Traveling CareGivers

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Seniors Busted at Airport Security—Phoenix based Care-To-Go Travel Companion Reports Hidden Weapons

Many senior travelers are being caught in security checkpoints because of hidden swords in their canes.

It seems that lots of seniors buy canes at Good Will or flea markets and are unaware of hidden swords inside the cane.

The Wall Street Journal reports Since 2002, TSA screeners have found more than 200 canes concealing either swords or knives. Many of these incidents involve elderly travelers who are just as surprised as the security screeners to find sabers hidden inside canes they may have inherited, found at antique shops, or received from charities. In September alone, four such incidents occurred according to documents provided by the TSA.

Using a Travel Companion from Care-To-Go can help seniors travel safely and with less hassle. www,CareToGoTravel.com

Phoenix Travel Companion reports on article by New York Times.  Care-To-Go Travel Companions available to assist with elderly travel on airplanes and cruise ships.  Contact Care-T0-Go at 1-800-818-0407

LOOKING for a bargain cruise? Better get booking. Deals in 2010 promise to be harder to come by than they were last year, when cruise lines introduced a wealth of bargains, and passengers benefited from deep discounts, waived booking deposits, free upgrades, onboard credits and other perks.

Those sales, along with aggressive marketing tactics, helped fill berths with paying passengers. Based on totals through the third quarter of 2009, the Cruise Lines International Association is projecting that a total of 13.44 million passengers sailed last year, up from 13.1 million in 2008. And with bookings on the upswing, 14.3 million passengers are expected in 2010, a 6.4 percent increase over last year.

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Care-To-Go Travel Companions are always on the lookout for interesting travel deals and ideas.  The following article for travel agents reveals Top 30 Themed Cruises for 2010.  Traveling Caregiver assistance can make a vacation for a senior an enjoyable and safe event.

Tapping into themed cruises that precisely match your client’s interest, hobby or passion is equivalent to adding a “must-have” ingredient to your recipe for sales success.

Themed cruises often include private onboard events or activities not open to regular cruise guests. So, “the cruise isn’t sold based on price, it’s sold on a specific experience,” stresses Susan Schaefer, independent affiliate of America’s Vacation Center, Brentwood, TN. “Your client isn’t looking for the lowest price, so you aren’t competing with pricing when selling a themed cruise.”

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Care-To-Go Travel Companions can be reached at 800-818-0407 or on the web at www.CareToGoTravel.com

Care-To-Go Travel Companion reveals anti-theft tip for checked bags.

Checked bags for air travel must be available for inspection by TSA after you check them. Most bags are left unlocked per airline instructions.  This often results in valuable items being stolen between you checking them at departure and you retrieving them at your destination.

The following is an article from the TSA explaining locks that they can open with a master key.  Hopefully, all the other baggage handlers along the way will not have access to your bags. 

TSA screens every passenger’s baggage before it is placed on an airplane. While our technology allows us to electronically screen bags, there are times when we need to physically inspect a piece of luggage. TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks may not have to be cut. These locks are available at airports and travel stores nationwide. The packaging on the locks indicates whether they can be opened by TSA.

Care-To-Go Travel Companions can be reached at 800-818-0407 and on the web at www.CareToGoTravel.com

How a Travel Companion can assist with senior travel.  Travel Companions can travel with the elderly traveling by car, air, or on a cruise.

Memory loss is a major factor slowing elderly travel.  Aside from physical limitations, anxiety and memory loss are the main two factors stopping senior travel. 

Phoenix, Scottsdale, Caregiver reports that Blood pressure worry can be linked to dementia in the elderly.

HEALTHBEAT: Study will put to test growing evidence linking high blood pressure to dementia

By LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer
WASHINGTON January 25, 2010 (AP)

If the cardiologist’s warnings don’t scare you, consider this: Controlling blood pressure just might be the best protection yet known against dementia.

In a flurry of new research, scientists scanned people’s brains to show hypertension fuels a kind of scarring linked to later development of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Those scars can start building up in middle age, decades before memory problems will appear.

The evidence is strong enough that the National Institutes of Health soon will begin enrolling thousands of hypertension sufferers in a major study to see if aggressive treatment — pushing blood pressure lower than currently recommended — better protects not just their hearts but their brains.

"If you look … for things that we can prevent that lead to cognitive decline in the elderly, hypertension is at the top of the list," Dr. Walter Koroshetz, deputy director of NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, told The Associated Press.

Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia that affect about one in eight people 65 or older.

Scientists have long noticed that some of the same triggers for heart disease — high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes — seem to increase the risk of dementia, too. But for years, they thought that link was with "vascular dementia," memory problems usually linked to small strokes, and not the scarier classic Alzheimer’s disease.

