Elderly Loved Ones May Feel Isolated During Holiday Gatherings Due To Possible Hearing Loss

Don't let unrecognized hearing loss isolate our elderly loved ones, who created so many beloved family holiday traditions!

Care Wagon Medical Transport and The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is urging families across America to encourage loved ones with hearing loss to get their hearing checked and to have any hearing loss properly treated. 

By visiting www.hearingcheck.org, family members can use a simple, interactive screening tool to check their hearing in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Families can also check their hearing together during holiday gatherings as a way to offer support to loved ones.

"The holiday season is meant to be a time of thanks, celebration, and joy," says Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Better Hearing Institute. "But for many people, it is a time of year when unaddressed hearing loss can cause them to feel particularly isolated and depressed. Even when surrounded by loved ones, a family member's impaired ability to hear and  actively participate in conversation cuts them off. Oftentimes, they are left with a sense of sadness, inadequacy, and emotional isolation. This is especially true when the hearing loss is either unrecognized or is being 'hidden' by the family member with hearing loss."
Hearing loss is one of the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in America today, and affects more than 31.5 million Americans. When left untreated, hearing loss can lead to isolation and depression—a health issue that is already prevalent during the holiday season and may likely be more widespread this year, given the added financial worries that many Americans are currently facing.
So this year, be especially vigilant if you see that Uncle Fred is quiet at Thanksgiving or other holiday dinners. Maybe he can't hear you and needs your help in bringing him close to the family again.
Signs and symptoms of hearing loss include not being able to hear well in a crowded room or restaurant, having trouble hearing children and women, keeping the television or radio turned up to a high volume, needing to ask family and friends to repeat what they're saying, or experiencing ringing in the ears.
"When a family member experiences unaddressed hearing loss, it silently erodes the loved one's quality of life—undermining family relationships, interfering with short-term memory, and creeping into virtually every aspect of daily living," says Kochkin. "The good news is there are solutions to help loved ones with hearing loss regain the gift of sound so they don't need to draw back in silence. Hearing loss can be easily diagnosed, and there are modern-day solutions that can help people hear better."

If someone you love is experiencing hearing loss, try these tips to help them feel included in your upcoming holiday celebrations:

• Keep the volume on the music and television down. Background noise makes it difficult for people with even mild—and sometimes undetected—hearing loss to follow the conversation.
• Try to talk to your loved one from the side on which he or she hears best.
• Speak clearly and not too fast. Don't talk loudly or shout.
• Face the person as you speak, and keep your hands away from your face.
• Write a sincere, loving letter before a big holiday family dinner or get-together, or suggest that your loved one write one, to remind folks about the need to speak clearly, one at a time, and to use effective communication strategies, such as repeating then rephrasing when your loved one doesn't understand them.
• If you plan to host a holiday dinner or party, consider leaving the dishes and silverware in the china closet. Instead, use holiday-themed paper plates and plastic cutlery. This will cut down dramatically on the noise from cutlery clattering on plates.

"Most important, if someone you love appears to have a hearing loss, encourage them to get a hearing screening," Kochkin urges. "Many people decide to get their hearing checked because someone they love suggested it and provided support. And now, with the interactive tool available at www.hearingcheck.org, family members can more easily take that first, critical step in reclaiming their hearing, quality of life, and relationships."

What better gift can you give 

this holiday season?

 Happy Holidays! 

from Care Wagon Medical Transport

Care Wagon Medical Transport LLC

We Get You There With Care!

FALL BACK ~ END OF DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

Care Wagon Medical Transport
would like to remind everyone to
Turn Back Your Clocks
 and Change Those Smoke Alarm Batteries

Please also reach out to your elderly relatives, friends and neighbors that may need help completing these tasks for their safety!

This 1st WEEKEND of NOVEMBER we all get an extra hour of sleep as we turn our clocks back one hour to mark the end of Daylight Saving Time. The American Red Cross recommends changing your smoke alarm batteries and testing those alarms at the same time.

