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October 11, 2021 by Kirk Brechbiel

Tips for Preventing Isolation in the Winter Months

The winter months can be hard on anyone, but especially our senior adults who already face the challenge of feeling isolated daily. The colder weather and wintery conditions create new challenges for staying connected in person, getting outside, and keeping spirits high. In order to stave off the “winter blues” it’s important to have a game plan and take proactive measures going into this season. Keep reading for our best tips for helping anyone, but senior adults in particular, feeling positive and connected during the winter months.

Develop an action plan now.

Before the dead of winter sets in, put a plan in place for events and activities that you can look forward to. When you leave your social schedule to chance, it’s far more likely that days and weeks will pass without much outside activity. While you have the energy and motivation to stay busy and connected during the winter months, commit to social engagements that you can put on your calendar well in advance. Whether it’s for you or a loved one, you’ll see these coming up on your calendar and they will offer a bright spot to look forward to. Even if you don’t feel like sticking with your obligation when the time arises, this will provide the encouragement you need to break away from dull habits and try something new. Speaking of which…

Try something new.

Beyond just meeting up with friends for coffee or a card game, look at the winter months as an opportunity to try something new and different. Explore a hobby you’ve always wanted to try or volunteer your time toward something productive. There is a lot you can still do from the comfort of home thanks to technology that enables us to be connected from afar. Make it a goal to end the winter season having gained a new skill, friend, or pastime.

Find people to hold you accountable.

Let friends and family members know now that you need their help during the winter months to check in regularly and to provide encouragement. As the season changes, the days get shorter, and the temps drop, it can be tempting to revert to daily habits that are comfortable yet stagnant. While it may feel good to “stay in” in the moment, the effort you put forth to see other people and partake in activities will always leave you feeling far more fulfilled. The best thing you can do is to ask a friend or family member to hold you accountable for the obligations you place on your schedule that help you stay connected and get out of the house every so often. A phone call or text to check-in will go a long way!

Be receptive to help.

And finally, know when you need help and be open to receiving it. If you ask someone to visit you regularly, check-in or encourage you with opportunities for events and activities throughout the winter, make every effort to say “yes” as often as possible. What may seem uncomfortable or like extra effort at the moment will be the nudge you need to keep you out of a slump and to avoid the winter blues. Plus, saying “yes” to social offers will always give you more opportunities to make memories you’ll cherish for years to come.

With the change of any season comes a new set of challenges as well as opportunities for joy and growth. We hope this advice will help you and your loved ones more into winter confidently with a plan to seek joyful moments of connectivity.

Filed Under: Advice, Blog Tagged With: adult, aging, care, caregiver, caregiving, elderly, ella home care, harrisburg, home caregiving, isolation, lemoyne, older, pennsylvania, professional caregiver, professional caregiving, senior, winter

October 22, 2019 by Kirk Brechbiel

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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!

Filed Under: Blog, Caregiver Tagged With: adult, adult children, advice, agency, aging, aging loved one, aging parents, camp hill, caregiver, caregiving, caring, central pennsylvania, elderly, ella home care, family, harrisburg, health, home care, lemoyne, pennsylvania, professional caregiver, senior, signs, wellness

August 9, 2019 by Kirk Brechbiel

A Perfect Match: How Ella Home Care Finds the Best Caregiver for You

At Ella Home Care, we go much deeper than simply matching an available caregiver with a new client. We have a careful process for how we assess the needs of a client, as well as their personality, interests and hobbies so that we can provide them with a caregiver who is as close to a “perfect match” as possible. Are you curious to know more about our process? Read on to learn the steps we take to find the best caregiver for every situation.

We take time to really get to know you.

First, a member of our team comes out to the home for an assessment. The assessment is like a meet-and-great where we get to know each other and determine what services will be needed to keep that person living independently in his or her place of residence. We also ask the person what kind of personality and traits he or she would like in a caregiver. For some, a strong and outgoing personality is a good fit, while others may be better suited for a quiet personality.

We consider the areas of expertise needed.

Next we take inventory of what is expected of a caregiver. If a lot of hands-on tasks are involved, like bathing and transfers, we look to our experienced staff who are accustom to providing those services like our CNA’s on staff or other skilled caregivers. We also make sure our caregivers of physically capable of providing such care and can do so safely.

