Blog Archives - Ella Home Care

March 5, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel Leave a Comment

Tips for Living Independently for as Long as Possible

For most people, our dream is to remain living independently, in our own homes for as long as possible. Many factors can impact the ability to do this including health, finances, and support. If you or someone you know are planning for the future, which includes a desire to live independently, consider these tips and tools for putting yourself in the best position to do so.

Plan Ahead

In the midst of everything else going on in your life, it can be hard to find time to plan ahead for the future. Often, this gets pushed to the back burner. But one of the best things you can do for your future self is to start planning for how you wish to live your later years in life. What does this look like? If you desire to stay in your home as long as possible, it’s important to consider what all this will require of you and your loved ones. Write down your plan and think through all the variables. Having this mapped out will help you out greatly down the road.

Communicate Your Wishes

Now that you have thought through what it will require to live independently as you age, you must make your wishes known to those who are likely going to be caring for you, to some degree, in the future. Quite possibly this is a spouse, family member, or even a friend or neighbor. Making it known early that it is your desire to remain living in your home as you age will help your loved ones adjust their expectations and be able to fully support you.

Get Your Finances in Order

There are costs associated with anywhere you live, whether that’s in your current home or in a retirement community. There are certainly pros and cons to each. Be sure to get your finances in order early. Not only will this help you throughout retirement, but it will enable you to live where you wish without a lack of funds dictating the care you do or do not receive. You may even wish to consider a long-term care insurance policy which can assist with costs like professional care in your home.

Enhance Home Safety

Another way to plan ahead for aging in your home as long as possible is to ensure that it is a safe space. Invest in your home with things like repairs, enhancements and safety features to make it a place where you can age safely. If you should need the assistance of a walker or wheelchair, can your home accommodate that? Can you arrange things to create a first floor bedroom to eliminate the use of stairs? Make time to carefully walk through every aspect of your home so that you are aware of things that may need to change in order to stay living in your home in your later years.

Consider a Professional Caregiver

Finally, and most importantly, you may want to consider how a professional caregiver can help you achieve your goal of living independently in your home for as long as possible. You may not need this assistance right away, but it’s smart to at least be informed of what options are available to you and the associated cost. Reach out to a trusted in-home care agency, like Ella Home Care, who can advise you of the services they provide and how they fit your needs and budgetary requirements.

If you or someone you know is hoping to remain living independently in their home as they age remember that with these tips and some additional professional help, it is possible! At Ella Home Care, we proudly provide options to help people live independently in their homes. We welcome you to contact us so we can discuss what might be right for your needs.

February 7, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel Leave a Comment

7 Ways to Help Senior Adults Stay Mentally Sharp

As we age, our brain’s volume gradually shrinks causing some of the nerve cells to shrink or lose connections with other nerve cells. Blood flow also slows somewhat as we age. These age-related changes are thought to be behind the differences in cognitive function that many people notice as they age.

In most instances, this is a normal part of the aging process. But taking certain actions early on can also help to slow down this process and delay the undesired effects it can have on our mental function and quality of life. Promising research indicates that taking the following steps can help keep your mind sharp as you age. Let’s learn what they are!

Monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure.

High cholesterol and blood pressure have both been closely linked with an increased chance of heart attack or stroke, which are thought to contribute to developing certain forms of dementia. Be sure to see your doctor regularly who can help you monitor your cardiovascular health and recommend actions you can take to further improve it.

Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

Proper nutrition is critically important at every stage in life; and it remains equally important as you brain ages. Researchers have found strong evidence that vitamin E, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids could help prevent dementia, along with avoiding saturated fat. Focus on incorporating these nutrients into your diet, or supplementing with vitamins.

Limit nicotine and alcohol consumption.

Both drinking and smoking regularly and excessively have been linked to dementia as you age. The lifestyle choices you make now, and kicking out the bad habits as soon as possible, put you in the best potion to reap the rewards of better mental health as you age.

Stimulate your brain daily.

Who doesn’t love a good puzzle or word search? Whatever you preference is for “brain teasers” make a conscious effort to incorporate such activities into each and every day. This can be as simple as spending 20 minutes each morning solving the paper’s Sudoku puzzle while you enjoy a cup of coffee.

Schedule meaningful socialization.

Making new friends or spending time with the ones you have might be good for your brain. A 2018 study published in Scientific Reports found that participants with consistently high or increased social engagement had a lower risk of dementia than those with consistently low social engagement. Especially for those who live alone, be sure to reach out to family and friends to schedule regular visits that will help you get the socialization you need to thrive.