In addition to checking your smoke alarms, Care Wagon is also asking everyone to PRACTICE HOME FIRE DRILLS. Make sure all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home, and set up a meeting place outside in case of fire. Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year and at different times of the day. Teach household members to stop, drop and roll if their clothing should catch on fire.

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep this 1st Weekend of November!

Care Wagon Medical Transport LLC

Senior Loved Ones May Feel Isolated During Holiday Gatherings Due To Possible Hearing Loss

Don't let unrecognized hearing loss isolate our senior loved ones, who created so many beloved family holiday traditions!

Care Wagon Medical Transport and The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is urging families across America to encourage loved ones with hearing loss to get their hearing checked and to have any hearing loss properly treated. 

By visiting www.hearingcheck.org, family members can use a simple, interactive screening tool to check their hearing in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Families can also check their hearing together during holiday gatherings as a way to offer support to loved ones.

"The holiday season is meant to be a time of thanks, celebration, and joy," says Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Better Hearing Institute. "But for many people, it is a time of year when unaddressed hearing loss can cause them to feel particularly isolated and depressed. Even when surrounded by loved ones, a family member's impaired ability to hear and  actively participate in conversation cuts them off. Oftentimes, they are left with a sense of sadness, inadequacy, and emotional isolation. This is especially true when the hearing loss is either unrecognized or is being 'hidden' by the family member with hearing loss."
Hearing loss is one of the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in America today, and affects more than 31.5 million Americans. When left untreated, hearing loss can lead to isolation and depression—a health issue that is already prevalent during the holiday season and may likely be more widespread this year, given the added financial worries that many Americans are currently facing.
So this year, be especially vigilant if you see that Uncle Fred is quiet at Thanksgiving or other holiday dinners. Maybe he can't hear you and needs your help in bringing him close to the family again.
Signs and symptoms of hearing loss include not being able to hear well in a crowded room or restaurant, having trouble hearing children and women, keeping the television or radio turned up to a high volume, needing to ask family and friends to repeat what they're saying, or experiencing ringing in the ears.
"When a family member experiences unaddressed hearing loss, it silently erodes the loved one's quality of life—undermining family relationships, interfering with short-term memory, and creeping into virtually every aspect of daily living," says Kochkin. "The good news is there are solutions to help loved ones with hearing loss regain the gift of sound so they don't need to draw back in silence. Hearing loss can be easily diagnosed, and there are modern-day solutions that can help people hear better."

If someone you love is experiencing hearing loss, try these tips to help them feel included in your upcoming holiday celebrations:

• Keep the volume on the music and television down. Background noise makes it difficult for people with even mild—and sometimes undetected—hearing loss to follow the conversation.
• Try to talk to your loved one from the side on which he or she hears best.
• Speak clearly and not too fast. Don't talk loudly or shout.
• Face the person as you speak, and keep your hands away from your face.
• Write a sincere, loving letter before a big holiday family dinner or get-together, or suggest that your loved one write one, to remind folks about the need to speak clearly, one at a time, and to use effective communication strategies, such as repeating then rephrasing when your loved one doesn't understand them.
• If you plan to host a holiday dinner or party, consider leaving the dishes and silverware in the china closet. Instead, use holiday-themed paper plates and plastic cutlery. This will cut down dramatically on the noise from cutlery clattering on plates.

"Most important, if someone you love appears to have a hearing loss, encourage them to get a hearing screening," Kochkin urges. "Many people decide to get their hearing checked because someone they love suggested it and provided support. And now, with the interactive tool available at www.hearingcheck.org, family members can more easily take that first, critical step in reclaiming their hearing, quality of life, and relationships. What better gift can you give this holiday season?"

 Happy Holidays! from Care Wagon Medical Transport

Care Wagon Medical Transport LLC

We Get You There With Care!