We take into account pets, interests, and hobbies.

If the person has any pets, we make sure our caregiver is not allergic to or has issues working around animals. We also try to match someone with a pet with a caregivers who also loves pets. This commonality can help to create a bond right from the beginning. We also try to identify interests and hobbies and when possible match a caregiver who has a shared interest or hobby. Many times, a client will request someone who is a good cook, someone who likes the outdoors, or someone who likes conversation and we do our best to accommodate this.

We make sure everyone feels comfortable and prepared.

Once we have obtained all the necessary information to make an informed decision, we carefully review our roster of available caregivers to see who may be the best fit. If the client wishes to meet their caregiver in advance of their first day, we are happy to arrange this. In fact, we recommend that the client and caregiver meet prior to the start of their working relationship to ease into the transition and to make things more comfortable. This also allows the caregiver to see the home in which they will be working, allowing them to prepare anything they may wish to bring with them to help them in caring for the client.

Could you or someone you know benefit from the care and assistance of an in-home caregiver? Contact Ella Home Care today so we can help you find the right option to meet your needs!

Filed Under: Blog, Caregiver, Home Care Tagged With: adult, aging, caregiver, caregiving services, caring, elderly, ella home care, experienced, families, help, home care services, in-home caregiver, love, loving, pennsylvania, professional, senior adult, senior help, senior living

August 3, 2019 by Kirk Brechbiel

How an In-Home Caregiver Can Help Even When You’re Not at Home

Just as the title would imply, an in-home professional caregiver most commonly provides care for aging loved ones who wish to stay in their home as long as possible. However, there may be situations that arise that call for this person to receive care outside their home for a period of time. For example, an injury or procedure could require a short hospital stay or a few days or weeks in a rehabilitation facility.

During this time, a professional caregiver serves just as important of a role as ever by continuing to care for this person in their new location. The doctors and nurses on-site will care for their major medical needs, while the professional caregiver is there to assist with their daily hygiene, dressing, and eating. And they are there to provide a lot more than that! Here are four benefits of having an in-home caregiver care for a loved one even when they’re not in their home.

A Familiar Face

When your loved one is in the hospital or in short-term care at a rehabilitation facility, their caregiver will provide them with something familiar. When you’re out of your home environment, it can be lonely, unsettling and even scary, especially for older adults. With a professional caregiver, that person has something that feels safe, familiar and normal.

Continuity of Care

A very important role a professional caregiver plays is providing continuity of care. When someone is in any type of short-term care, they will likely be working with many different nurses and doctors in a short period of time. This can make it challenging to be sure your loved one is receiving consistent care tailored to their needs and expectations. With a professional caregiver, you know you will have one thing that remain constant throughout it all.

Personalized Attention

More than just the physical care of your loved one, you want to be sure they are being cared for emotionally and mentally. A professional caregiver is available to listen, talk, and simply spend time with a person. This personalized attention can greatly enhance the healing and recovery process.

Your Eyes and Ears

Most importantly, when you cannot be with your loved one, you will have the professional caregiver there to help be your eyes and ears for all that is going on. As doctors or nurses stop by ask questions and do their assessments, the caregiver can provide you with updates. They can also alert you of any concerns or requests they have. This gives you both the peace of mind and certainty that your loved one is receiving the top quality care.

Could you or someone you know benefit from having a professional caregiver? Contact Ella Home Care today so we can tell you more about our process and determine if this is the right fit you!

Filed Under: Blog, Caregiver Tagged With: adult, aging, caregiver, caregiving services, caring, elderly, ella home care, experienced, families, help, home care services, in-home caregiver, love, loving, pennsylvania, professional, senior adult, senior help, senior living

July 8, 2019 by Kirk Brechbiel

The Story and Vision Behind Ella Home Care

Ella Home Care LogoWithin your few first interactions with Ella Home Care, you will quickly learn why this home care agency makes everyone feel like part of the family. From the caregivers it employees to the families it services, Ella Home Care’s core mission is to allow daughters and sons to be just that again, daughters and sons, instead of caregivers.