Now those lines are blurring as specialists realize that many if not most patients have a mix of the two dementias. Somehow, factors like hypertension — blood pressure readings of 140 over 90 or higher — that weaken arteries also seem to spur Alzheimer’s disease-like processes.

One suspect: Scarring known as white matter lesions. White matter acts as the brain’s telephone network, a system of axons, or nerve fibers, that allow brain cells to communicate with each other. Even slightly elevated blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels that nourish white matter, interrupting those signals.

Care-To-Go, Phoenix, Scottsdale, home care, caregivers can be reached at CareToGoTravel.com and 800-818-0407

NEW TRAVEL COMPANION SERVICE DEDICATED TO HELPING ELDERLY TRAVEL

Phoenix, January, 2010 – According to the Assisted Living Federation of America, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of persons aged 85 and over and that number is expected to increase by an additional 33.2 percent in 2010. With this increase in the elderly population, families are looking for ways to connect with their loved ones who live in other cities without sending them alone.

Families have found that navigating the transportation systems can be challenging. Many people may not know the availability and advantages of Professional Travel Companions.

Families on the hunt for ways to connect with family members that can not travel alone because of aging years, illness or injury will be excited to know that a Travel Companion can fly with Mom, Dad or Grandma from other parts of the country to Phoenix or from Phoenix to any destination.

There are many benefits of having highly trained Travel Companion fly with your loved one. They are there to serve as professional companions and as strong advocates as well as traveling caregivers for the entire trip.

ABOUT GARY AND BETH BATES AND CARE-TO-GO TRAVEL COMPANIONS

Captain Gary Bates of TWA and American Airlines retired and wife Beth Bates, provide years of travel experience and loving caregiving.

“After caring for people in airports and on board airplanes over the years, we realized there is a real need in for seniors to have professional Travel Companions accompany them on flights.”, States Gary and Beth Bates of Care-To-Go.

Captain Gary Bates, world traveler and travel consultant and Beth Bates understand the need to escort seniors traveling for their relaxation, enjoyment and safety.

The husband and wife healthcare duo have a passion for helping the elderly maintain their independence and lifestyle including traveling to family events, medical facilities or to re-locate to another city.

Care-To-Go can be reached at 800-818-0407 and on the web at www.CareToGoTravel.com

Care-To-Go Travel Companions endorsed by Phoenix Airport Chaplin and Travelers Aid for people needing a Travel Companion and traveling Caregiver.

It is always great to receive acknowledgement for Travel Companion services provided to seniors and people needing assistance.

The Phoenix Skyharbor airport receives lots of requests to assist travelers.  Sometimes it is confusion and sometimes it is a request for more complete travel assistance.

The following is an excerpt from Rev. Al Young, Chaplain, Sky Harbor Interfaith Chaplaincy

“In my opinion, Care-To-Go is providing a service that increasingly is needed as the U.S. population ages and air travel is complicated by new technology and security restrictions. A travel companion is just what some people need to make them comfortable venturing out on a visit to family or friends.

May you have good success with the service.

Sincerely,

Rev. Al Young

Chaplain, Sky Harbor Interfaith Chaplaincy”

To schedule a Travel Companion from Care-To-Go, call 800-818-0407 or visit the web, CareToGoTavel.com

Phoenix Travel Companion, Scottsdale Travel Companion, Saint Louis Travel Companion available plus numerous other parts of the country.

  The care and respect required for our veterans is often overlooked. Caregivers are provided to veterans in a spectacular fashion at the Arizona State Veterans Home.

The following is an excerpt from the Arizona State Veterans Home news letter.

Article by Leslie Goin

The holidays were spectacular at the Arizona State Veterans Home. All of the veterans and staff wish to extend our deepest gratitude to the man service organizations and individuals who made this Christmas, Hanukah and New Years so wonderful. I hesitate to name anyone personally in this article for fear I will forget someone. It seemed that everyday someone was stopping by to let the Veterans who reside here know that their service was appreciated and to wish them a happy holiday season. Gifts parties, carolers, cards, placemats, cookies, and well wishes poured in at an unbelievable rate. For some the holidays can be a sad time, especially when separated from those they love, but I truly believe that the community kept everyone here so busy, that no one had time to be lonely. Thank you all for making the Arizona State Veterans Home a part of your family.

Care-To-Go Travel Companions now working with the Arizona State Veteran Home to assist veterans in traveling to and from the Veterans Home.

For more information on Travel Companion services visit CareToGoTravel.com.

Care-To-Go provides the  elderly with a Travel Companion for Christmas travel.  The following is a synopsis of this Christmas season’s travels.

Gary started off with a trip from Phoenix , AZ to Glendale, CA to get Evelyn B. to an annual Christmas party brunch given by her niece Joan.  The event was a huge success with lots to eat, good friends and relatives to visit with and a gift exchange game.  This one got a little comical as all of the tree ornament gifts were a little weird!  Sometimes the best of times are made possible with a Travel Companion and CareGiver.

