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.

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!

Ella Home currently hiring caring and compassionate Professional Caregivers to care for older adults in their home in Dauphin, Cumberland and northern York Counties.

To apply and learn more, come out to our Drive-Thru Job Fair on Wednesday, September 16^th from 11am to 2pm at Drayer Physical Therapy located at 5108 E. Trindle Road in Mechanicsburg.

Tents will be set up on the backside of the building in the parking lot. Look for the yard signs!

The Drive-Thru Job Fair will provide a safe and contactless opportunity to drop off your resume, gain more information about job openings, and talk to members of the Ella Home Care team. All social distancing guidelines will be followed.

**Everyone receives a FREE treat from Pennsylvania Bakery!**

Why do our caregivers love working with us?

• Part-time and full-time opportunities
• Pay increase after 90 days
• Work near your home
• Supportive staff
• You will always know your schedule
• PPE Provided
• On-going training and education
• Paid Time Off and Birthday Bonus

While we do not work directly with COVID-19 patients, we do provide Personal Protective Equipment for our staff like gloves, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.  We do daily health screenings so employees and clients feel safe.

If you have the passion for helping others, please stop by our Drive-Thru Job Fair! We recruit off personality and compassion. We provide all necessary training.

Ella Home Care serve clients in towns like Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Lemoyne, Carlisle, Boiling Springs, Enola, Lewisberry, Etters, Dillsburg, Harrisburg, and Marysville. Short commutes and flexible schedules!

Drayer Physical Therapy: To inspire and empower the lives we touch, to serve our communities, and to lead with purpose-driven passion.

To learn more, please visit: http://ellahc.com/employment-opportunities/

If you’re considering a career as a professional caregiver, there are some important things you should know about what this job entails. It’s much more than just earning a paycheck, it’s caring for another person and adding quality to their life while allowing them to age comfortably and safely in their home. It’s also about showing compassion and building true relationships so that another person is mentally and emotionally cared for. Keep reading to learn some important aspects about pursuing a career as a professional caregiver.

Personality is the most important piece.

At Ella Home Care, we hire based on personality first and foremost. The technical aspects of becoming a professional caregiver can be trained far more easily than trying to train someone to be compassionate and caring. Additionally, we look for caregivers who are warm and welcoming and who want to form relationships with the people they care for. This is what provides our clients with fully comprehensive home care that is physical, emotional, and mental.

You will continually learn.

As a professional caregiver you will also be constantly learning and improving upon your skills. We provide comprehensive training to ensure you feel educated and confident with your skills. We are also always available to answer questions, address issues, and assist you in whatever way you need. At Ella Home Care, you will never feel like you are alone in your caregiving experience. Plus you will have many opportunities to grow in your career field.

It takes endurance, but it’s so rewarding.

Yes, professional caregiving can be tiring – emotionally and physically. But from what we have learned from our caregivers is that the rewards far outweigh the long days. All of the special memories and the unique bond you form will refresh you each and every day and give you many, many reasons to show up each day for your client. And it’s those memories that far exceed any other form of compensation you may receive, and they only stand to grow as you grow in your job.

Every day holds something new.

Truly, every day is a new experience. You may be working with different clients, or even if you’re working with the same client each day is unique in its challenges and triumphs. Best of all, you can determine the direction of your day with your attitude and the activities you choose to do with the person for which you’re caring. While there will certainly be a routine you want to follow, each day can be unique with its special moments and what you choose to do together.

You will form deep relationships.

Finally, as a professional caregiver, you can expect to form deep relationships with other people. You will be invited to work intimately with the person for which you’re caring, helping to give them a good quality of life even as they age. You will be able to show them love, dignity, and compassion as you care for their needs. And this is a gift that is immeasurable in its worth.

Can you relate to what it takes to become a professional caregiver? If so, this might be a great career option for you. Best of all, Ella Home Care is currently hiring caring and compassionate caregivers to join are team. To learn more or apply, please contact us at info@ellahc.com or (717) 963-7280.