Thanksgiving Wishes From Care Wagon Medical Transport!

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Care Wagon Family To Yours!

Best Wishes for a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Care Wagon Medical Transport LLC

(909)428-CARE(2273)

We Get You There With Care!

Care Wagon Medical Transport will be 

FULLY OPERATIONAL Thanksgiving Day!

Making it possible for "Special Disabled Guests" to attend 

Family Holiday Gatherings is our joy!

Happy Veterans Day!

Thank you to all our Veterans for serving our country and protecting our freedom!

Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans: that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces.

Care Wagon Medical Transport LLC would like to thank all our VETERANS for serving our country and protecting our freedom!

We enjoy our freedom because of all those that serve and have served! 

Thank you for your service!

Care Wagon Medical Transport LLC

(909)428-CARE(2273)

Making Travel With Elderly Parents Safe And Relaxing For Everyone This Summer

Traveling Smart With Elderly Parents This Summer

Ahhh, May! It’s the start of the busy travel season. Nieces and nephews are graduating. Sons and daughters are getting married. There are anniversaries to celebrate and picnics to consume. There are family reunions to attend and grandchildren’s T-ball tournaments to supervise. What fun!

If only we could bring all of these events to our own backyards. But until someone invents a real teleportation machine, we’ll have to take to the roads or the skies. And when preparing to travel with mom, dad, or other elderly loved ones, we face some unique challenges. What can we do to make sure traveling this season is as safe and relaxing as possible for everyone?

Know before you go:

1. Consult mom’s doctor

First things first, it’s important to make sure mom is healthy enough to take the trip. So make sure to have her cleared for travel by her primary care physician, especially if you will be dealing with any complex medical conditions, such as a heart issue or Alzheimer’s disease. Get specific travel tips from mom’s doctor and discuss any potential health complications. Also, make sure to get any necessary vaccinations or extra medication as needed.

2. Research available medical services at your destination

In case of emergencies, make sure to check the location of the nearest pharmacies, hospitals, and other health care facilities, especially if you will be in an unfamiliar place. Also, take with you contact information for your loved one’s primary doctor as well as any important Medicare, insurance, and prescription information.

3. Provide a way for dad to contact you easily

Make sure your cell number and the number of each place you will be staying is programed into dad’s cellphone. Or, if dad doesn’t have his own cellphone, providing him with a prepaid phone is a great way to ensure that he can get in touch with you at all times.

Cellphones are wonderful travel companions, but for additional peace of mind, nothing beats one of those available emergency push button devices, such as PBE’s Safe Anywhere service. With this type of service, mom or dad can wear an eResponder on a pendant, which provides immediate, push-button connection and two-way voice communication with emergency services anywhere in the US.

4. Plan a schedule that accommodates everyone

Whenever possible, maintain a predictable daily routine. This reduces stress and anxiety, especially for those with cognitive impairments. Keeping mealtimes, medication schedules, rest times, and sleeping schedules as consistent as possible minimizes the risk of agitation. Also, nothing makes a vacation feel less relaxing than rushing from place to place. So, build in extra time where needed, plan to take plenty of rest breaks, and make some quiet time a priority each day.

Traveling by car or travel/motor home?

• Pack a bag of essentials (with necessary medications, important travel documents, favorite snacks and drinks, a light sweater, a hat, sunscreen) that is easily accessible at all times.
• On long road trips, make sure to take plenty of breaks for meals, stretching legs, and using the restroom.
• Plan to leave early in the morning. Many seniors and people with Alzheimer’s disease do not travel well in the late evening or at night because of what scientists call sundowning. Doctors believe that fading light can trigger in some elderly adults symptoms such as irritation, restlessness, confusion, and mood swings.

Traveling by air?

·         Arrange for special services when booking flights (e.g., a wheelchair at the airport, special seating, advanced boarding).

·         All US airports offer expedited TSA security screening for passengers 75 and older. Ask about these when checking in with the airline.

