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People who want to age in place sometimes have to make adjustments in their house to make it easier to navigate. The last thing you want to happen is to experience a fall in the shower that causes an injury and limits your ability to live independently. Installing grab bars is a simple solution to that problem, and there are other solutions you can incorporate throughout the home as well. Consider these options when it comes to creating both an accessible and aesthetically-appealing living space. 

Rearrange Furniture To Create Open Space

Your living area should be as open as possible to reduce the risk of tripping and falling. This doesn’t always mean getting rid of all of your furniture and replacing it with a single lift chair. Sometimes just pushing a sofa against the wall instead of having it in the open space can make a big difference. And if you have any thick rugs on the floor, remove them so they don’t become a trip hazard. Even the smallest change in the floor’s surface can create a hazard, so evaluate your space for those items and remove or replace them as necessary.

Be Creative With Your Wheelchair Ramp

Installing a wheelchair ramp to enter your home is one of the easiest ways to make your home more accessible. And when you have it installed by a professional, they can make it aesthetically appealing so you can still have curb appeal for your home as well. You might simply need a small and straight ramp for your space, or you may need a curvy one depending on the orientation of your front door. The professional who installs your wheelchair ramp can make suggestions to make it as functional as possible without sacrificing any appeal.

Think About Bathroom Appeal And Accessibility

The bathroom might be the most important room in the house when it comes to accessibility. Floors tend to be slippery, and some bathrooms are tight and difficult to navigate with a walker or a wheelchair. The first thing to install for safety is grab bars. They can be placed outside and inside the shower, by the toilet, near the sink, and in any other area you need them. When placed strategically throughout the bathroom, grab bars won’t diminish the space’s aesthetic appeal and will enhance accessibility greatly.

At Next Day Access, we focus on making every home as accessible as possible for people with disabilities or limited mobility. Our experts also take into consideration aesthetic appeal with every product installation they do. A big part of aging in place is loving where you live, so the space has to look great in addition to being accessible. Don’t let the thought of a wheelchair ramp not looking appealing stop you from getting one if it will improve accessibility in your home. When you Nous contacter to schedule a free home consultation, we will go over your options and listen to what’s most important to you and ensure we turn your vision into a reality. Like or Share if you enjoy reading our blog.

Winter can be a fun time of year to travel. Whether you love winter weather and want to vacation in spots where you can see lots of snow, or if you want to go to a warmer location, there are plenty of disability-friendly places to consider. One of the worries people with mobility concerns have is not being able to find a destination that allows them to enjoy every aspect of it. These are some of the top winter vacation spots that place a heavy emphasis on accessibility.

Cruises

You can find plenty of winter cruises that have warmer destinations, like Mexico and the Caribbean. Or you can take a trip to Antarctica and experience a true winter weather location. Regardless of which option you choose, cruise lines have prioritized accessibility in different ways. From having completely accessible bathrooms and suites to offering wheelchair rental options, cruise lines cater to people with disabilities so they can have just as good of an experience as people who don’t have mobility concerns.

Various National Parks

Many national parks throughout the United States offer accessible campsites, trails, and amenities. Great examples include Rocky Mountain National Park, Glacier National Park, and Congaree National Park. When you visit a national park for the first time, you’ll need to learn about the terrain so you can plan your travel accordingly. Sometimes a wheelchair may not be suitable for rough or uneven terrain, so renting a travel scooter is sometimes a better option. Most national parks you find throughout the U.S. will have plenty of accessible attractions.

Domestic Winter Destinations

Places like Alaska, the Pocono Mountains, Utah, Colorado, and New York City are all popular winter destinations for people across the country. The rolling hills and beautiful mountains are sights that have to be viewed in person to truly believe. Some specific attractions at each destination are more accessible than others for people with mobility concerns, so it’s important to plan your trip to know what you need to bring and what will be available to you when you arrive.

Overseas Destinations

Popular overseas destinations that offer disability-friendly amenities include Berlin, Finland, London, Vienna, and many more. Whether you like to go on walking trails, stay in historic hotels, or participate in other activities, you have plenty of accessible options when traveling outside of the United States. In fact, because these are hot tourist destinations, they prioritize accessibility even more than other places because they want to ensure everyone who wants to visit them can do so without any issues.

