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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, death rates from falls for individuals 65 and older have increased by over 30 percent during a span from 2007-2016. Most people have seen a lift chair before, but didn’t realize what they were looking at. Many of them look like a standard recliner, but power lift recliners offer many more features for people with mobility limitations, as described here.

Features of A Lift Chair

A lift chair is often called a sit -to- stand chair, power lift recliner or other similar names. The basic benefit of these chairs is its ability to recline, decline and tilt to get the person back to a standing position as easily as possible. And a valuable feature for many people is it’s controlled by a remote instead of having to manually adjust it. Some also have a massage feature as well as heated cushions to keep you as comfortable as possible. Lift chairs are available in all shapes in sizes so you can find the right fit for you regardless of your size and needs. 

Who Needs A Lift Chair?

The main benefit of a lift chair is being able to sit and stand from it effortlessly. However, people who have achy muscles or joints, arthritis, back pain, and other conditions may experience relief with a lift chair. The combination of the massage and heat features make for a therapeutic experience in the comfort of your own home. And since most power lift recliners can recline back to a flat position, you could even consider sleeping in it if you find it difficult to get in and out of your bed. Sitting or lying in a relaxed position should not be difficult, so if you’ve experienced similar difficulties in the past, a lift chair may be a great solution for you.

Next Day Access provides lift chairs to people all across the United States. Each of our chairs are built for reliability and quality and have an extensive amount of features to choose from. Don’t hesitate to Nous contacter to learn more about how our products can boost your quality of life.

There are numerous resources available to our nation’s veterans and senior veterans. Some of the veteran benefits are more common. Many veterans may have already taken advantage of job search and training programs, special interest home loans, or education resources. But as a veteran reaching retirement age, you might not be aware of some of the other available resources to help as you begin to leave the job force. Here is a brief look at a few opportunities of interest.

Veteran’s Benefits and Pension Plans

Those who are eligible for a veteran’s pension may have several resources available to them as they reach retirement age. Veterans who were active duty during a war may be eligible for Supplemental Income for Wartime Veterans. This is available if you are at least 62 or are receiving SSI or SSDI payments, or are totally and permanently disabled, or if you are receiving care in a skilled nursing care facility.

A Survivor’s Pension is a possibility if your parent or late spouse served during wartime. There are many stipulations to receiving this aid, but for widows who have lost a spouse or a child who lost a parent, it can provide financial assistance. The exact amount of the supplemental income is based on surviving member’s annual income.

For those who qualify for a veteran’s pension plan, there may be other available monetary benefits. For instance, those who are permanently disabled and cannot leave their premises may be eligible for more assistance. Veterans requiring assistance for functions of daily living who are visually impaired, are bedridden or reside in a long term care facility may be eligible for Aid and Attendance (A&A) compensation.

Geriatric & Extended Care Services for Veterans

For senior veterans who are dealing with multiple chronic conditions, frailty due to aging or injury, or life-limiting illnesses, the Geriatrics and Extended Care Services (GEC)  may help address some of their needs. VA disability help is not limited to those residing in nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, or other community based residential care. The GEC often helps veterans age in place in their own homes. They offer a variety of home- and community-based care services ranging from daily health care aides, home health assistance, respite care for caregivers, palliative care, and hospice care to help with veteran disability. They can also assist with providing veteran-directed care and Telehealthcare services.

If you are a veteran or a caregiver of a veteran and want more information about aging in place, or at home, please Nous contacter at Next Day Access. 

The New Year can encourage people to reflect on and alter their daily routines. They may want to lose weight, eat healthier, stop smoking, exercise more, save money and much more. While these are generally in good spirits, they lack an actionable plan on the surface. Adopting healthy habits starts with a plan and ends with the results you desire. Let’s start 2020 the right way by incorporating some of these good habits.

Healthy Habits to Prioritize in 2020

Sticking with a strict diet can be challenging. Whether you’re a senior living at home with a caregiver or if you are a caregiver, life can throw curveballs to get us all off track. Eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise is critical. From a diet standpoint, eating vegetables, fruits high in fiber, whole grains and protein will help maintain weight and keep your immune system strong. And of course, drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day keeps you hydrated and can prevent various health issues. 