Have a plan for getting regular exercise.

As you age, getting enough exercise can be a challenge. Maybe you have physical limitations. Or maybe it is not easy to get out to a community exercise class. There are still many other options to help you stay active, which in turn helps increase blood flow and brain function. Consider an exercise DVD you can do from home. Or find a neighbor who can be your walking partner. Just 20 minutes of elevated heart rate every day yields huge long-term health benefits.

Surround yourself with memories.

Not only are memories beautiful, they are also beneficial. Looking back through old photo albums, watching home videos, and even walking by photos of family and friends you have framed on your walls daily will all help to reinforce these memories and stimulate brain function.

If you or someone you know is entering their senior years, it is never too early to be thinking about how you plan to maintain your mental health. Try to incorporate even just a few of these tips into your weekly routine and set yourself up for improved mental health now and into the future!

February 3, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel Leave a Comment

What are the Benefits of Long-Term Care Insurance?

Long-term care (LTC) insurance is designed to cover many of the costs of a nursing home, assisted living or in-home care, which are expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare. Consider this statistic. By the time you reach age 65, chances are about 50/50 that you’ll require paid long-term care (LTC) someday. If you pay out of pocket, you’ll spend $140,000 on average. Yet, if you’re like most, you probably haven’t planned for that financial risk, nor has your family.

LTC insurance comes into the picture to help provide a safety net so that when you or a loved one needs LTC that is not covered by Medicare, you are not stuck paying completely out of pocket. Here’s a breakdown of the core benefits that LTC insurance aims to provide.

You will have financial security amidst unpredictable situations.

LTC insurance will give you the peace of mind and financial security net that, should you or a loved one need LTC care, you can afford the best care for the situation without the added stress of mounting bills or having to choose a less desirable option. While the cost of LTC insurance can seem steep in comparison to other types of insurances, you should consider your full financial situation in which it just might make sense to pay into having this security available to you.

You have options.

There are traditional LTC insurance policies, and also hybrid LTC insurance policies – each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Hybrid policies will return money to your heirs even if you don’t end up needing long-term care. You don’t run traditional policies’ risk of a rate hike, because you lock in your premium upfront. However, hybrid policies are usually two to three times more expensive than traditional insurance for the same long-term care benefits. It’s smart to examine all your options and select what best fits your need.

Buying into LTC insurance early can help you save.

If you are considering the possibility of LTC insurance, start looking in your 50s or early 60s, before premiums rise sharply or worsening health rules out robust coverage. Simply put, every year that you delay, the cost will increase. Initial premiums at age 65, for example, are 8 to 10 percent higher than those for new customers who are 64. To help guide you through the “shopping” process, seek out an independent agent who sells policies from multiple companies rather than a single insurer.

It may not be for everyone, and that’s okay.

LTC insurance may not be the right fit for you or your loved one. Many variables can impact this, and ultimately only you know what is right for you and your family. In some instances, the cost of this type of insurance may be prohibitive. Or maybe you have enough money saved in case of emergency, that LTC costs are not as dire of a concern. The most important takeaway is that even if you don’t choose to have LTC insurance, you still need to have some sort of plan in place to offer you protection should you find yourself needing LTC at any point in your life.

If you have any questions about options for LTC insurance for you or a loved one, it’s best to speak to a trusted insurance agent who is licensed to sell this type of insurance. They can help you understand the limitations of what this covers as well as an estimated cost for the insurance you need.

January 13, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel Leave a Comment

How to Start a Career as a Personal Caregiver

A career as a personal caregiver can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling. With passion and skill, you can excel in such a career while finding your true calling to help other people improve the quality of their lives.

To become a personal caregiver, there are several important things to consider, and steps to complete in order to ensure you are ready to fill this important role. Take a look as we outline how to start a career as a personal caregiver.

Talk to someone in the field.

First and foremost, you should speak to someone who works as a personal caregiver. They will be able to provide you with helpful insight as to what their day to day responsibilities include. They can also open your eyes to things you may not have considered, both the benefits and the challenges. In doing so, you will be able to set realistic expectations for your career as a personal caregiver.

Gain first-hand experience through volunteering.

