caregiving 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.

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!

January 6, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel

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.

November 13, 2019 by Kirk Brechbiel

5 Things Ella Home Care is Grateful for in 2019

As we approach Thanksgiving, many of us start to turn our minds toward the many things for which we can be grateful for in the current year. 2019 has brought change and growth for Ella Home Care, as well as one more year of doing what we love to do – help others! This alone makes us want to pause for a moment to reflect on the many reasons to smile and give thanks this year, and every year.

Join us as we offer five reasons we are feeling grateful heading into the holidays. We would love for you to join us in reflecting on some of your own feelings of gratitude this year, and helping to make this the season of grateful hearts!

Grateful for new office space

Last year, Ella Home Care made the move to our new and expanded location at 839 Market Street in Lemoyne. As the business has continued to grow and evolve, it was the right decision to look for space that could grow with us. We are grateful to have found exactly that! From this new location, we are better able to serve our clients and caregivers with additional space and a dedicated area to provide ongoing training and education for our caregivers.

Grateful for a great core of staff and caregivers

It so often goes without saying (but really it needs said!) how much we appreciate and rely on our caregivers to be the face and the heart of Ella Home Care. Without them we wouldn’t have a business, and we wouldn’t be able to serve as many aging adults as we do now. We are grateful for every hour, every task, and every sacrifice they make to serve others.

Grateful for the wisdom we gain while serving our aging neighbors

If there is one thing you can never have too much of, it’s wisdom. We are grateful that this career allows us to gain wisdom and expand our perspectives each and every day. Our aging neighbors are a great source of wisdom. Though we are honored to be able to care for them, it’s really a mutually beneficial relationship. The love and wisdom shared is reciprocated 10-fold.

Grateful for the connections we make and relationships we build with our clients and caregivers

Just about every aspect of what we do comes back to relationships. It takes a relationship built on trust, love, and understanding to care for another person especially in a time of need. Our caregivers exemplify this every day. Ella Home Care is grateful for the connections we make through our clients and caregivers, and to be witness to the ways in which new relationships bloom daily.

Grateful for another fulfilling year of doing what we love

One more thing that has us feeling extremely grateful this season is for another year to do what we love – provide top quality care and comfort to our aging neighbors. We don’t take for granted that every year is a blessing. We intend to continue to grow and expand into 2020 and beyond, embracing every success along with every challenge and change that comes our way.

As we approach the end of 2019, what has you feeling grateful? Let’s keep the gratitude flowing by finding something to be thankful for each day!

5 Traits of an Exceptional Professional Caregiver

4 Myths About In-Home Care – Debunked

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

5 Things Ella Home Care is Grateful for in 2019

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