When you’re ready to travel this winter, Next Day Access has you covered. You shouldn’t let mobility concerns get in the way of what you want to do for fun, and sometimes all you need is a travel scooter to make your travel plans happen. As you’re planning your next getaway, Nous contacter to ensure you have the mobility products and devices you need to have a successful trip. Like or Share if you enjoy reading our blog.

Once you’ve got an outdoor trip planned and have your mobility devices ready to go, it’s time to start thinking about the other things that will make your trip successful. Having your mobility scooter or wheelchair lined up is great, but you also need to determine whether a mobility ramp is needed or if any other products are required based on the area you’re visiting. We’ve got you covered with some of the other things to remember when you have limited mobility, but still want to enjoy some outdoor fun.

Participate In Activities You Enjoy

One of the main ideas of getting outdoors is to enjoy different activities. While it can be difficult to get out of your comfort zone, once you get to your destination, it’s not as bad as you make it out to be most of the time. It’s much easier to get out of the house when you participate in activities you enjoy, so make a list of things you love doing. Sometimes you may not even have to leave your home. If you like to craft, knit, draw, read, or do other DIY projects, consider taking your talents in your backyard instead of sitting inside to do them. The change in environment can be beneficial for your mind and body, and you won’t have to navigate many mobility challenges either.

Remember To Pack Plenty Of Water And Food

If you decide to venture out of the house and explore new areas, remember to pack plenty of water and food. The last thing you want to happen is to run out of these items and put yourself in an emergency situation. Your wheelchair or mobility scooter will only go so fast to get you back to a place where food and water are available, so always be sure to have plenty on hand.

Be Flexible And Adaptable

Setting a plan for your outdoor adventure is great, but it’s also important to be flexible and adaptable. When you have mobility limitations, some activities may not be as easy as they seemed on paper, so being flexible can make it easier to choose a new one without any issues. Plus, the weather and other unexpected circumstances can alter your plans without any notice. When you go on a trip with the mindset of being flexible and adaptable, you can take every change in stride.

Don’t Overdo It

It’s important to keep your activities within reason whenever you go on a trip so you don’t overdo it. You don’t want to get dehydrated, overheated, or experience a lot of soreness after your trip. If you do, it may discourage you from going on future trips. Being outdoors is beneficial for the mind and body, so keep your activities within reason based on your mobility limitations, and you’ll have a more enjoyable experience as a result.

Next Day Access wants to help you have the most fun possible when participating in outdoor activities. Whether you need a mobility scooter, wheelchair, or any other mobility aid, Nous contacter at any time to learn about our options. Like or Share if you enjoy reading our blog.

When you have a mobility concern, it’s easy to just stay at home where it’s safe and easy to navigate. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, roughly 3.6 million people in the United States stay at home because they have a physical disability. Some outdoor activities may be a little tricky, but with some creative thinking, determination, and a travel wheelchair, you can expand your options. Here are some great activities to consider if you have a mobility concern and still want to enjoy the outdoors.

Camping Trips

Many campgrounds across the country have built-in accessibility features for people with mobility concerns. Just be sure to call the campground in advance to see exactly what features they have so you know whether you can bring your travel wheelchair or mobility scooter. You can request the flattest campsite possible to reduce the risk of falling on uneven slopes. Once you have all of the accessibility features figured out, load up your device on a wheelchair vehicle lift and hit the open road.

Hiking With A Travel Wheelchair

A lot of parks throughout the United States have hiking trails designed specifically for wheelchair users. These paths and trails have been smoothed out for easy access and are usually wider than a typical trail so multiple people can go through them at the same time. Gather as much information you can about a specific hiking trail you’re interested in, load up your travel wheelchair on an auto lift, and enjoy a great hike.

