Caregiver Archives - Ella Home Care

May 1, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel Leave a Comment

Creative Ways to Stay Connected While Staying at Home

What might have seemed like a temporary change in our culture as social distancing took place, now appears to be here to stay for a while longer. Until we are able to truly live life like we used to, it’s important to be proactive about finding creative ways to stay connected with loved ones, especially our senior community. Take a look at these ideas for staying in touch and a part of each other’s lives, even with social distancing in place.

Create a Shared Journal

Google Docs is an easy way to create a shared journal electronically. If your aging loved one has a computer or tablet, they can easily navigate to the shared Google Doc and contribute to a daily journal. Take turns writing about your day, how you’re feeling, and any special memories. Best of all, this journal can live on well past COVID-19 and something you can look back on and read again and again.

Start a Book Club

Find a book you and your aging loved one will enjoy reading and do it together. A lot of great books can be found digitally now, so all you need is a device to instantly give you access to a wide array of new content. Set a reading schedule and then touch base weekly to discuss what you’ve read. The virtual book club is a great idea because it ensures you always have something to talk about!

Share Dinner Together Virtually

Doing things virtually is the name of the game as of late. Use Zoom, Facetime, or any other video conferencing tool to share a meal together virtually. You don’t have to have a planned menu, simply make what you have and enjoy it with a loved one who is miles away. Especially for our senior population, meal time can be among the loneliest. Ensure they have a smiling face to share their dinner with by coordinating a virtual meal.

Record a Bedtime Story or Song

There is no age limit on this one! Everyone enjoys a bedtime story or song, especially from a loved one. Ask your parents, grandparents, or even great grandparents to record themselves reading their favorite story or singing a song. Share this with your children, and then return the favor. These recordings will become precious memories you can enjoy well into the future.

Send a Care Package

Snail mail is still up and running and everyone loves to get something in their mailbox. Put together a care package of items your aging loved one needs or would appreciate. The easiest and safest way to do this is to shop online and have the package delivered directly to their door. Make it a mix of useful items as well as small luxuries that will brighten their day. Be sure to include a note!

Create a Group Chat

Include your aging loved one in a group chat with other family members. This allows you to easily check in daily and on your own time. Here you can also share pictures, links to interesting content, and videos. A group chat is a great way to feel connected even if you can’t be together in person.

Do you have another creative idea to share to stay connected while staying home? We’d love to hear it! Leave it in the comments below.

April 9, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel Leave a Comment

Social Distancing for Seniors: How to Prevent Loneliness

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States, the term “social distancing” has become a part of our daily language. However, it’s so important to keep in mind that this is better described as “physical distancing” as social connection remains imperative, now more than ever.

Especially for our senior population, feeling social distant is a constant battle. As they are among the key population most likely to need serious medical care as a result of contracting COVID-19, this has led to less and less physical interaction from friends and loved ones. Even those who have professional care, whether this is in-home or in an outside care facility, physical contact has decreased as caregivers and medical professionals work to “flatten the curve.”

What we hope to share in this article are tips and solutions for maintaining a safe physical distance from our aging loved ones, at least until no new cases of COVID-19 have emerged, while still staying connected socially to ensure loneliness is kept at bay.

Utilize technology.

Everyone appreciates a phone call or text to check in, but don’t undervalue the need to see each other’s faces. It changes everything! You will feel so much more connected to your loved when one when you use Zoom, Face Time, Google Hangouts, Facebook’s Messenger App. Set a weekly (or even more frequently) time to connect and make it a priority.

Check in often.

We have ample tools to stay connected, but they’re not doing much good if we don’t make it a point to use them often. Commit to hearing from your loved one, ideally daily if you can. This ensures they never go more than 24 hours without a check-in. Hearing back from them daily will also give you peace of mind that all is well.

Become pen pals.

Now more than ever, people really appreciate receiving a good old-fashioned letter in the mail. Sure, it takes added effort than a phone all or text, and that’s the point. Become pen pals with a senior and you two can exchange letters that will serve as a beautiful memory you can re-read and look back on in the future.

Mail a care package.

Speaking of snail mail, take this one step further by sending a care package to an aging loved one. Consider including some activities or treats they enjoy, but may not be able to go out and get on their own. Many online retailers can bundle and ship such items to them directly and are taking all precautions to keep their items sanitary and safe.

Ask directly about how they feel.

Checking in is the first step, but the next important step is being sure to ask your senior friends and family how they feel. Are they feeling anxious, lonely, unwell, or depressed? It’s human to not want to openly share our emotions, especially if they are negative. Yet, when someone asks us directly, we are far more inclined to share the hard truth – which also provides an opportunity to get help.

Help answer their phone, app, or social media questions.

Adult children, you are so vital to your aging parents right now. In an effort to feel connected to the world during social distancing, they will turn to technology, much of which may confuse or frustrate them. Be patient and kind when helping them with their IT questions. This is one of the most loving gestures you can show.

Create something to look forward to in the future.

Finally, give both you and your aging loved one hope for the future and a time when things will feel normal again. Consider planning your first in-person get together. Ask them what they would like to do – and plan it out! Pick a location and an activity. Possibly make a day of it and also ask what you can help them do around the house that needs done. They will be so grateful for the thought, and for something to look ahead to.

Do you have an aging loved one struggling from the isolation and loneliness during this time? Consider implementing a few or all of the above tips this week to help them through the challenges so many of us are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most importantly, maintain safe practices for you and your family so we may all overcome this soon and get back to seeing one another in person. Stay well!

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!

