central pa 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.

March 9, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel

Myths vs. the Facts about In-Home Care

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the topic of in-home care provided by personal caregivers. To help you directly compare myths versus facts, we’ve compiled some of the most common sentiments and provided you with the facts. Take a look at what you should consider when exploring the option of in-home care or you or an aging loved one.

Myth: It’s too expensive.

Fact: The perception of the cost of in-home personal care is a very important topic, so let’s talk numbers. The national average daily cost for a private nursing home room is $253 dollars a day, according to a survey by Genworth Financial. The national average daily cost for in-home care services is $125 per day assuming 44 hours per week. Nursing care can cost nearly twice as much as home care. And while it can provide 24/7 services, many seniors residing at home don’t need that intensive level of round-the-clock support. In fact, many home-based seniors do not even need 44 hours of home care a week.

Myth: It will be awkward having a ‘stranger’ in the home.

Fact: While a personal care provider will be new at first, it’s just like meeting a friend for the first time. After a few interactions, you quickly learn more about one another and then there will come a time when you can’t remember not having them in your life. The same is true for a personal care provider working in your home or a home of a loved one. Yes, it will take some time and effort to forge a relationship, but given that they will be around frequently, and helping with essential tasks, it takes hardly any time to start to form a bond.

Myth: Home care is only for people who are very sick or terminally ill.

Fact: It’s important to not confuse home care for hospice. While each serve very important, and at times similar roles, they are different. In-home personal care works wonderfully for those who may only need assistance a few days a week to ensure their personal needs are met. In fact, these may be fairly mobile and independent people who simply need an extra set of hands or a regular check-in to ensure they are safe and well.

Myth: My parents are doing fine. It’s way too early to be thinking about this.

Fact: No one wants to believe that their parents are getting old and struggling to take care of themselves. As children, we want to forever believe our parents are as capable as they have always been. But the reality is this way of thinking is not helpful to our aging loved ones or ourselves. It’s important to be tuned into what’s really taking place. If your mom needs help remembering to take the correct medications at the correct times, or your dad is having difficulty balancing the check book, a personal care provider can help with all of this and more while enabling them to remain living comfortably in their own home.

Myth: We’re capable of handling this on our own.

Fact: Some families may believe they can fully handle the needs of their aging relatives on their own. And in some instances, maybe they can. But if you’re like most families, you have work obligations and other personal obligations that fill up most of your time. You wouldn’t want your mom or dad to become an added stress on your schedule or to be seen as yet one more item on your to-do list in a day. With an in home care provider, children get to remain children to their parents, even as they age. Sometimes being both a child and a caregiver can be too much and put a strain on a relationship that should be cherished.

Myth: My mom or dad are completely against it.

Fact: It’s perfectly naturally to be opposed to change, at least at first. There are many unknowns and misconceptions that can cause us to form a negative opinion without all the facts. If you find your mom or dad have expressed that they are against having a personal caregiver in their home, urge them to try it for just one week. What harm can it do? This will give them a chance to experience the benefits and really see that it’s like so they can make an informed decision based on experience and fact.

Myth: It will look like I’m putting my responsibilities on someone else.

Fact: First of all, who cares what anyone else thinks especially if you are acting in the best interest of your family? Second, seeking help for something that is beyond your ability is the most responsible thing you can do. It in no way reflects that you don’t care for your aging loved one. In fact, the opposite is true. It demonstrates your level of love and commitment to them by seeking out the best possible for of care to keep them safe and healthy as long as possible.

Are you or someone you know considering the help of an in-home personal caregiver for a loved one? We hope you found these myths vs. fact helpful and enlightening. If you should have additional questions or wish to explore your options for personal care, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

March 5, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel

Tips for Living Independently for as Long as Possible

For most people, our dream is to remain living independently, in our own homes for as long as possible. Many factors can impact the ability to do this including health, finances, and support. If you or someone you know are planning for the future, which includes a desire to live independently, consider these tips and tools for putting yourself in the best position to do so.

Plan Ahead

In the midst of everything else going on in your life, it can be hard to find time to plan ahead for the future. Often, this gets pushed to the back burner. But one of the best things you can do for your future self is to start planning for how you wish to live your later years in life. What does this look like? If you desire to stay in your home as long as possible, it’s important to consider what all this will require of you and your loved ones. Write down your plan and think through all the variables. Having this mapped out will help you out greatly down the road.

Communicate Your Wishes

Now that you have thought through what it will require to live independently as you age, you must make your wishes known to those who are likely going to be caring for you, to some degree, in the future. Quite possibly this is a spouse, family member, or even a friend or neighbor. Making it known early that it is your desire to remain living in your home as you age will help your loved ones adjust their expectations and be able to fully support you.

Get Your Finances in Order

There are costs associated with anywhere you live, whether that’s in your current home or in a retirement community. There are certainly pros and cons to each. Be sure to get your finances in order early. Not only will this help you throughout retirement, but it will enable you to live where you wish without a lack of funds dictating the care you do or do not receive. You may even wish to consider a long-term care insurance policy which can assist with costs like professional care in your home.

Enhance Home Safety

Another way to plan ahead for aging in your home as long as possible is to ensure that it is a safe space. Invest in your home with things like repairs, enhancements and safety features to make it a place where you can age safely. If you should need the assistance of a walker or wheelchair, can your home accommodate that? Can you arrange things to create a first floor bedroom to eliminate the use of stairs? Make time to carefully walk through every aspect of your home so that you are aware of things that may need to change in order to stay living in your home in your later years.

Consider a Professional Caregiver

Finally, and most importantly, you may want to consider how a professional caregiver can help you achieve your goal of living independently in your home for as long as possible. You may not need this assistance right away, but it’s smart to at least be informed of what options are available to you and the associated cost. Reach out to a trusted in-home care agency, like Ella Home Care, who can advise you of the services they provide and how they fit your needs and budgetary requirements.

If you or someone you know is hoping to remain living independently in their home as they age remember that with these tips and some additional professional help, it is possible! At Ella Home Care, we proudly provide options to help people live independently in their homes. We welcome you to contact us so we can discuss what might be right for your needs.

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

Myths vs. the Facts about In-Home Care

Tips for Living Independently for as Long as Possible

How to Start a Career as a Personal Caregiver

Our Promise To You

Download Our Brochure

Contact Us