Ella Home Care

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Thoughtful Holiday Gift Ideas for Professional Caregivers

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! At least that’s what all of the retailers would have you believe. It’s never too early to be looking ahead to the gift-giving season and how you may wish to treat those you love. Professional caregivers work so hard year-round for the families they serve and are certainly deserving of some love and acknowledgment this holiday season. Here are some fun and creative gift ideas that may inspire generosity to share some holiday cheer with the professional caregiver in your life.

Give Relaxation

Think of gifts that offer rest and relaxation. Caregivers put in long hours and the work can be physically demanding. Gifts like lotions, a soft blanket, slippers, or gift certificates for the spa or a massage will always be appreciated and put to good use.

Give an Experience

In a world where we already have so many material things, sometimes the best gifts are experiences. Your caregiver might enjoy gift certificates to a local restaurant, boutique, or movie theatre. Try to find out where they enjoy shopping or spending their time when not at work. Depending upon your budget and your relationship with your caregiver, you might even find something unique, like a hot air balloon ride, that they might enjoy with a friend or family member.

Give a Memory

Your caregiver has likely created many memories with your family, depending upon how long they’ve been working with you. If you have photos of your caregiver and your loved one, you can create a really special gift like a photo album, locket, framed photo, or digital slide show that captures these memories for years to come. Another way to gift a memory is to share stories written by your family that highlight some of the special milestones, funny events, or emotional occasions that you shared with your caregiver.

Give Fun

A final type of gift that always goes over well is a gift of “fun.” Does your caregiver have a favorite snack or treat? Buy it in bulk so they can indulge! Do you share a joke that could be reflected in a gift? Get creative! Offering to pay for their Netflix or Hulu subscription this year could be a thoughtful gesture and every time they enjoy a new movie or TV show they will think of you.

How do you plan to acknowledge your caregiver this holiday season? Do you have another idea to share? Join in the conversation by leaving a comment below.

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5 Tips for Combatting the Winter Blues

5 Tips for Combatting the Winter Blues

As we move into the winter months, many people will experience some form of the “winter blues.” This is when your mood and even physical health can take a downturn due to colder weather, lack of sunshine, and overall feeling a bit run down. Technically called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this condition can be particularly common in our aging senior population. Keep reading to learn how you and those you love can combat SAD or the winter blues by taking proactive measures.

  1. Set a goal for each day.

In the winter, especially for our senior population, the days can blend together and feel like one big block of time without much to divide things up. One way to combat the feeling that every day is the same is by setting a unique goal for each day. Wake up and determine what you wish to accomplish with your time. It’s okay if some days this is just a small goal like 10 minutes of stretching or organizing that junk drawer. The purpose is to provide something that you can look back on and identify each day as being a little bit different because you didn’t keep the same exact routine. You’ll also enjoy all that you can accomplish day by day when you set a goal and stick to it.

  1. Soak up the sunshine.

Seeing and feeling the sunshine is a powerful way to overcome the winter blues. Not every day will offer the opportunity to sit in the sun’s warmth on your porch or at a park, but take advantage of the days that do allow this. All it takes is a few minutes to soak up some Vitamin D and give your mood a lift. One benefit of having a professional caregiver there with your aging loved one during the day is that they can be sure to select an activity or two that involves being outside and getting some fresh air.

  1. Connect with family and friends.

During a pandemic, this is not as easy as it once was, but there are still opportunities to connect with friends and family at least once a week. This could be a scheduled phone call, video chat, or stopping by for lunch or coffee. If you use social media, you can use these platforms as a way of staying connected. Just be sure to not let scrolling through your newsfeed replace the need to connect with people on a deeper level, especially during the winter months.

  1. Fuel your body.

Eating nutrient-dense foods is not only good for keeping illness at bay, it’s also a smart way to ensure you have enough energy and the right vitamins to fight off the winter blues. When you’re feeling physically well, you are more likely to feel mentally well. A little indulgence here and there is perfectly fine, but be sure to fill your plate with healthy options at mealtime.

  1. Change things up.

And finally, don’t forget to switch up your routine and surroundings from time to time. Try out some new recipes so you’re not eating the same things each day, pick a new outfit you haven’t worn in a while, or explore a new hobby you’ve not yet tried. The days won’t all blend together when you keep incorporating change into your schedule. A series of small changes will create a whole new look and feel for your winter season.

Do you or a loved one experience the winter blues? How do you keep things sunny during the colder months? Share ideas and inspiration in the comments below.

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Activities for Seniors to Enjoy in Cooler Weather

As our aging adults entering the cooler months of Pennsylvania’s fall and winter, there are still so many activities to be enjoyed outside in the comfort of lower temperatures and with the backdrop of beautiful changing trees. Let’s take a look as we explore some easy and accessible activities that can help to make the fall that much more colorful at any age.

Take Indoor Activities Outside

Most everything you’ve been enjoying doing from the comfort of your air conditioning inside over the last few months can now be enjoyed from the new comfort of the season’s cooler temperatures. Scrapbooking, reading, journaling, even phone calls are all better with fresh air, a cool breeze, and warm sun. Plus, a little bit of time outside every day is so healthy for all of us and especially our aging friends.

Press Leaves

All you need for this fun fall activity is some wax paper, colorful leaves, and heavy objects like books or a rolling pin. Collect leaves nearby and then place them between two sheets of wax paper. Press them between a heavy object or roll over them with a rolling pin to create beautifully preserved fall leaves which can be used in a variety of arts and craft projects.

