Hi Friends, Have you noticed how quickly summer is flying by? There are so many things happening all summer it is hard to keep up with it all.
Are you having a family reunion this year? A family gathering that you wouldn't want anyone to miss? If so, Golden Chariot is here for you.
We have wheelchair accessible vans to transport a loved one to any activity. We also have comfortable cars to take them where they want to go. Be it shopping at the Mall, a trip to the hair salon or barber, a movie, a dinner out. We can do it all. Our pricing is affordable and our service is second to none.
Please visit our website at www.goldenchariotmedicaltransportation.com . Read our story, see comments from past customers and check out the links to other services.
Have an awesome summer and enjoy your family!
Sincerely,
Cheryl Collins and Dale Vessels
About Me
- Golden Chariot Specialty Transport Service, LLC
- Providing Independence and Mobility at any age
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Monday, July 18, 2011
Purhcasing a Power Chair
The following is an article posted on the MDA website. Thought it may be of interest to some of you.
Get Expert Advice Before Buying a Wheelchair
I have buyer’s remorse.
Like most people, my closet contains a few items I never should have bought.
A paper-thin broom skirt that was shredded by my wheelchair tires the first time I wore it. A bright red handbag that lacks a shoulder strap, forcing me to choose between clutching the accessory or holding onto my wheelchair every time I exit the ramp of my van.
Until now, the majority of my retail mistakes were minor infractions — a lipstick in the wrong shade or an uneaten frozen dinner entree.
My newest purchase can’t be hidden in the back of a closet or in the freezer. It’s with me every waking moment.
I regret rushing to buy my new power wheelchair.
No, it definitely was not an impulse purchase. After five years of daily use, my old chair was worn down and falling apart. Coils in the seat were poking me, one wheel didn’t turn properly, and the chair was no longer dependable. My doctor said there were better choices, and I should get a new power wheelchair.
Naturally, I contacted the vendor who sold and serviced my older chair. He spent time assessing my needs. We talked about a chair that would work with the EZ Lock wheelchair restraint system in my car, which allows me to be the driver or a passenger in the vehicle. He focused on the swelling in my legs and how I reposition my body throughout the day. I was concerned about the size of the chair, as my master bathroom doesn’t have much turning space.
What I regret is not being more informed before I bought the chair. I wish I had taken the time to research the choices, looked at the features available on the company’s website and talked to other wheelchair owners.
I wish I had test driven several models — especially a standing chair. There might be better ways to lift my legs and elevate them, instead of tilting back, which I don’t like. (It’s like sitting in a dentist chair; you can’t do anything in that position.) Perhaps I should have consulted more experts and gotten a second opinion.
Buying a power chair is similar to buying a new car. The manufacturers have fancy brochures and offer a variety of optional accessories. Some of the power chairs cost as much as, or even more than, a car. If you wait to buy a new car until yours isn’t running, there’s an urgency to the process. If your wheelchair is no longer functioning, you’ll also have to hurry and get another one.
As your physical needs change and the age of your wheelchair increases, it’s a wise idea to discuss your situation with your health care team so you are an informed consumer. For those registered with MDA, an MDA clinic is a good place to go for consultations and referrals.
The bottom line is: When the time comes to replace an old wheelchair, look for experts who have been trained to guide you through the options.
“Assistive technology” encompasses such things as manual and power wheelchairs, communication devices, orthotics, hearing aids, reading machines, portable ramps, prosthetics and more. An assistive technology professional is trained to analyze the needs of individuals with disabilities, assist in selecting appropriate equipment and educate the consumer on properly using the specific equipment.
ATPs come from a variety of fields. They include: physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, engineers, educators, rehab counselors, suppliers, computer access specialists, technicians and more.
A certified ATP meets an internationally accepted standard of knowledge in assistive technology. The certification process includes work/education eligibility, passing a 200-item exam and an ongoing commitment to practice at the highest ethical standard.
If you’re wondering how a speech-language pathologist can be an expert in wheelchair seating — she probably is not. ATP certification is designed to give professionals a broad base of knowledge and make them aware of services and choices for clients with complex rehab needs, including when to make a referral.
“One prescription impacts another device,” says Anjali Weber, director of ATP certification for RESNA. “The joystick that controls a wheelchair — if supplied with the right electronics — can be used to turn off the lights in your home or operate your computer.”
ATPs take a “holistic approach” to determining client needs, says Weber. “When you buy a new wheelchair, how will you transport it? How will it work in your home?” No one is an expert in everything, and ATPs understand you may need a referral to someone with a different specialization.