·         Pack all medications in carry-on luggage. Liquid medications will need to be separated from other belongings for separate screening.

·         Plan to arrive at the airport extra early, so mom and dad have time to get settled before boarding.

Traveling with older adults can be a truly rewarding experience. 

All it takes is a little extra preparation. So this summer, whether you’re headed to a graduation, wedding, family reunion, or other celebration, make sure you travel smart.

Happy Travels!

 from

Care Wagon

MedicalTransport

We hope you found our tips helpful for traveling with your elderly parents or other loved ones  to make sure your travel this season is as safe and relaxing as possible for everyone!

(909) 428-CARE (2273)

Paratransit Watch Introduces Care Wagon Medical Transport

Paratransit Watch Introduces Care Wagon Medical Transport 

BLOG AND DIRECTORY OF WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE AND ASSISTED AMBULATORY TRANSPORTATION

Care Wagon Medical Transport

CALIFORNIA - Care Wagon Medical Transport is a non-emegency medical transportation company based in Rialto, California. They provide professional door-thru-door non-emergency wheelchair accessible medical transportation services for appointments or personal trips. Their service area includes: Rialto, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, Loma Linda, Ontario, Upland, Redlands, and Claremont.

Your parents may need your help

7 Signs Your Aging Parents Need Extra Help

They may be afraid to tell you they are having trouble

---

• By Joanna Nesbit

October 22, 2015

Photo Credit: Care Wagon Medical Transport 

While their 84-year-old father recovered at a rehabilitation facility after landing in the hospital with symptoms of a mini-stroke, the Jones (not their real name) siblings took the opportunity to do some cleaning at his house.
Opening the fridge, they were shocked to find layers of mold, hardened food and multiple jars of the same item in varying states of decomposition. They knew solo living had become challenging for their dad, but they didn’t realize the extent of the decline.
“The two biggest reasons for geriatric decline are depression and dementia,” says Amy Fuchs, elder care consultant and licensed clinical social worker in Saddle River, N.J. Depression can set in when older people feel isolated and lonely, and often may be grieving the recent death of a friend.

“Their friends are dying around them, and they’re also fully aware they can’t do what they used to do,” Fuchs says. Early dementia may be subtle and tricky to spot if you don’t live nearby and see your parents regularly. It might look like bouts of confusion, as the Jones siblings thought.

Pay Attention

Often, it takes a medical crisis to spearhead conversations about new needs. But you’ll likely notice signs indicating your parents aren’t as independent as they once were. Elders who want to remain in their home may not admit they need help for fear of being encouraged into an assisted living situation. But letting things go too far can precipitate a crisis situation.

Regular house tasks and tidying up gets harder as aging parents lose mobility and vision.