Next, you can inquirer with your local hospitals or hospice organizations to see if they accept volunteers in any capacity. Through volunteering your time, you will gain first-hand experience in caring for others. You can also ask local home care agencies if they might allow you to job shadow one of their personal caregivers for a period of time. Again, seeing the job in action will show you things you simply cannot learn from a book or online.

Understand Pennsylvania’s and each Home Care Agency’s employment requirements for caregivers.

Once you’re certain this is the career path you wish to pursue, it’s important to understand the intricacies of Pennsylvania’s and Home Care Agency’s requirements for caregivers. Basic requirements include submitting to a criminal background check, having a valid driver’s license and your own vehicle, having certain health screenings performed, and showing competency in many of the tasks you will perform as a caregiver. You will want to speak with someone at a local home care agency who would also be able to walk you through employment requirements.

Consider additional education and training.

You may also wish to consider additional training which is beyond what the Commonwealth requires, such as your CPR certification, or even earning your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) degree. Why? This will help you stand out in your career field as qualified and committed. Additionally, it will help you provide the best care to your patients.

Search for open positions for personal caregivers in your area.

Now you’re ready to join the job search! In addition to browsing listings on the well-known job search sites, be sure to do your own research by asking people you know about the home health agencies who have good reputations and who they might recommend. It’s important that agencies and their caregivers align with their mission to serve others, as this ensures a successful and enjoyable work environment for all.

Make a list of pros and cons for each offer, and accept the job that is the right fit for you.

Once you have narrowed down your search, conducted interviews, and have received one or more offers, you’re ready to make a final decision as to where you wish to start your career as a personal caregiver. If considering more than one option, make a list of pros and cons for each. Really think through what’s most important to you. Location? Work hours? Benefits? Starting salary? It’s expected you may need to compromise on some items on your career “wish list.” Focus on your must-haves, and be flexible with the rest.

Are you interested in becoming a personal caregiver? We would love to provide you with more information and help you take the first step on this journey. Contact us today to learn more!

January 6, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel Leave a Comment

A New Year for In-Home Personal Care: How We Expect the Industry to Change in 2020

With the start of any new year, it’s expected that things will change over the course of the next 12 months. The home care industry is no exception. Thanks to technology, changing policies, and the growing need for in-home personal care, the home care industry has changed quite a bit throughout recent years. Take a look at additional changes we expect to take place in 2020 and beyond!

Changes to Medicare Advantage Coverage

Over the course of the last 10 or so years, big policy changes have taken place that stand to impact the home care industry, and it seems some important pieces are coming together at once. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 aims to move Medicare away from fee-for-service models and toward value-based care.

What does this mean for the home health agency and the people it serves?

Most recently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made rule changes aimed at bringing home care into the Medicare Advantage (MA) fold. The first change, announced in 2018 for 2019, reinterpreted the standards for health-related supplemental benefits to include additional services “that increase health and improve quality of life, including coverage of non-skilled, in-home supports.”

The second, announced in 2019 for 2020, expanded the definition of supplemental benefits to include any services that “address social determinants of health for people with chronic disease.” This will open a wide door for home care services to be considered for coverage under MA, which could give the industry a big boost while benefiting patients receiving care in their homes.

Shifting Focus Toward Proactive Care

The US health care system is moving away from treating people only when they’re sick, and instead focusing on proactively keeping them well. This is an encouraging and highly beneficial shift that stands to benefit many, many people.

For the home care industry, we aim to support this same mission – keeping people safe and well in their homes. By providing non-medical care, specifically around household activities, mobility and self-care, the home care industry and personal caregivers will play a large role in the shift toward proactive care.

More Support for People Aging In-Home

A May 2019 study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimated a hypothetical incremental cost savings of $4 billion in Medicare spending if community-living adults 65 or older with disabilities received non-medical care, specifically around household activities, mobility and self-care.

This is an incredible cost savings that will also help to produce the best quality of life for individuals wishing to age in their own homes for as long as possible. And the home care industry makes this possible! As more and more eyes are opened to the value of personal caregivers providing non-medical care, there will be an increase in demand for such services, meaning more jobs and industry growth.

Which of these changes do you think will have the greatest impact on the home care industry in 2020 and beyond? Do you have another prediction to share?

Join in the conversation by leaving a comment below.

Tips for Living Independently for as Long as Possible

7 Ways to Help Senior Adults Stay Mentally Sharp

What are the Benefits of Long-Term Care Insurance?

How to Start a Career as a Personal Caregiver

A New Year for In-Home Personal Care: How We Expect the Industry to Change in 2020

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