which can be done easily from the comfort of their home by using technology. As a caregiver, set up your loved one with the appropriate technology and teach them how to use it for what they need so they know exactly what to do.

Avoid Crowded Places As Much As Possible

It’s particularly important to avoid crowded places if you have immune system problems and have a tendency to get sick easily. The more people you expose yourself to, the higher the chances are of getting sick. Caregivers can do things like shop for supplies, go to the post office and other tasks where contact with other people is likely. Making these alterations and adjustments may be challenging for seniors living at home at first, but it’s well worth it when you consider how much it reduces the risk of illness.
Next Day Access wants to make independent living as easy as possible for seniors during this time. We know how challenging it can be to stay at home, but it’s necessary to protect your health. We offer a variety of mobility products and solutions to help you remain active and enjoy your home to the fullest extent possible. Preparation is one of the main keys to successful senior living, so Nous contacter today to see how we can help