Beth headed from Phoenix, AZ to Naples, FL assisting Art D. with a family gathering.  Joan was down from Kingston, Canada and Steven was in from St. Louis, MO.
A CareGiver assisting during family gatherings may enable a senior to participate in good times during the holidays and a Travel Companion can get the senior to the event.

Meanwhile, Gary headed for St. Louis, MO through Dallas, TX.  Before leaving, Gary checked the St. Louis and Dallas weather as well as the loads on the flights and backup flights. (He can’t help it, the airline training is in his blood.)  All went well until the connecting flight in Dallas.  It seems that Chicago had several canceled flights due to a snow storm and hundreds of passengers were routed through Dallas. OOPS now we are number 34 on a standby list with all the flights to St. Louis full.  Gary was able to find a connection through New Orleans to St. Louis that even the airline didn’t see.  All went well and the arrival in St. Louis was just a little later than planned.

After enjoying a little snow for Christmas and 25 to 35 degree weather, Gary then flies from St. Louis to Miami and then back to Phoenix.

Beth flies back to Phoenix, has a few days rest and then a trip to southern California.

Being Travel Companions and a CareGiver, life is never dull.  Gary and Beth love what they do, assisting seniors with Holiday get-togethers, family reunions and just having fun.

When a Travel Companion can assist you, contact Care-To-Go at 480-284-8611 or 800-818-0407.  You can also visit them on the web at Care-To-Go.com and CareToGoTravel.com.  Care-To-Go also offers Phoenix Home Care to those in the Phoenix area.

 With a little preparation, traveling with an elder can be a rewarding family experience. Here are some tips for your senior to keep in mind.

1. One in 10 persons over the age of 75 are visually impaired. Add this to sleep problems, which commonly trouble the elderly, and the combination can be dangerous. Anticipate getting up at night and clear a path to the bathroom, leave a light on or pack a night light and be sure an put eyeglasses and water and some magazines next to the bed. Just about everyone can get disoriented when awakened at night in a strange place.

2. Even with leaving a light on in the hotel bathroom, you can still bang into a wall or a suitcase placed on the floor, so be sure you’ve got a clear path. Common causes of falls for seniors include things like tripping over a rug or slipping on a smooth surface in an unfamiliar environment.

3. Around 70 percent of people who fly experience some degree of jet lag, particularly the elderly. Easy to read digital clocks help your mind adjust to local time can keep you focused on adapting to the normal routine of your destination as quickly and effortlessly as possible. Check the time on the hotel clock. A guest before you might have advanced the time or the clock may not have changed with daylight savings settings. If you have room, you might take along an easy to read clock you are familiar with operating. Make sure the radio will not wake you at 4 a.m., set on high volume.

4. Most older adults take several important medications. Pack medications in your hand-carry luggage if traveling by plane. If traveling by car, be sure they are handy and not left in a hot trunk. Leave it in its original container so the prescription is always available if you need to refill it. Don’t mix medications. If someone else has to help you take the medications for whatever reason, they may not know which pill is correct. Continue taking your medications as prescribed, even though your travel activities may change your daily routine.

5. Dehydration can happen much more quickly during travel and occurs much more frequently in the elderly. Carry lots of water. For air travelers who cannot take liquids past airline security, empty a plastic bottle, go through security and refill the bottle with drinking water once in the airport terminal. Avoiding alcohol on flights is another way to avoid dehydration. Try to eat healthy so you will feel great and enjoy your vacation.
6. A lot of people lose tolerance for temperature extremes as they age–both hot and cold. Be prepared for all sorts of weather. A parka, a sweatshirt and an umbrella are great travel companions.

7. Get ready for those partying hotel neighbors who may not be used to a quiet environment. Ear plugs do not take up much room but are very much appreciated when you are tired and your neighbor is getting his late night second wind. Carry a small electric fan to create white sound. Speak up if there is excessive noise after hours. Stay at hotels or in a room that does not face a busy highway.

8. Up to three fourths of the older adult population do not currently exercise at recommended levels and routine exercise is hard to keep on track while on a trip. Pay attention to blood circulation when traveling for long periods of time. Prop your feet up and take your own pillow. Get up and stretch. When you are driving, stop every hour or so to stretch. If on a plane, walk the aisles every now and then. This helps prevent stiffness and gets your circulation going. Check the Internet for sites that recommend the best seats on various types of planes. You can ask the airline what type of plane you will be on, then pick a seat that has the location and leg room you prefer.

Care-To-Go offers professional Travel Companions to assist your loved one on their travels.  A Travel Companion or Traveling Caregiver can handle everything listed above and much more to make your travel enjoyable and safe.

Contact Beth Bates and Care-To-Go at 1-800-818-0407 or on the web at CareToGoTravel.com