SMS-certified therapists work with complex rehabilitation clients, comprehend disease progression, are proficient with custom seating, and are knowledgeable about wheeled mobility technology and electronics. Before individuals can take the 165-question exam, they must have 1,000 hours of in-person consumer experience in seating and mobility, and be an ATP in good standing.
Amy Morgan, a physical therapist and ATP who works for Permobil, teaches advanced classes for clinicians and suppliers. Class topics range from “Wheelchair Standers: Stand for Function!” to “Neurological Function and Dysfunction — Understanding the Implications for Seating and Mobility.”
When shopping for a wheelchair, Morgan says, it’s important for people with neuromuscular diseases to see both a supplier and a clinician (therapist). Always work with a physical or occupational therapist, and make sure he or she is a practicing clinician and not someone who works on the supply (wheelchair sales) side, Morgan advises. Look for professionals who are ATP certified.
Consider everything you want the chair to do. For example: I would like to reach into a cabinet from my chair. I’d like a joystick that works better with my tremor or has a more ergonomic design for my hand. I’d like to kick my feet up when my legs swell and hurt. What are the options for that?
Involve as many people in the evaluation as is reasonable. “The more brains the better,” says Morgan.
Be mindful of the literature that describes a wheelchair. Morgan once worked with a mother who was comparing two different brands of chairs. One said the turning radius was 40 inches and the other said 22 inches. Morgan knew that the two chairs were nearly identical in the way they could turn. Puzzled, she did a bit of investigating by calling the manufacturers and asking more questions. She discovered one manufacturer was describing the space required to turn while the other was describing the full turning radius.
“The selection of a wheelchair is a collaboration,” says Morgan, who urges consumers to take wheelchairs home for a test drive. “You have to be an advocate for yourself.” She recommends joining the Users First Alliance, an education and advocacy group for wheelchair users, clinicians and suppliers.
“People who have neuromuscular diseases need to work with professionals who understand the progression of their disease,” says RESNA’s Anjali Weber. She notes there’s a big difference between durable medical equipment like a walker and the complex technology required by people with increasing muscle weakness and paralysis.
“If you work with someone who is certified, you should receive better service from beginning to end,” says Weber.
To find an assistive technology professional in your area, see the resource list How to find an ATP in InfoQuest.
Barbara and Jim Twardowski (RN, CMSRN) are a husband-and-wife freelance-writing team and frequent Quest contributors. They live in Mandeville, La. Barbara has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Get Expert Advice Before Buying a Wheelchair
I have buyer’s remorse.
Like most people, my closet contains a few items I never should have bought.
A paper-thin broom skirt that was shredded by my wheelchair tires the first time I wore it. A bright red handbag that lacks a shoulder strap, forcing me to choose between clutching the accessory or holding onto my wheelchair every time I exit the ramp of my van.
Until now, the majority of my retail mistakes were minor infractions — a lipstick in the wrong shade or an uneaten frozen dinner entree.
My newest purchase can’t be hidden in the back of a closet or in the freezer. It’s with me every waking moment.
I regret rushing to buy my new power wheelchair.
No, it definitely was not an impulse purchase. After five years of daily use, my old chair was worn down and falling apart. Coils in the seat were poking me, one wheel didn’t turn properly, and the chair was no longer dependable. My doctor said there were better choices, and I should get a new power wheelchair.
Naturally, I contacted the vendor who sold and serviced my older chair. He spent time assessing my needs. We talked about a chair that would work with the EZ Lock wheelchair restraint system in my car, which allows me to be the driver or a passenger in the vehicle. He focused on the swelling in my legs and how I reposition my body throughout the day. I was concerned about the size of the chair, as my master bathroom doesn’t have much turning space.
What I regret is not being more informed before I bought the chair. I wish I had taken the time to research the choices, looked at the features available on the company’s website and talked to other wheelchair owners.
I wish I had test driven several models — especially a standing chair. There might be better ways to lift my legs and elevate them, instead of tilting back, which I don’t like. (It’s like sitting in a dentist chair; you can’t do anything in that position.) Perhaps I should have consulted more experts and gotten a second opinion.
Buying a power chair is similar to buying a new car. The manufacturers have fancy brochures and offer a variety of optional accessories. Some of the power chairs cost as much as, or even more than, a car. If you wait to buy a new car until yours isn’t running, there’s an urgency to the process. If your wheelchair is no longer functioning, you’ll also have to hurry and get another one.
As your physical needs change and the age of your wheelchair increases, it’s a wise idea to discuss your situation with your health care team so you are an informed consumer. For those registered with MDA, an MDA clinic is a good place to go for consultations and referrals.