Strolling Through Beaches And Parks

Sandy beaches aren’t ideal for normal wheelchairs, but some beach locations offer wheelchair rentals with bigger tires that can navigate through the sand. Other beaches have boardwalks and other similar paths and trails you can easily use a wheelchair on. Parks are also becoming more accessible every year, from city parks with playgrounds all the way up to nationally-recognized theme parks. No matter your interests, you can find accessible beaches and parks to visit and enjoy even with a mobility limitation.

Paddle Sports

Paddle sports offer a great way for people with disabilities to get some exercise. When you use a wheelchair most of the time, getting on the water can give you a sense of independence that’s hard to match with any other activity. Paddleboarding is a common activity wheelchair users participate in, and many facilities have paddleboards explicitly designed for people in wheelchairs. 

Next Day Access wants to ensure people with mobility limitations aren’t limited when it comes to the amount of fun they can have. When you have the right mobility device, you can participate in many things you didn’t previously think was possible. A travel wheelchair is a great device to have, and an auto lift can easily take it wherever you want to go. We have a wide range of solutions available, so Nous contacter at any time to learn about our options if you’re ready to head outdoors and participate in some fun activities. Like or Share if you enjoy reading our blog.

Grocery shopping when you have mobility concerns can make anyone feel a little uncomfortable. In addition to always having to watch where others are walking and pushing their carts, you have to navigate yours as well. And when you do a week’s worth of shopping at one time, you may end up with a loaded cart with a lot of heavy items to bring home. A folding shopping cart can be a great investment for a person with disabilities who needs a little help shopping without breaking the bank. Here are a few features to pay attention to when selecting one.

Types Of Wheels

The wheels are the most important features of a folding shopping cart since they determine how easy it is to navigate through aisles and inside your home. Some folding shopping carts just move either forward or backward and are made of durable plastic. Others will swivel a full 360-degrees, making it much easier to turn around corners and even turn in the other direction if you need to. Even though some folding shopping cart manufacturers claim to have the most durable plastic wheels available, they still won’t be as durable as metal wheels. 

Consider the number of wheels your folding shopping cart has as well. Many just have two wheels, which might make it easier to turn, but won’t be quite as easy to navigate. A cart with four wheels is typically much easier to pull and push, and with metal wheels that swivel 360-degrees, you’ll have a smoother shopping experience.

Materials And Construction

The materials your folding shopping cart is made of is critical as well. Cheaper models are made from plastic or aluminum, but the highest-quality ones are made of steel. Think about what you’ll use your shopping cart for. If you just go to the store to get bread, cereal, and other lightweight items, then you might not need a heavy-duty construction. But if you buy water, milk, soda, canned goods, and other heavier items on your trips, then you want to have the confidence that your shopping cart will hold up when you need it most.

Fabric Bag vs. Metal Frame

When you have a physical disability, whatever makes your life easier is usually the most ideal solution. Choosing between a fabric bag or a metal frame for your folding shopping cart is mostly a matter of preference based on the items you buy and how often you go to the grocery store. Carts with metal frames are typically wider and hold more items, while fabric bags are more compact and easier to use.

Navigating day-to-day life with a physical disability can be made easier when you use the right resources. People with mobility concerns have a lot of different solutions to help them with routine tasks like going to the grocery store. The right products depend on how you use them and which ones would make your life more convenient. Be sure to contact Next Day Access for more ideas, tips, and solutions to help you navigate your daily life easier. Like or Share if you enjoy reading our blog.

Sometimes you come across an inspirational story that sticks with you for a long time. The story of Zach Miller, a successful para snowboarder, is one of those. He has always had a need for speed, but his cerebral palsy diagnosis when he was six months old limited his ability to go as fast as he wanted to. Zach spent his childhood trying to keep up with his friends, and now they can’t keep up with him. His story is a great one for anyone with a physical disability who thinks they have to be defined by their mobility concerns.

Early Life Challenges For Zach Miller

Zach has enough energy and desire to play basketball for hours at a time with his friends. But his physical disability limited him to where he couldn’t play for any more than an hour before his muscles seized up. This was incredibly challenging for a young kid full of energy and desire to play a fast-paced sport. But when he was introduced to snowboarding, he saw an opportunity to satisfy his need for speed without having to use his leg muscles as much, and he took off with it.