As far as exercising goes, you don’t have to buy a gym membership to be active. According to a Harvard study, even 15 minutes of physical activity each day can increase your lifespan. Taking a walk around the block once a day, stretching a couple of times each day or even doing yard work and housework can keep you active enough. 

Good Habits Include Preventative Care

Preventative care should be lumped in with healthy habits as they go hand-in-hand. This involves medical preventative care as well as physical care. Some of the good habits to adopt this year can involve:

• Getting regular dental and vision exams
• Getting a comprehensive health screening
• Prioritizing sleep
• Focusing on your mental health
• Making your home safer to move around in

Take a look around your home and see what could improve to prevent injuries. Maybe installing a mobility ramp will make your life easier getting in and out of your home. Things like this are often overlooked as being preventative care for seniors, but they can indirectly impact their health for the better.

Next Day Access provides accessibility solutions for seniors and caregivers so they can live a comfortable life. The year 2020 can be your year to make improvements in any area of your life you desire, and we are here to help. Never hesitate to Nous contacter to learn more about our services.

For individuals who have difficulty moving around, mobility aids can mean a greater level of independence and freedom. A person with an injury or disability who has trouble with movement and older adults who have an increased risk of falling can use an aid such as an electric scooter or a wheelchair. There are a number of devices and modifications available to help those with mobility difficulties.

Mobility Scooters 

A mobility scooter is similar in use to a wheelchair, but also has a few distinct differences. The user sits on a seat on top of a set of wheels and their feet rest on footplates. In front of the individual are handlebars or a steering wheel used to direct the electric scooter, much like driving a car. Most scooters are powered by a battery. 

A person who lacks upper body strength or doesn’t have the flexibility to use a manual wheelchair may benefit from using a mobility scooter. For those who are using one for the first time or those who are obtaining a scooter rental, training is usually available to help ensure safety. 

Fauteuils roulants

A manual wheelchair is often used by individuals who cannot put weight on their legs, or those who are not able to walk. They are propelled manually, either by the person who is sitting in the chair or by someone pushing from behind. They may also be electrically powered and can be adapted to an individual’s abilities to handle it. Specialized wheelchairs are often driven by a hand controller, but they can be customized to fit the individual. Some adaptations include driving an electric wheelchair with head or leg movements, or even with the mouth.

Safety Modifications for Height Differences

Safety modifications are useful in homes and public spaces where there are changes in the height of surfaces. Modifications are helpful for individuals who are navigating through different places in wheelchairs or a mobility scooter. Other modifications may include:

• Access Ramps: Ramps are used in place of stairs allowing individuals using scooters and wheelchairs access to multiple levels. Other individuals who may navigate with canes, walkers, or crutches may find a ramp easier to use than steps as well. 
• Stair Lifts: A stair lift can be useful for moving a person up or down stairs.
• Hand Rails: Restrooms and entrances are often equipped with handrails to provide assistance, stability, and support to those who deal with mobility issues.

Do you or a loved one need mobility assistance? At Next Day Access we want to help individuals gain more freedom. Nous contacter to learn more about how a wheelchair or mobility scooter can help provide more independence and freedom. 

Getting older can present some physical challenges. For many, the fear of falling begins to present limitations. There are statistics to back up this concern as over 2 million elderly individuals are taken to the ER every year for fall-related injuries. This can be a primary concern for the elderly and their families. To help ensure the safety of elderly family members, many consider home modifications for seniors. One such modification is a stair lift. It can be difficult to know when to choose a straight stair lift, or when a curved stair lift is needed.

Straight Stair Lift 

When considering home modifications for seniors, most of the options you’ll see are usually straight. These are small platform lifts used to safely move individuals up or down the stairs when they lack the mobility to do so. There are some benefits of choosing a straight stair lift, including:

• Moving safely between floors
• Maintaining independence and aging at home
• Easy and convenient professional installation
• Affordable price

This sounds great for helping keep loved ones mobile and able to access all the floors of their home, but what happens if the stairwell isn’t just a simple, straight set of stairs?

