caregiver Archives - Ella Home Care

July 12, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel

5 Traits of an Exceptional Professional Caregiver

At Ella Home Care, we seek and hire only exceptional professional caregivers to join our team. What makes them exceptional? We found there are a few traits that these individual have in common. Keep reading to see if these describe you. If so, you might just have a future career as a professional caregiver!

Commitment

Commitment is important in anything we do, but especially when we are caring for senior adults. These individuals count on consistency and reliability. They need to know you are going to show up for them when they expect you to do so. Additionally, as they build a relationship and friendship with you, it can be difficult when that is taken away suddenly. A committed caregiver gives our clients the peace of mind that they will be cared for properly, and will develop a lifelong friendship they can count on.

Honesty

The next important trait of an exceptional caregiver is honesty. Communication is a critical component of professional caregiving so we need to know you will communicate openly and honestly both with Ella Home Care and the person for which you are caring. If you see a concern, speak up. If you need help, tell someone. You have a critical role of caring for someone else’s life and honesty greatly impacts that quality of life.

Compassion

When caring for our senior population, you will likely be met with situations where you will need to show compassion. We always want our clients to maintain their dignity even as they age, which is why we need compassionate caregivers who will help care for their personal needs when they no longer can. And mostly importantly, an exceptional caregiver shows love and kindness when doing so.

Positivity

You’ll be met with challenges as a caregiver, and it’s important to keep a positive attitude to help you overcome them. Maybe it’s an accident or illness, maybe it’s just been a real tiring day, or maybe there’s a time when you don’t see eye-to-eye with someone. We want caregivers who respond with positivity and who are team players when it comes to problem solving.

Energy

Caregiving is not running a marathon, but some days it can feel like it mentally, emotionally, and physically. An exceptional caregiver doesn’t give up, but rather maintains their energy to keep caring for someone even when you feel tired or depleted. We also want high energy caregivers who are inspired to go above and beyond for someone by seeking new activities or starting new conversations.

If these traits align with your own traits and you have a heart for caring for senior adults, we would love to talk to you. Reach out to Ella Home Care today to explore our career opportunities.

July 7, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel

4 Myths About In-Home Care – Debunked

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding care for senior adults. Everything from cost and quality of care, to concerns over socialization and much more. Take a look as we dive deeper into four common myths about professional in-home care and the truths you should know.

Myth: Professional in-home care is always more expensive than assisted living communities.

Fact: Sure, there are instances when this may be true, but there are also instances in which it will not. It’s important to not believe the “always” myth about the cost of professional in-home care when compared to assisted living costs. Many factors will play into what your unique situation will cost, including level of care needed, length of care, and if the one being cared for has advanced needs. In many cases, the cost of allowing a loved one to remain in their home with the assistance of a professional caregiver visiting several days a week can be more cost-effective than moving them into an assisted living community permanently. Furthermore, what is the cost of your loved ones happiness and quality of life? If their wish is to remain in their home as long as possible, it’s hard to put a price tag on that.

Myth: I won’t have any oversight over the type of care my loved one is receiving.

Fact: There is a lot of oversight, follow-up and monitoring of in-home professional caregiving. All of our caregivers must pass extensive background searches, clearances, and requirements to be qualified to care for one of our clients. We carefully match our caregivers based upon the type of care required, location, personality, level of experience, and much more. Our caregivers are also supervised by Care Coordinator and other administration staff who monitor the care being given to each client. In addition to the steps we take, when your loved one is being cared for in their home, you can also choose to install cameras for security. This is not commonly allowed of families in assisted living communities.

Myth: My loved one will be lonely or lack socialization.

Fact: An in-home professional caregiver is not only there to care for your loved one’s physical needs, they are every bit there to also care for your loved one’s mental and emotional needs. They are an ear to listen, a smile to brighten the day, and hands to do activities with your loved one. With an in-home caregiver, they are also receiving something not typically found in an assisted living community, and that’s undivided one-on-one attention for the entire time they are there. If your loved one craves extra socialization, we take care to choose the right caregiver whose personality aligns best with that.

Myth: My loved one will be bounced around from caregiver to caregiver.

Fact: At Ella Home Care, we know how important consistency and reliability is especially for aging loved ones. This is why we pride ourselves on hiring caregivers that are committed to being a part of the Ella family for as long as possible. And when a change does have to be made, we quickly find a compatible caregiver and ease them into building a new relationship with your loved one on their terms and comfort level.

Is there another myth you’d like to have us shed some light on? Ask us a question in the comments below and we would be happy to provide you with an answer. Or contact us today to have a discussion about professional in-home care for a loved one.

February 7, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel

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

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

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!

5 Traits of an Exceptional Professional Caregiver

4 Myths About In-Home Care – Debunked

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

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