family Archives - Ella Home Care

November 5, 2021 by Kirk Brechbiel

Ella Home Care’s Favorite Holiday Traditions

Traditions are among the most important part of any culture, and often they are tied to the holidays we celebrate. As we prepare to enter this holiday season, Ella Home Care wants to share the warmth of our own favorite holiday traditions with you! You may find that many of these are similar to your own. Or there may be something new you will learn! Keep reading to learn what Ella staff looks forward to most around the holidays.

Annual Holiday Open House

Every year Ella Home Care staff come together for a festive celebration during our annual holiday open house. We enjoy a wonderful spread of delicious treats and simply time spent together outside of work. This gives our whole team time to get to know one another on a more personal level and celebrate the holiday season.

Gingerbread House Kits

One of our favorite holiday traditions is putting together gingerbread house kits for our caregivers and clients. We encourage them to make this an activity they do together during the holidays to create an extra special memory. Creating a gingerbread house takes patience, creativity, and a light heart. So, this is one more way that we take special care to create a fun and loving environment when our caregivers and clients are together.

Cookie Decorating with Clients

Another holiday tradition that is shared between caregivers and clients over the holidays is cookie decorating. Just like our gingerbread house making, this is an activity perfect for all ages and abilities. You can’t go wrong! Together, we decorate fresh baked cookies with festive colors and decorations to express our holiday cheer. And beyond cookies, many of our staff also enjoy helping our clients decorate their homes. For those who need an extra hand or a little extra height to reach an area with décor, we’re happy to help!

The Big “Sweets Exchange”

For the first time this year, Ella Home Care is introducing the new holiday tradition of a holiday cookie exchange! We can’t wait to share all of our homemade and signature recipes with one another by trading sweets and treats that we can enjoy all season long. Best of all, this tradition expands well beyond just our staff but to their families and friends who may enjoy the benefits of this cookie exchange as well!

Which one of our holiday traditions is your favorite? Is there a unique celebration in your family you want to share with us? Join in the conversation by leaving a comment below!

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.

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!

July 8, 2019 by Kirk Brechbiel

The Story and Vision Behind Ella Home Care

Ella Home Care Logo Within 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.

July 1, 2019 by Kirk Brechbiel

5 Signs You or a Loved One May Benefit From In-Home Care

Professional in-home caregiving is a very unique industry in that it allows families to care for one another, even as generations age, while still maintaining the balance of children being children, rather than fulltime caregivers.

If you have an aging loved one, possibly a parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparents who desire to continue living in their home as long as possible, but who need some additional assistance in order to do so, then this article is for you. Consider the following reasons why you might benefit from hiring a professional in-home caregiver to provide this extra assistance, while alleviating any added stress to the family.

You don’t want full responsibility to fall on family members.

In many instances, family members are happy to step forward to offer some additional assistance to aging family members as they require it. This could be stopping by the house several times a week, driving them to doctors’ appointments, providing some meals, or running errands. These tasks are all manageable in moderation, but can quickly overwhelm any one person who feels responsible for it all, often while still needing to work and take care of their own family. A professional caregiver can assume a little or a lot of this responsibility to make caring for a loved one less stressful. Whether you need help just a few days a week, or require 24/7 care.

You want to ensure safety and the highest level of care.

Professional in-home caregivers are specially trained in the industry’s best practices to ensure safety and the highest level of care. They also have the unique desire to care for another person and are passionate about forming a relationship that meets both mental and emotional needs. Not every family has someone like this who can step forward to care for an aging loved one. In our field of work, we often see how the right caregiver can greatly enhance the quality of life for an individual.

You need more care than what any one person can provide.

Should your loved one require around the clock care, or even long day shifts, this is often more than what any one person can handle. We all need a break, and this is exactly what an in-home caregiver, or team of caregivers can provide. At Ella Home Care, we can cycle several caregivers in different shifts throughout the week to provide as much as 24/7 care. Additionally, this gives the person being cared for some variety in their week, which is something to look forward to.