The bottom line is: When the time comes to replace an old wheelchair, look for experts who have been trained to guide you through the options.
 |
| Some occupational and physical therapists specialize in wheelchair fitting and seating; your MDA clinic physician can help you locate one in your area. |
ATP (assistive technology professional)
The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, or RESNA, is a nonprofit professional society that certifies assistive technology professionals (ATPs). RESNA members serve people with disabilities who are seeking technology to maximize functionality in the home, school, workplace and community.“Assistive technology” encompasses such things as manual and power wheelchairs, communication devices, orthotics, hearing aids, reading machines, portable ramps, prosthetics and more. An assistive technology professional is trained to analyze the needs of individuals with disabilities, assist in selecting appropriate equipment and educate the consumer on properly using the specific equipment.
ATPs come from a variety of fields. They include: physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, engineers, educators, rehab counselors, suppliers, computer access specialists, technicians and more.
A certified ATP meets an internationally accepted standard of knowledge in assistive technology. The certification process includes work/education eligibility, passing a 200-item exam and an ongoing commitment to practice at the highest ethical standard.
If you’re wondering how a speech-language pathologist can be an expert in wheelchair seating — she probably is not. ATP certification is designed to give professionals a broad base of knowledge and make them aware of services and choices for clients with complex rehab needs, including when to make a referral.
“One prescription impacts another device,” says Anjali Weber, director of ATP certification for RESNA. “The joystick that controls a wheelchair — if supplied with the right electronics — can be used to turn off the lights in your home or operate your computer.”
ATPs take a “holistic approach” to determining client needs, says Weber. “When you buy a new wheelchair, how will you transport it? How will it work in your home?” No one is an expert in everything, and ATPs understand you may need a referral to someone with a different specialization.
SMS (seating and mobility specialist)
RESNA introduced a new certification in March 2010: seating and mobility specialist or SMS. The speciality credential, which builds upon the baseline ATP certification, is meant for those elite rehabilitation professionals with advanced knowledge and experience in seating and mobility.SMS-certified therapists work with complex rehabilitation clients, comprehend disease progression, are proficient with custom seating, and are knowledgeable about wheeled mobility technology and electronics. Before individuals can take the 165-question exam, they must have 1,000 hours of in-person consumer experience in seating and mobility, and be an ATP in good standing.
Consumer beware
Unfortunately, there are people who sell medical equipment who have limited knowledge or are simply unethical. If they unscrupulously sell you a chair that ultimately doesn’t meet your needs, you may have no recourse but to keep it. But if you use an ATP and have a problem, RESNA has a process to review violations of their standards.Amy Morgan, a physical therapist and ATP who works for Permobil, teaches advanced classes for clinicians and suppliers. Class topics range from “Wheelchair Standers: Stand for Function!” to “Neurological Function and Dysfunction — Understanding the Implications for Seating and Mobility.”
When shopping for a wheelchair, Morgan says, it’s important for people with neuromuscular diseases to see both a supplier and a clinician (therapist). Always work with a physical or occupational therapist, and make sure he or she is a practicing clinician and not someone who works on the supply (wheelchair sales) side, Morgan advises. Look for professionals who are ATP certified.
Consider everything you want the chair to do. For example: I would like to reach into a cabinet from my chair. I’d like a joystick that works better with my tremor or has a more ergonomic design for my hand. I’d like to kick my feet up when my legs swell and hurt. What are the options for that?
Involve as many people in the evaluation as is reasonable. “The more brains the better,” says Morgan.
Be mindful of the literature that describes a wheelchair. Morgan once worked with a mother who was comparing two different brands of chairs. One said the turning radius was 40 inches and the other said 22 inches. Morgan knew that the two chairs were nearly identical in the way they could turn. Puzzled, she did a bit of investigating by calling the manufacturers and asking more questions. She discovered one manufacturer was describing the space required to turn while the other was describing the full turning radius.
“The selection of a wheelchair is a collaboration,” says Morgan, who urges consumers to take wheelchairs home for a test drive. “You have to be an advocate for yourself.” She recommends joining the Users First Alliance, an education and advocacy group for wheelchair users, clinicians and suppliers.
“People who have neuromuscular diseases need to work with professionals who understand the progression of their disease,” says RESNA’s Anjali Weber. She notes there’s a big difference between durable medical equipment like a walker and the complex technology required by people with increasing muscle weakness and paralysis.
“If you work with someone who is certified, you should receive better service from beginning to end,” says Weber.
To find an assistive technology professional in your area, see the resource list How to find an ATP in InfoQuest.