Curved Stair Lift

When seniors need assistance with mobility in their own home, there are several options to choose from. If the stairwell in a home isn’t straight, or if the home has several connected stairwells, a curved stair lift may be a suitable option. A curved stair lift fits the contours along the stairwell whether the rail turns sharply, or if it’s curved. Looking at multiple, connected stairwells might seem like the job for two straight chair lifts. Either option will create a safe way for a senior to access multiple levels in their home.

For many houses, a stairlift can be a useful home modification for seniors to help them maintain their mobility and independence and stay in their own homes. When it comes to safety, though, a customized curved stair lift may offer a better sense of security, especially when homes have custom stairwells.

If you need help with home modifications for your senior loved ones, please Nous contacter at Next Day Access. We can help you choose the appropriate stairlift for your situation.

Research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concludes that falls cause over 2.8 million injuries that require treatment from an emergency department annually. Out of that number, over 800,000 people must be hospitalized and over 27,000 people die as a result of their injuries. Many of these injuries could have been prevented with simple changes to the home as we describe here.

Add Grab Bars for Stability

It’s important to include grab bars in various locations throughout the home for anyone who has balance concerns. Bathrooms are especially important to have Barres d'appui, as they are the places where most slip-and-fall situations occur. You may also consider installing them by the stairs, around the dining room table, kitchen area or anywhere else you or your loved one would find convenient. Confidence is critical for people who have a hard time moving around, and the added help from a grab bar typically provides the confidence boost they need.

Eliminate Trip Hazards

Getting adjusted to senior living may be as simple as picking up rugs from the floor, moving cords to the side, rearranging furniture and eliminating clutter. If you use mobility equipment like a wheelchair, removing furniture or reorganizing the room can make it much easier to navigate throughout the home as well. Many times it’s the simplest changes in the home that can make the greatest impact.

Install Threshold Ramps

Does your home have stairs or even a small step down from the front door? This could present one of your biggest risks for slipping and falling since even the smallest change in elevation can throw off your balance. Having a threshold ramp installed can bring peace of mind since you don’t have to worry as much about losing your footing. Combine the threshold ramp with grab bars and wet surfaces should become less of a risk.

At Next Day Access, we want our customers to feel safe and secure in their own homes. We offer a wide range of home accessibility products to meet your needs and create a safe home environment. And if you’re a caregiver, peace of mind can go a long way in creating a better caregiving experience. Never hesitate to Nous contacter for a free home assessment and to learn more about our products.

Overall health is usually a big concern when it comes to senior care. According to the National Council on Aging, around 80% of elderly people have a chronic disease, and many of those people have two or more chronic diseases. While healthy habits are important factors, physical safety is often an overlooked aspect of senior care. Without the appropriate accessibility products and devices, seniors could increase their risk of injuring themselves, which in turn could make their health deteriorate. Addressing some of the main concerns of senior care could save lives.

Decreased Mobility

When a person is unable to move around as easily as they used to, it could cause them to decrease the amount of time they are on their feet and moving around. Not moving around and getting a certain amount of exercise daily can lead to a host of health issues. Consider making your home more accessible and easier to move around in. Things like grab bars, a mobility ramp, lift chairs and other products promote movement and provide confidence to seniors with mobility limitations.

Falling

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the most common cause of non-fatal trauma-related hospital visits for elderly people and are the leading cause of fatal injuries. It’s easy to see why falling is a major safety concern for seniors, but there are some preventative steps you can take. Products like grab bars boost stability, ramps increase mobility, stairlifts allow for easy stair access and much more. There’s nothing like having peace of mind in your home, and a great way to achieve it is by addressing fall hazards.

Declining Cognitive Function

One of the challenges of senior care is dealing with the decline in their cognitive function. Routine tasks may become much more difficult, which can be dangerous if the person is not aware of the additional challenges. Being proactive in making routine tasks easier to accomplish can help offset some of the cognitive concerns seniors have.