You or your loved one wants to stay in their home as long as possible.

One of the biggest benefits of having the help of an in-home caregiver is that it makes it possible for an aging adult to continue living in their home much longer than they could solely on their own. In many cases, without a caregiver, the alternative is moving into a retirement community or nursing home. Should your loved one strongly desire to stay in their home, the offer of hiring an in-home caregiver can provide a desirable middle ground for additional care without needing to move.

You need reliability and consistency.

Finally, a professional caregiver provides reliability and consistency for your loved one. When the responsibility falls on family members who have other obligations like work or caring for their own family, there can be times when they can’t spend the time with the loved one that they had planned to. With a professional caregiver, this is their career and their calling. Even if an illness or unforeseen circumstance should arise with your caregiver, the agency they work for, like Ella Home Care, ensures an alternate caregiver will still cover the shift and be there to provide care as scheduled.

Are you or a loved one considering adding the help of a professional in-home caregiver to improve your quality of life?

Let us help answer your questions! Contact Ella Home Care today.

April 5, 2019 by Kirk Brechbiel

5 Things Only a Professional Caregiver Would Understand

Being a professional caregiver for senior adults can be an extremely rewarding career path. However, it is not without its challenges. Having the pleasure of serving the professional caregiving industry, Ella Home Care has seen the unique benefits professional caregivers can experience when working in this field.

If you or someone you know is a professional caregiver, you should enjoy this list of “5 Things Only a Professional Caregiver Would Understand.” Be sure to let us know if you agree!

Every day presents the opportunity to change a life.

As a professional caregiver, each and every day holds the potential to make someone’s life a little brighter. The same is true for other careers as well, but there’s something so special about being a professional caregiver and helping someone enjoy a greater quality of life, even just one day at a time. The immense gratitude that comes from those we serve is the best reward or accolade you can receive.

Showing love and patience, in all situations, is the most important skill.

Love and patience are skills that are heavily relied upon by professional caregivers. You need to have near endless amounts to pour out into those for whom you care. While that may seem like an overwhelming ask of someone, it’s amazing the newfound depths of your love and patience that you will find as you grow in your role as a professional caregiver. The best part is these skills wash over into other areas of your life, making you a calm and joyful person at home, with friends and with those around you.

You’re the “good kind” of tired at the end of a shift.

Most people leaving their jobs for the day will agree that they are ready for a break. For some it’s being physically tired, for others it’s emotionally tired, and others still it’s mentally tired. For professional caregivers, some days can leave you feeling all three kinds of tired! It’s true. But what’s also true is most caregivers will agree that when you reflect upon it, you realize this is the “good kind” of tired that leaves your heart full and wanting to go back and do it again!

There are few other careers you can imagine of being is closely as rewarding as this one!

In some careers, the rewards and recognition you receive come in the form of status of monetary gifts. As a professional caregiver, what you receive is arguably far greater and far longer lasting – and that’s love, fulfillment and deep relationships that feel as close as family. For those who have yet to experience something like this from a job, it may be hard to understand how these things can be better than a monetary bonus; however, a professional caregiver will assure you it’s among the top reasons they’ve chosen this career.

Even with pros and cons to the job, the upside is far greater!

Every job you will ever encounter will have both pros and cons. It’s impossible not to. What’s important is that the pros outweigh the cons, and for professional caregivers this is exactly the case. That’s not to say there will never be challenging moments, but when you look at the overarching trend, the upside of what you get out of this type of career is far greater than any drawbacks.

Are you a professional caregiver or know someone who is? Would you agree with this list or did we forget something? Join in the conversation by leaving a comment below!

Ella Home Care’s Favorite Holiday Traditions

6 Signs That an Aging Adult May Need a Professional Caregiver

The Story and Vision Behind Ella Home Care

5 Signs You or a Loved One May Benefit From In-Home Care

5 Things Only a Professional Caregiver Would Understand

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