Barbara and Jim Twardowski (RN, CMSRN) are a husband-and-wife freelance-writing team and frequent Quest contributors. They live in Mandeville, La. Barbara has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Joy In My Life
The first thing people ask me when I tell them what I do is " Why did you decide to do this". The answer is much more complicated that "I wanted to be my own boss." My Grandmother was a CNA in a nursing home all through my childhood. On holidays she would take us with her to visit the patients and attend parties. We loved going with her. As I grew older her work changed and she worked for the state and a HOMEMAKER. She had the opportunity to go to peoples homes and help them with their meals, their laundy, shopping and banking. She made it possible for them to stay in their homes. She was the kindest and most caring person I have ever known. When she fell ill and in her last days she was admitted into the hospital. While she was there she was cared for by the nurses, the children of people she had cared for and many people whose lives she had touched. She was never alone. It showed me that even the smallest thing we do can make the biggest difference is a life. She was loved by many.
My Mom became extremely ill and was bedridden. She was unable to leave the house. In her last days we had to call an ambulance to have her taken to the hospital where she died only a few days later. I wish that a service such as ours would have been available then. It would have provided her with a sense of dignity and self respect to be able to go to the doctor without an ambulance.
Many years later I became reaquainted with a friend from High School. We had not seen or spoken to each other in 30 years. We talked about our lives and circumstances and he told me that he had left a successful career in engineering to take care of his terminally ill parents. After they had passed, he realized that he did not want to go back to that. Instead he took a position as a medical transportation driver for a local skilled nursing facility. He found it to be very rewarding.
A couple of years later he decided to make a change in his life. He wanted to relocate. Searching for a position similar to what he was doing was not happening. At that time I suggested we start our own business providing Medical Transportation. Of course he said...ARE YOU NUTS?? I defended my statement by telling him that after a diligent search there just was not this kind of service available in our area.
We spent 4 months working out an extremely detailed busniess plan. Nothing was overlooked down the the paperclips at each desk. We were confident a bank would be so overwhelmed at the completeness of our buiness plan there was no way they could refuse to finance us. OH HOW SILLY ARE WE??
The lady at the back was impressed. She studied the plan for several days and called me back to the bank for a meeting. She stressed to me our incredibly well thought out and detailed our plan was at that we were sure to be a huge success. However.....we regret to inform you that we can not loan you any money unless you already have some. OH BOY!!
My partner and I would not be deterred from our mission. He flew in from Oklahoma and we met with mobility dealers all over Portland Oregon looking for the perfect vehicle. When we found it we explained our situation and they financed our first vehicle. We were on our way. Elated we left with our dreams in tact. My partner returned home, packed up a U-haul with all of his belongings and drove across country.
On May 1, 2005 we were offically open for business. One van, one driver and a wheelchair to boot. We visited skilled nursing facilties, sent postcards to adult family homes and went to every medical facilty in town. The day we got our first call was danced around the room in delight. Our first month we did 6 rides. THe next month it doubled and again the next month. We were on our way.
In 6 months we were back at the van dealer purchasing our second van. We have grown a great deal over the last 6 years. We now have 5 wheelchair vans and 4 cars. We provide about 90 rides a day.
Work is work but let me tell you this business is the greatest thing I have ever done. Not because it will bring me fame and fortune. That is highly unlikely. However, I have been blessed to meet people I would otherwise never have had the opportunity to know. I have made a difference in the quality of their life and they have brought joy to mine.
I met a woman that was a secretary to a general, It was pleasure to meet a man that was an engineer in the navy and taught ballroon dancing. I drove a woman on several occasions that had been married to a man that was killed on the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor. I have spent my holidays away from my family so these folks could be with their family. And I can tell you that I would not change a thing. When a family member sees their loved one arrive at a destination they are relieved, appreciative and thankful for the service we provide.
I thought I was doing this to give back to my community but the joy I get from those I serve is more reward than all the money in the world.
Golden Chariot is not a job, or a hobby. It is a gift. I am thankful for it everyday.
My Mom became extremely ill and was bedridden. She was unable to leave the house. In her last days we had to call an ambulance to have her taken to the hospital where she died only a few days later. I wish that a service such as ours would have been available then. It would have provided her with a sense of dignity and self respect to be able to go to the doctor without an ambulance.
Many years later I became reaquainted with a friend from High School. We had not seen or spoken to each other in 30 years. We talked about our lives and circumstances and he told me that he had left a successful career in engineering to take care of his terminally ill parents. After they had passed, he realized that he did not want to go back to that. Instead he took a position as a medical transportation driver for a local skilled nursing facility. He found it to be very rewarding.