Next Day Access is in the business of helping seniors and caregivers live their lives to the fullest. Adopting healthy habits are critical for seniors, but it’s just as important to promote physical safety as well. Don’t hesitate to Nous contacter to learn more about our products or to receive a free home assessment.

A patient lift is designed for transferring patients from one location to another such as from a bed to a chair, or from a chair to a bath. They can be powered manually or with an electrical power source. A powered version usually has a rechargeable battery, and a manual one uses hydraulics for lifting and lowering patients. The medical lift can help reduce the risk of injury to both patients and caregivers. Oftentimes, families obtain a patient lift when making a hospital to home transition.

Safe Operation of a Patient Lift

There are best practices as outlined by the FDA to help reduce the risk of injury when using a patient lift. Generally, users should:

• Receive proper training to understand how the patient lift operates.
• Be certain the sling matches the capacity of the lift and the weight of the patient. Slings are not one-size-fits-all and each manufacturer’s sling must be approved for use with their lifts.
• Inspect the fabric and straps on the sling to be certain there are no frayed or stressed seams or any other damage. At the first sign of wear, the sling should be replaced.
• Make certain all hanger bars, latches, and clips are fastened securely when using the transfer lift.
• Ensure the legs, or base, of the medical lift, are in the open (maximum) position so the lift remains stable during the transfer.
• The patient’s arms and legs should be kept inside the straps of the sling.
• Don’t initiate a transfer if the patient is restless or agitated.
• Wheelchairs, stretchers, chairs, and hospital beds are usually equipped with locks on the wheels. Be certain these are engaged before moving the patient.
• Do not exceed the weight limitations on the lift or the sling.
• Manufacturers provide instructions for washing and taking proper care of the sling, be certain to follow them to improve the sling’s longevity.
• Create your own maintenance safety inspection checklist for your lift. This helps you detect worn or damaged parts that need to be replaced immediately.

Instructions for Using A Medical Lift

When first making the hospital to home transfer, make sure to read the instructions included with the lift. The goal is to keep both caregivers and patients safe during transfers when using lifts. Following the best practices can help reduce risks of injury to both parties.

If your loved one is transitioning from a hospital or a nursing facility and you need a lift to ensure safety, contact Next Day Access for more information.

Being active doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym every day or even participate in strenuous exercises regularly. It’s particularly important to stay active during the winter months, which means you may have to get creative since outdoor activities for elderly people are limited due to unsafe conditions. Whether you’re looking for activities for dementia patients or just need ideas for participating in regular activities during the winter, safe exercising is easier than you think.

Types of Senior Living Activities to Focus on During The Winter

The National Institute of Aging recommends participating in four types of activities throughout the winter: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Up to 30 minutes of daily activity can go a long way in keeping your body and mind healthy. And those 30 minutes don’t have to be consecutive. Getting up and walking around or stretching after prolonged periods of sitting count as activity. Just be sure not to push yourself too hard to the point where breathing is a struggle.

Safe Activities To Participate In

There are great senior care activities that can be done indoors, which is especially important during the winter months. Safe and beneficial activities to participate in include:

• Yoga – yoga helps boost flexibility, lower blood pressure, improve balance and much more. Start with gentle movements and focus more on your breathing and relaxing at first.
• Walking – if you usually walk for a few minutes at a time before getting tired, then incorporate small walking sessions throughout the day. Walking down the hall, on an indoor track or any other safe surface throughout the day can be beneficial for your health.
• Swimming – many senior care facilities have indoor pools so you can swim year-round. Swimming boosts flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance, but be sure to do it safely and know your limitations.
• Dancing – put on your favorite songs and dance to your heart’s content occasionally. Dancing is a great form of exercise that doesn’t even feel like you’re exercising.

Participating in these types of activities can strengthen the mind and body, reduce the risk of falling and help you feel healthier overall. Next Day Access is here to help make your exercise routine easier by providing all the equipment you need to participate in them safely. Feel free to Nous contacter at any time for a free home assessment or to learn more about our products.