In his own words, Kirk Brechbiel, owner of Ella Home Care shares his vision and inspiration for Ella Home Care. Read on to learn why Kirk started his own home care agency, and how family was and always will be a major piece of Ella Home Care’s story.

Kirk Brechbiel Photo
Kirk Brechbiel, Owner

Q: The Ella Home Care story begins with inspiration from both of your grandmothers and in memory of your father. Tell us more about how they played a role in starting the business.

A: My father was sick most of his adult life and my mother provided much of the care physically and emotionally. A great home care agency would have been a great benefit to him and her. This was the catalyst to me of wanting to provide these services. I learned a lot from my father over this time including how to be compassionate and understanding during difficult times.

Many of us love our grandparents and they played an important role in our lives. I’m no different. Up until recently both of my grandmothers lived independently in their homes. My 96-year old grandmother (my father’s mother) still does with a little help. She is quite the inspiration.

 Q: The name “Ella” has a special meaning to you. Who is Ella and why did you choose to name the business after her?

A: Ella is my daughter and only child. She is the main reason why I started this company. She is named after my wife’s grandmother who was a very special person. A truly unique woman well ahead of her time. After the passing of her husband in the 1960’s she lived another 40 years raising her family and living independently until her final days. I can’t think of a better name to represent our company.

Q: From its humble beginnings, how has Ella Home Care grown over the years and where do you hope to be 5 or 10 years from now?

A: Ella Home Care started out of my house. We did our caregiver orientations at a local church and we interviewed applicants at coffee shops and grocery store cafes. After 5 months, we transitioned into having our own office in an Independent Retirement Community in Lemoyne and stayed there for a few years. In January 2019, we purchased our own building with ample space for employee trainings and community seminars.

We have had incremental, managed growth for the first 5 years and we want to stay focused on managing our growth properly but have plans to be double in size within 5 years. In addition, we want to continue to develop our Caregiver Training Center which will not only allow us to better train our employees but also provide training and education to the families in the community who are taking care of their loved ones who may not be able to afford home care services.

Q: What sets Ella Home Care’s caregivers apart from the rest? How do you attract these types of caregivers?

A: Many agencies state they have the best caregivers, and maybe they do, but the word “best” is hard to live up to and is used too often. We also believe our caregivers are great, though we do not just hire anyone who applies. We hire based upon reliability, compassion and communication skills. It is difficult to find those traits at times, but we know what we want in a caregiver. We have missed on a few over the years, but the staff we currently have in place represents the traits that are most important to us which is reliability, compassion, and being able to communicate. A great source to attract other caregivers is our own employees. Many have referred applicants to us and we are sure to find meaningful ways to thank them for doing so.

Q: If someone’s loved one needs in-home care, what’s the process for working with Ella Home Care and finding the right caregiver?

A: The first step is to determine if that loved one’s needs fit our services, including location and scope of services. Once we determine that, we set up a one-on-one assessment with that person and his/her family to get to know each other better. After that assessment, we look at our employee roster to see who would be the best fit. We can also have the client meet the caregiver in advance so they get to know each other prior to start of services. All this can happen within a few days, or sooner if needed.

Q: Beyond physical services, tell us more about how the entire family may benefit mentally and emotionally from having a professional caregiver helping a family member.

A: We are all busy. Even with the best intentions, it is difficult and time-consuming for families to take care of another loved one. Many work and have their own families. This is where Ella Home Care can step in and provide peace of mind. Part of our Mission Statement reads: “Ella Home Care not only helps our aging neighbors stay independent in their homes, but allows sons and daughters to be just that again, sons and daughters, instead of caregivers.” This may be the single most important benefit of using our services, and we are truly grateful for every opportunity to fulfill this mission!

Would you like to learn more about the services provided by Ella Home Care? Contact us today and we would be glad to walk you through what options might be the best fit for your situation.

Filed Under: About Us, Blog Tagged With: adult, agency, aging, business, camp hill, care, central pa, ella home care, family, harrisburg, in home care, in-home caregiver, kirk brechbiel, lemoyne, loved one, new cumberland, pennsylvania, professional caregiver, senior

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

Phone: (717) 379-1793
Fax: (717) 695-2892

Email: info@ellahc.com

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