A couple of years later he decided to make a change in his life. He wanted to relocate. Searching for a position similar to what he was doing was not happening. At that time I suggested we start our own business providing Medical Transportation. Of course he said...ARE YOU NUTS?? I defended my statement by telling him that after a diligent search there just was not this kind of service available in our area.
We spent 4 months working out an extremely detailed busniess plan. Nothing was overlooked down the the paperclips at each desk. We were confident a bank would be so overwhelmed at the completeness of our buiness plan there was no way they could refuse to finance us. OH HOW SILLY ARE WE??
The lady at the back was impressed. She studied the plan for several days and called me back to the bank for a meeting. She stressed to me our incredibly well thought out and detailed our plan was at that we were sure to be a huge success. However.....we regret to inform you that we can not loan you any money unless you already have some. OH BOY!!
My partner and I would not be deterred from our mission. He flew in from Oklahoma and we met with mobility dealers all over Portland Oregon looking for the perfect vehicle. When we found it we explained our situation and they financed our first vehicle. We were on our way. Elated we left with our dreams in tact. My partner returned home, packed up a U-haul with all of his belongings and drove across country.
On May 1, 2005 we were offically open for business. One van, one driver and a wheelchair to boot. We visited skilled nursing facilties, sent postcards to adult family homes and went to every medical facilty in town. The day we got our first call was danced around the room in delight. Our first month we did 6 rides. THe next month it doubled and again the next month. We were on our way.
In 6 months we were back at the van dealer purchasing our second van. We have grown a great deal over the last 6 years. We now have 5 wheelchair vans and 4 cars. We provide about 90 rides a day.
Work is work but let me tell you this business is the greatest thing I have ever done. Not because it will bring me fame and fortune. That is highly unlikely. However, I have been blessed to meet people I would otherwise never have had the opportunity to know. I have made a difference in the quality of their life and they have brought joy to mine.
I met a woman that was a secretary to a general, It was pleasure to meet a man that was an engineer in the navy and taught ballroon dancing. I drove a woman on several occasions that had been married to a man that was killed on the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor. I have spent my holidays away from my family so these folks could be with their family. And I can tell you that I would not change a thing. When a family member sees their loved one arrive at a destination they are relieved, appreciative and thankful for the service we provide.
I thought I was doing this to give back to my community but the joy I get from those I serve is more reward than all the money in the world.
Golden Chariot is not a job, or a hobby. It is a gift. I am thankful for it everyday.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tips For SAFE and Comfortable Wheelchair Transport
Golden Chariot is commited to providing safe transportation but we need your help. In order to ensure your loved one is as safe as possible during transport we have compiled a short list.
1. Wheelchairs should have footrests that fit correctly on the chair. While it is easier to be mobile in your home without footrests it creates a hazard during transport. It is often a longer distance than expected inside a medical facility and the client may become fatigued holding their feet up. Once they drop their feet they are at risk of serious injury.
2. Do not place the client on a pillow or cushion in the wheelchair. This becomes a slide risk for the client while the vehicle is stopping and starting during transport.
3. Oxygen tanks should be attached to the wheelchair rather than a roll along tank.
4, Have your insurance card, any necessary paperwork and your identification easily accessible when you arrive at your appointment.
5. Have an attendant with the client if they are are easily confused, unable to speak, are taking pain mediciations that makes them drowsy or they need assitance writing.
Golden Chariot does not charge for an attendant and up to three people may accompany a client. When making a reservation please tell let us know that there will be an attendant.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Collins/President
Golden Chariot Specalty Transport Service, LLC
We CARE...HOW you get there!
www.goldenchariot.us
360-944-9833
1. Wheelchairs should have footrests that fit correctly on the chair. While it is easier to be mobile in your home without footrests it creates a hazard during transport. It is often a longer distance than expected inside a medical facility and the client may become fatigued holding their feet up. Once they drop their feet they are at risk of serious injury.
2. Do not place the client on a pillow or cushion in the wheelchair. This becomes a slide risk for the client while the vehicle is stopping and starting during transport.
3. Oxygen tanks should be attached to the wheelchair rather than a roll along tank.
4, Have your insurance card, any necessary paperwork and your identification easily accessible when you arrive at your appointment.
5. Have an attendant with the client if they are are easily confused, unable to speak, are taking pain mediciations that makes them drowsy or they need assitance writing.
Golden Chariot does not charge for an attendant and up to three people may accompany a client. When making a reservation please tell let us know that there will be an attendant.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Collins/President
Golden Chariot Specalty Transport Service, LLC
We CARE...HOW you get there!
www.goldenchariot.us
360-944-9833
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