Here are seven common signs to watch for:
Piles of unpaid bills. Fuchs says bill-paying is one of the first tasks aging parents lose track of, and their adult children may not realize bills aren’t being paid. Letting unpaid bills pile up can be a sign of dementia setting in, but can also be a sign of disorganization and life getting in the way. It’s important to determine what’s going on.
The house looks grimy. You may notice grime and clutter because regular house tasks and tidying up gets harder as people lose mobility and vision. Your parents may not be able to see the dirt. Additionally, if “they can’t bend down anymore, they just leave things that fall, so things pile up,” Fuchs says. Depression-era people often don’t want to spend money to hire a house cleaner (and may not want you to spend yours either), but a cluttered house is a tripping hazard.
A lack of fresh, healthy food. You may notice spoiled food in the refrigerator, as the Jones siblings did, or you might realize the fridge lacks fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables and meats, says Chris Bowker, executive manager of the home care division of Aging Care, a Naples, Fla.-based organization that provides information for caregivers. If your parents have begun subsisting on boxed and canned food, that can be a sign that taking care of themselves is getting harder, he says. Also, watch for unexplained signs of weight loss.
A distinct smell. Personal hygiene becomes a lower priority for a variety of reasons — mobility, dementia or keeping up with laundry. Some older people may not be bathing for fear of falling. They also commonly have problems with undiagnosed urinary tract infections (UTI). “Between not bathing or UTI issues, usually there’s a distinct odor of urine from incontinence issues that drives the realization seniors need help,” Bowker says.
Missed medications. You’ll need to check more closely for this one, but Fuchs says it’s another common sign she looks for, right behind bill-paying. Take a look at your parent’s pill box to see if a dose or two has been skipped. “That’s a sign they’re forgetting to take their meds,” she says. Missing doses or taking too many at one time can be dangerous.
Unexplained bruising. If you see a bruise on your mother’s arm or leg, it could mean she’s fallen and isn’t telling you. “Seniors tend to bruise more easily, so the signs show up more,” Fuchs says. She recommends checking your parent’s arms and legs if possible. Experts also recommend watching for elders holding onto walls or furniture as they walk through the house. This can be sign they’re unsteady on their feet and would benefit from a cane or walker.
The car has new dings and dents. As we age, our reaction time slows, and turning your head while driving to monitor blind spots gets harder. Dementia can also be the culprit behind fender benders or sideswipes in a parking lot. If you spot some troubles on the exterior of your parent’s car, it may be time for a conversation about driving.
Non-emergency Medical Transportation companies in your area can help with transportation to desired destinations when public transportation may not be the right choice for your situation. Care Wagon Medical Transport LLC  serves several cities in the San Bernardino County, CA area with non emergency transportation and some related services as well.

Extending Time at Home

When aging parents want to stay in their own home and worry that their grown kids don’t want the same for them, they may not initiate conversations about waning independence skills. But extra help from a family member, volunteer or a paid caregiver can extend independence and aging at home with less risk.
Older adults might simply need help with meals, personal care, transportation or light housecleaning. Have a kind, but candid, discussion without controlling the conversation, recommends AgingCare’s editor-in-chief, Ashley Huntsberry-Lett. Find out which tasks feel more difficult these days. Ask how you can help.
While older adults are still capable of independence — they’re alert, oriented and able to make decisions — it’s important to let them make those decisions, even if you don’t agree with them, Fuchs says. Choose what’s not negotiable. For example, it might be OK to live with some mess but not to neglect the bills every month.
To learn about resources in your parents’ community, start with Eldercare Locater, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. The nonprofit Family Caregiver Alliance also helps families locate local services with a state-by-state navigator. AgingCare provides a wealth of information for caregivers, helping them find answers and share information as well as connecting them to community-specific resources.

Need A Unique Gift Idea For The Disabled Someone On Your Gift List?

Finding that perfect gift for your physically disabled someone can be extremely challenging. 

Call Care Wagon Medical Transport to discuss your great destination ideas!

Stress free giving is our gift to you 

with this great gift idea for a 

Wheelchair Accessible Non-emergency Transportation ‘Gift Certificate’ 

for personal interest destinations!

Holidays may be a little depressing for disabled family members because they may no longer be able to attend family gatherings due to their physical disabilities and their transportation options. 

Care Wagon Medical Transport is excited to provide wheelchair accessible transportation for our disabled neighbors to holiday gatherings, hair dresser/barber appointments and shopping trips!

Merry Christmas 

from

Our Care Wagon Family

To Yours!

Local Redlands Wounded Warrior Heads Out To Event In Style!

LOCAL WOUNDED WARRIOR ON HIS WAY TO The 2016 warriors to lourdes pilgrimage

Care Wagon Medical Transport is honored to be a part of this Redlands Disabled Veteran's Journey.

The Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage for Military Personnel as part of the International Military Pilgrimage (PMI) is a joint project of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and the Knights of Columbus. Building on the commitment of both organizations to serve members of the military, the pilgrimage is designed to allow military personnel and their designated caregivers (if applicable) and/or companions to attend the International Military Pilgrimage (Pèlerinage Militaire International or PMI) in Lourdes, France, for a time of resting, praying, healing and connecting with other members of the armed forces from across the world. The 2016 Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage for Wounded or Disabled Military Personnel for the 58th Annual International Military Pilgrimage will take place May 17-23, 2016.

Care Wagon Medical Transport is extremely honored to be providing the wheelchair accessible transportation for this local disabled veteran, Timothy Doerner for his Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage Experience. The Knights of Columbus council, in conjunction with Supreme Council, is sponsoring Tim's participation in this 2016 Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage. Tim's traveling companion to Lourdes is his full time caregiver, Laurie Dauenhouer, and her expenses for the trip are also paid by the Warriors to Lourdes Program.

Don O'Neal and the chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Council, Father Donald Kinney, were present for Tim and Laurie’s ground transportation that began their exciting week long journey. Don was extremely pleased with the wheelchair accessible transportation service he had arranged in advance with Care Wagon Medical Transport and had this to say about the experience:

"This company is FANTASTIC! Searching the internet for some medical transportation company that would handle transport of a wheelchair-bound disabled Veteran to our local airport at 2:00 am, I was being met with much nonsupport. Most of the ones I called would not even TALK to me, after I said the trip would be at 2:00 am., even though all of their ads claimed 24/7 service. When I reached Evelyn at Care Wagon Medical Transport, she was very courteous and helpful, and she issued the contract for transport right away, at a reasonable price! She even called me the evening before the trip, to reassure me that the van would be there on time. Naturally, Audie was there a few minutes early, to make sure the trip went smoothly, as it did. This is the type of company my generation was used to dealing with, but which you can rarely find in this millennium generation!"  ~ Don O'Neal  ~  May 2016

Providing Non Emergency Transportation to local disabled community residents is what Care Wagon Medical Transport is all about. Wheelchair Accessible Transportation is sometimes needed at 2 am and Care Wagon Medical Transport tries hard to provide many important services whenever needed, 24/7. Care Wagon's Customer Reviews Page shares many reviews from more real clients just like this one. Care Wagon Medical Transport truly appreciates the sacrifices and successes made by our military service members ~ past and present.

Our Featured Wounded Warrior

Timothy Doerner was born at March AFB Hospital, in Riverside and comes from a military family.  He attended Westminster High School, as well as several Department of Defense schools in Europe. Tim is a resident of Redlands, and a member of Council 3109 and The Holy Name of Jesus Parish.  Tim was an Army Ranger, and he was seriously injured in a parachuting accident while on active duty.  He is permanently confined to a wheelchair.  He is now 53 years old, and he has been confined to that wheelchair for maybe 30 years.  Tim is a devout Catholic, and he maintains a positive outlook on life, and seems to always be in good spirits. When asked why he choose to live in Redlands, Tim said it's because of the quality of care provided by the Loma Linda VA Medical Center. Tim’s traveling companion to Lourdes is Laurie Dauenhauer, his full time caregiver. Her expenses for the trip are also paid by the Warriors to Lourdes Program.  Laurie is a longtime resident of Redlands and both she and her parents are actively involved in the Redlands Footlighters Theater Group.

Click here to learn more about the The 2016 Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage for Wounded or Disabled Military Personnel  Program.

Don't forget!

May is National Military Appreciation Month

Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to ensure the nation was given the opportunity to publicly demonstrate their appreciation for the sacrifices and successes made by our service members - past and present. Each year the president makes a proclamation, reminding Americans of the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of our country.

May was selected because it has most days set aside for celebrating and commemorating our military's achievements. These days include Loyalty Day, which was established in 1921, Victory in Europe (VE) Day commemorating the end of WWII in Europe on May 8, 1945, Armed Forces Day created in 1949, Military Spouse Appreciation Day established in 1984, and of course the best known of the May holidays, Memorial Day.