December 12, 2019 by Kirk Brechbiel Leave a Comment

Best Holiday Gift Ideas for Personal Caregivers

If you or someone in your family has ever benefited from the help of a personal caregiver, you understand just how much their presence impacts your life on a regular basis. When the holidays roll around, you may find yourself searching for the perfect symbol of your gratitude for all the work they do. To help you out, we provided some of our top gift ideas for caregivers that will leave them feeling loved and appreciated. Take a look!

Hand Care

A personal in-home caregiver relies heavily upon their hands to assist senior adults in their home. From cooking and cleaning, to dressing, bathing and assisting them around the home, hands are used for just about every task. What better way to pamper a caregiver during the holiday season than with new hand lotions or a gift certificate to a local nail salon. For the hands that do so much work throughout the year, reward them with a little rest and relaxation.

Warm Socks or Slippers

Make your caregiver feel even more comfortable around the home by gifting them some warm socks or slippers. The winter months can be harsh on the feet and there’s not much worse than feeling cold. Socks or slippers, whether worn in your house or in theirs, will be a welcome retreat that will make them think of you every time they wear them.

Gift Cards to a Local Store or Restaurant

Another thoughtful gift for a caregiver is a gift card to a local store or restaurant you know they like. This provides them with something they can enjoy during their off hours either alone or with family and friends. More than just a cash bonus, a gift card shows you put thought into the gesture and that you know enough about them to know what stores and restaurants they prefer.

Comfortable Sweater

Much like warm slippers, a cozy and comfortable sweater is a great present because you can never have too many! Stick to neutral colors, unless you know a color they really like. For extra convenience, choose a style that zips half way or the full way down the center so they can put it on or take it off as they please.

A Keepsake or Craft

Finally, an extremely thoughtful gift for a personal caregiver is a keepsake or handmade craft that reminds them of the person for whom they care. Do you have any photos of your loved one and their caregiver? Consider framing it or placing it in a photo album with some other photos and quotes that are relevant to their relationship. Or if you or your loved one are crafty, consider hand-making them something like a scarf, blanket, mittens, or a painting. More than just a gift you can buy, this shows them that you personally care enough to take your own time to make them something from the heart.

Who is on your holiday gift list this year? These thoughtful gift ideas are great for more than just personal caregivers. Get inspired to give the gift of love this year.

October 22, 2019 by Kirk Brechbiel Leave a Comment

6 Signs That an Aging Adult May Need a Professional Caregiver

It can be hard to come to terms with the fact that an aging loved one may need the help of an in home caregiver to assist them with essential daily tasks. We all want to believe that our parents, or other extended family will always be capable of caring for themselves and living independently, safely. Unfortunately, that is often not the case.

Sooner or later it’s likely that your loved one will need some form of professional care to remain in their home as long as possible. And it’s in everyone’s best interest to see they get the help they deserve early, before an accident or worse could take place. Let’s explore some of the most common signs that this time has come.

They are unable to keep up with their hygiene.

When you visit your loved one, you likely take notice of their appearance and personal hygiene. Do they appear to have recently showered? Are their clothes clean? How do their hair, skin, and nails look? If any of these appear below the standard of care you would wish for them, this is where a professional caregiver, even just a few days a week, can step in to be of assistance.

The house is becoming unkempt.

Again, another thing to note when you visit is the state of their home. A little clutter here and there is perfectly natural (for all of us). But should you start to notice things like dishes piling up, expired food sitting out, excess dust and dirt on surfaces, or strange odors, it may be time to talk to a professional home care company about your options. More than just hiring a housekeeper to keep things neat, a professional caregiver can assist with these tasks, plus care for the mental and emotional wellness of your loved one.

They are showing signs of forgetfulness.

Forgetfulness is common as we age. Minor things here and there are hardly cause for concern. Where it does become concerning is when important, and potentially dangerous, things are being overlooked. For example, missing a doctor’s appointment repeatedly can have serious health consequences, as can forgetting to take medication as prescribed. Additionally, forgetfulness can lead to dangers like forgetting to turn off the stove, or checking food for expiration dates. This is where the extra eyes and hands of a professional caregiver can really help.

Accidents and injuries are becoming more frequent.

Life should not be spent waiting for that next dreaded phone call that your loved one had an accident and it resulted in a broken bone, or major injury. When such incidents appear to be coming on more frequently, it’s time to take immediate action. It is well worth being proactive and seeking professional care to assist your loved one throughout the day so that your heart doesn’t sink every time your phone rings.

They express loneliness.

Let’s talk about the emotional side of caregiving for a moment. Even if your loved one appears perfectly fine to care for themselves physically, how are they doing emotionally? Do you they receive regular face-to-face interaction from other people? Do they have the ability to get out of the home and enjoy activities? No one wants to feel shut in their own home. This leads to depression and an overall pool quality of life. With the help of a professional caregiver, your loved one will have regular social interaction and assistance to get them out of the home when desired.

You worry about them often.

Finally, and most importantly, if you feel like hours of your day are spent thinking – and worrying – about your loved one, then it’s time to put a system in place to give you back peace of mind. Knowing your loved one is being seen regularly and receiving professional care will allow you to be fully present in your own life, and enjoy the time you get to spend with that loved one.

Do you or someone you know show one or more of these signs? It might be time to have a conversation with a home care agency who can offer you advice and options.

Contact Ella Home Care today!

Creative Ways to Stay Connected While Staying at Home

How to Start a Career as a Personal Caregiver

Best Holiday Gift Ideas for Personal Caregivers

6 Signs That an Aging Adult May Need a Professional Caregiver

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