Zach Miller’s Successful Snowboarding Career

By age 11, Zach won his first snowboarding competition, and ten years later he is known as being one of the greatest in the sport. He found something he enjoyed doing despite his mobility concerns and continued practicing to be one of the top snowboarders in the world. Zach won eight medals during the 2018-2019 world cup circuit, and that was a moment when he truly felt he was among the elite athletes. The unique thing about Zach is when you look at him, he doesn’t fit in with his competitors physically. His competition weighs 180-pounds or more, but he just weighs about 130-pounds due to his body’s inability to put on muscle mass. It’s his competitive nature and desire to be great that has allowed him to push through and define his life on his terms.

A Physical Disability Doesn’t Have To Define You

You don’t have to be a para snowboarder to be considered successful in life. Whether you are confined to a wheelchair or have other mobility concerns that limit you, you have the opportunity to shape what your life looks like. Take a look at Zach Miller’s story if you need any inspiration. He had plenty of chances to say he was different than everyone else and not even try to play sports with his friends. Instead, he embraced his physical disability knowing he couldn’t play basketball to the level he wanted to, and pursued other options instead. You have the same opportunity to define your life, even if snowboarding isn’t one of your interests.

One of the first steps to overcoming a physical disability is embracing it. At Next Day Access, we help people cope with their disabilities by providing mobility aids to help them get around easier. We are here to help in any way we can, so Nous contacter at any time. Like or Share if you enjoy reading our blog.

We’ve seen many impressive performances from the USA Paralympic Nordic Skiing team over the years. It’s always amazing to see athletes with a serious physical disability compete at the highest level despite their limitations. Some of the moments we’ve seen have been truly jaw-dropping. Here are three of the most impressive moments and performances that were unforgettable.

Military Veterans On The 2014 Paralympics Team

The military presence at the 2014 Paralympic Games was enough to give you chills. Over half of the USA Nordic Skiing team members were veterans of the military, including one active member and seven retired members. The unity and pride felt when military members were together was an experience you had to see to believe. No other US team had as many military members as the Nordic Skiing team, and the energy every time they got together was phenomenal.

Domination At the 2018 Paralympics

The 2018 Paralympics gave us one of the most impressive performances we’ll ever see from the USA Nordic Skiing team. They shattered the previous record of five total medals and won 16 total medals in 2018. From Andy Soule creating a memorable finish in the cross-country split to Kendall Gretsch and Dan Cnossen winning the gold medal in the biathlon, there were plenty of dominating moments at the 2018 Games.

Impressive Performances By Oksana Masters

Oksana Masters first made history in 2014 when she won two medals. When she did so, she became the first woman in 20 years to win a Paralympic medal and inspired many throughout the country. Then in 2017, Masters won her fifth overall medal and fourth overall world title with the USA Nordic Skiing team. Her performances and consistency over the years have been something to admire for the entire country.

What We Can Learn From The Amazing Paralympic Moments

You don’t have to be a world-class Paralympic athlete to make a difference in the world. These athletes were gifted with physical talent and abilities to overcome their physical disability and compete at the highest level. Not everyone has the same gifts and talents, so you have to find what you are intersted in and work hard to achieve it. When you adapt to your circumstances and look for the positives rather than dwelling on the negatives, you’ll have a better outlook on life overall. The key to adaptability is having an open mind and finding fulfillment in your life somehow.

Sometimes adaptability means adjusting your living environment to make it more comfortable living with a physical disability. Next Day Access offers various mobility aids to help you live a life as normal as possible despite your disability. You don’t have to be a Paralympic athlete to live a quality life. You can still enjoy a simple life if that’s what you desire, and we are here to help in any way we can. Feel free to Nous contacter at any time to schedule a free home assessment and learn more. Like or Share if you enjoy reading our blog.

Many people know the story of Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR), but his story is often more impactful for a person with disabilities. Finding the inner strength to move forward and thrive in life is a struggle at times, so it helps to look at other inspirational stories to keep you moving. Before FDR became the President of the United States, he went through a series of many obstacles. It’s hard to believe how he was able to persevere through them all, but because he did so, he is now an inspirational and motivational example for many Americans. 