Paint Mason Jars

You can find old mason jars just about anywhere lately. Pick up some unique styles from a thrift store and some colorful fall paint colors from a craft store. Then spend time outside at a table or on a bench carefully painting the inside of the jars. Allow them to dry in the fall sunshine and soon you will have a beautiful display for dried flowers or simply to display all on their own.

Photograph the Fall Changes

If you or someone you know has a camera you can borrow, bring it along during your next visit with your aging loved one to use to capture the beauty of the season. Take turns snapping what catches your eye. This could be a colorful tree or plant, children playing in the neighborhood, a sunset or sunrise, and definitely any creatures of nature you may come across. Then what you do with these photos is completely up to you! They may be worthy of a full scrapbook to commemorate the year, or maybe one key image is perfect for a frame.

How do you plan to make the most of the fall season, especially with your aging loved ones? Join in the conversation by leaving a comment below.

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Tips for Preventing Caregiver Fatigue

The career of a caregiver is one that requires a lot of love and energy each and every day. It’s fully natural for this type of work to leave you fatigued from time to time – both emotionally and physically. Even if you’re not a professional caregiver, keep reading to learn some important tips for reducing stress and regaining energy to be the best possible version of yourself.

Make your time off meaningful.

When you’re working, you need to be fully present. The same as true during your time not working. When you’re off, be sure to plan a fun and relaxing activities that bring you joy and allow you to spend time with the ones you love. As a professional caregiver, it can feel natural to constantly be caring for someone whether that is your client or your family. On your days off, you will likely still have personal responsibilities, but make sure you don’t spend it only doing chores or running errands. Schedule in some meaningful downtown that leaves you refreshed and ready for your next work shift.

Fuel your body.

Fatigue can be caused by a lack of sleep, stress, poor nutrition, sickness, and so much more. Start at the source. You need to fuel your body so that it has the energy to carry on the day’s activities. Look to create a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Next, make sure you get enough sleep, especially before a workday. And finally, manage your stress levels by being mindful of triggers that may cause your stress to increase. Which brings us to…

Pay attention to how you feel.

Every day will have its ups and its downs. But if you should experience a day when you are really feeling stressed and not like your normal self. It’s worth paying attention to these queues.  It’s likely you need to make some changes whether that is in your schedule, your mindset, or your physical wellness. Paying attention to your body will give you a ton of important knowledge as to what is taking place at a mental, physical, and emotional level.

Find hobbies that relax you.

Next, seek hobbies in your off-time that relax and recharge your mind and body. So often we find hobbies or pastimes that continue to take energy away from us which only leaves us more depleted the next day. Look for things you can do like coloring, reading, taking a walk, or talking to a friend – all of which will take your eyes away from screens and your mind away from work.

Keep work and family separate.

And finally, the time to focus on work is when you are at work. As soon as you step back into your personal life, be sure you make the full mental transition. There may be things from your day that continue to weigh on you but put them away until your next workday. Your own loved ones need you just as much as your clients do. Be fully present with each party when the time is right.

If you’re a professional caregiver or work in any demanding career, these tips for preventing fatigue are so important. Pick one or two to start with this week!

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Professional Home Care Customized to Your Needs

At Ella Home Care, we take great pride in meeting the needs of our clients – and this looks different for everyone. A big benefit of working with Ella Home Care is that we carefully customize our plan for in-home care for every client. This is why every engagement first starts with an in-depth assessment conducted by our staff. Once we know your needs, we identify how we can meet them. Take a look at the most common areas of care we provide.

Personal Care

Personal care is at the core of what we do. This includes all essential services to meet basic hygiene needs. We can assist with bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding, as well as transfers, to help clients move around their homes safely. While we do not administer medication, we can provide medication reminders so that doses are followed correctly.

Light Housekeeping

In addition to caring for our clients, we can also care for their living spaces. We can help dust, vacuum, change linens, launder clothes, and organize closets or other areas of the house. It is often a huge relief for families to know that their loved one is able to safely and comfortably age at home while living in a clean and organized space.

Sleep-Over Services

If needed, we can also provide sleep-over services where our caregivers can remain awake overnight while the client sleeps to ensure safety and to offer medication reminders, if needed. In the morning we can also prepare breakfast and make sure the client’s needs are met to prepare them for the day.

Errands and Transportation

Another valuable service we provide is errands and transportation. We can take clients to doctors’ appointments, grocery shopping, to the hair salon, to attend church services, and much more. We also enjoy taking our clients to places and experience they can enjoy like the movies or a restaurant. This allows loved ones to continue to enjoy all their favorite activities without the worry of driving and parking.

Miscellaneous Services

Our miscellaneous services are really where we can shine and help loved ones age safely and gracefully in their homes. We can help with everything from reading the mail, pet walking, answering the phone, mending clothes, cooking together, and even playing games or doing puzzles. We like to get to know each client, what they enjoy, and their hobbies. Then, we accommodate them the best way we can to build a relationship and add joy to their lives.

Could you or someone you know benefit from Ella Home Care’s professional caregiving services? We know that every client is unique, and our in-depth assessment process allows us to custom tailor our services to meet your specific needs. Click here to learn more about our assessment process or to schedule a complimentary in-home assessment today.

Our Promise To You

  • All calls answered by a live person
  • Engaged & well trained home care professionals
  • 24/7 access to your loved one’s care plan through our online portal
  • We will listen more than we talk
  • We will work one-on-one to develop your care plan

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Contact Us

Ella Home Care
Address:
839 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043

Phone: (717) 963-7280
Fax: (717) 695-2892

Email: info@ellahc.com