personal care 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!

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 5, 2019 by Kirk Brechbiel

How Senior Adults Can Stay Healthy this Flu Season

For many, the winter season is the best season of all. It brings with it the holidays, snowy settings, and fun family traditions. Unfortunately, this time of year is also when we see a lot more illnesses floating around, especially among our aging adult population. Germs can spread rapidly with everyone spending more time indoors and at social gatherings. So what can you do to protect yourself from catching the flu bug this season? Take a look at our top tips for how senior adults can stay healthy during the winter months.

Get the Flu Vaccine

One very important line of defense against the flu is to start with a flu shot. Especially for our senior adults, this can greatly reduce your chances of contracting the flu. More than just the inconvenience of being sick, the flu poses a substantially greater risk to our aging population who can suffer severe side effects and a very long recovery time compared to younger generations. Flu shots are widely available and most commonly free.

Maintain Good Hygiene Practices

This flu season, make it a commitment to stay ahead of germs by practicing smart hygiene. This means thoroughly washing your hands after using the restroom or when out in public spaces, and washing your hands every time before you touch food, your mouth, or eyes. This is a very simple yet highly effective step for reducing flu germs, and any other germs, from calling your home their home.

Stay Active

Staying active in the winter is not always easy, but it is worth it. Getting in a little bit of physical activity every day has been proven to boost your immune system which wards off illnesses like the flu. In the dark, winter months, staying active can also boost your emotional wellness. Getting out of your home, seeing friends and neighbors, and stretching or moving your body is good for the mind, body, and soul.

See the Doctor – Only When Necessary

When you come down with a common winter illness, the best thing to do is to rest and give yourself time to get over the illness at home. For something that appears common, non-life-threatening, and is showing signs of improving, you don’t need to rush to the doctor to confirm the obvious. The doctor’s office is frequented by sick people, so every time you come in for an appointment you’re also exposing yourself to additional germs. If symptoms worsen or become severe, absolutely see a doctor, but otherwise try to avoid public places where germs tend to follow, like a doctor’s office.

Avoid Crowds and Limit Travel

Another smart tip to limit your exposure to the flu this season, especially for our aging population, is to avoid large crowds and limit travel. Again, these public spaces tend to be where large amount of germs reside. By exposing yourself to them, you’re also exposing yourself to these germs. Limit your risk by sticking to smaller, more personal spaces and using good hygiene to get rid of any germs that may have come home with you.

Focus on Hydration and Nutrition

Finally, focus on drinking lots of water and fueling your body with good nutrition. This will help give your body the resources it needs to produce a healthy immune system and put up a strong line of defense against germs. Increase your intake of Vitamin C to further boost your immune system, and incorporate some herbal teas into your diet to soothe dry throats while offering additional hydration.

The bottom line to staying healthy this flu season is to be proactive and smart with your health habits. If you haven’t already gotten flu shot, the best time to do that is now. Also, stock up on supplies like tissues antimicrobial wipes, and hand sanitizer so it’s quick and convenient to keep hands and surfaces clean. With a little planning ahead you can save yourself from the negative impact of coming down with, and spreading the flu this season.

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

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

How Senior Adults Can Stay Healthy this Flu Season

5 Things Only a Professional Caregiver Would Understand

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