How FDR Became Paralyzed

FDR woke up one morning thinking it was going to be a normal day having fun with his family. After a fun-filled day of swimming and sailing on a short vacation trip, something didn’t feel right when they returned home. Instead of eating dinner, FDR went to bed and won’t up the next morning without being able to walk. Despite his determination to walk on his own, he could not do it and he lost the ability to use any muscles in his body from the chest down. After medical examinations, it was determined that FDR had polio, which was a common disease that left muscles paralyzed.

Persistence Led FDR To Becoming President

After many months of being determined that he would walk again, FDR finally had to accept that he would have a physical disability that limits him to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He was at the beginning of his bright political career, and during this time in American history, a person with disabilities was often looked down upon as being inferior to others. FDR could have made plenty of excuses to get his name and face out of the public spotlight, but he instead chose to embrace his physical disability and continue with his political aspirations. He tried his hardest to hide the extent of his physical disability by using aids to help him stand to make speeches. He did not want to be photographed in a wheelchair, either. Not because he was ashamed to be in one, but because he wanted people to see him as a strong person they can trust.

Limited Mobility Did Not Hinder FDR’s Performance Or Attitude Negatively

FDR was not a weak figure in the eyes of the public because of how he handled his physical disability. People knew he had limited mobility, but how he moved and navigated different situations did not indicate how serious it was. He was already a strong-willed individual, and his physical disability just made him stronger. Being in a wheelchair may have limited him in some ways, but it also opened up new doors of opportunity that he made the most of every day.

When you hear about stories like Franklin D. Roosevelt’s, you can’t help but be inspired. It’s a true testament to how your mind can be stronger than your body and how you can persevere through even the most challenging times. Next Day Access is here to help you navigate any physical limitations you have, so Nous contacter at any time. Like or Share if you enjoy reading our blog.

Sometimes you hear a story about an athlete overcoming a devastating situation and can’t help but root for them on their journey. Chris Waddell was involved in a major ski accident when he was in college, which paralyzed him from the waist down. The ski became detached in the middle of the trail he was on and broke two of his vertebrae. But during the two months he spent recovering in the hospital, all he could think about was getting back on the slopes and being the most competitive person he could be. Even though he knew he had a permanent physical disability, he was going to find a way to stay determined and challenge himself.

A Mobility Concern Did Not Stop Chris’ Determination

Instead of announcing the end of his competitive career after suffering a physical disability, Chris decided to participate in the Paralympic competition. With his determination, he won five gold medals, four silver medals, and two bronze medals in the Winter Paralympic Games during his career. He even competed in the Summer Games in 2000 and brought home a silver medal. Chris was determined to be an Olympic champion, and he didn’t let a physical disability stop him.

Life After Paralympic Fame

Chris has dedicated his life after Paralympic fame to being an inspiration to others. He believed that he was in a wheelchair for a reason, and that reason was to educate others about what it’s like to rely on a wheelchair. It was not a group he wanted to join, but he felt strongly that he was chosen to tell an inspirational story. Over the years, Chris used his platform as a Paralympic athlete to connect with individuals worldwide who have a similar physical disability. He even created the One Revolution Foundation, which is dedicated to helping change people’s perception of people with disabilities.

What Everyone Can Learn From Chris’ Journey

Chris Waddell is an inspiration for anyone who may have a mobility concern or suffered an unexpected physical disability. When you have the right perspective on life and are determined to be great at something, not even a physical disability can stop you. Of course, adaptability is a huge part of this. It may take a little time for some people to get over the initial shock of a sudden disability, but you can also learn to adapt over time. You are capable of much more than you may give yourself credit for, and you don’t have to be a Paralympic athlete to be part of a change for the better.

Although Chris Waddell made a great living participating in Paralympic events, most people won’t have the same talents as he does. However, you can discover your own talents with the right attitude and determination and can live a purposeful and fulfilling life. Next Day Access offers mobility aids to help you achieve anything you want in life, even with a physical disability. If there’s anything we can do to help, feel free to Nous contacter at any time. Like or Share if you enjoy reading our blog.