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April 23, 2018 by Kirk Brechbiel

4 Ways to Reduce Caregiver Turnover

When you find a great caregiver for an aging loved one, you want to keep them as long as possible! It can take a while to get familiar with someone else caring for a senior friend or family member, so once you reach that level of comfort it can be devastating to have a caregiver move to a different job.

Take a look at four tips for reducing caregiver turnover so you can enjoy the peace of mind knowing your loved one is being cared for by someone you all know and trust.

  1. Invest in really getting to know the caregiver.

When a caregiver is new, you will both feel like strangers to one another. These first few weeks are the most important for showing an interest in getting to know them beyond their role as your loved one’s caregiver.

Ask them about their personal life, their passions and interests and what called them into a career as a caregiver. As you have these discussions, you will learn a lot about each other! They will open up and feel comfortable asking you questions and for advice related to caring for your loved one. Also, by creating an open channel for communication, you help make their job more reasonable and enjoyable – all reasons to encourage them to stay with you long-term.

  1. Value their advice.

As your loved one’s caregiver, they will spend a lot of time in their home and notice things that may be of concern. Ask for their advice! Be sure to check in with your caregiver frequently to assess your loved one’s mental and physical health, the safety of their home and any other changes they may have noticed. Your caregiver is your eyes and ears when you cannot be there. Be sure to make use of this resource!

  1. Make them feel appreciated.

There will be many times when your caregiver will step in and address hard situations. They may be there when your loved one falls or becomes ill. This is just as stressful and scary for your caregiver as it is for you. Be sure to find time to speak with them in a calm environment to see how they are feeling. Then, be sure to express your appreciation for them being there to help your loved one in a time of need. It’s why they are there and they will be happy to hear you notice this!

Also, make note of their birthday and be sure to acknowledge them for National Caregiver Appreciation month in November and for the holidays. Yes, it’s a few more reminders to add to your list; however, what they do day-in and day-out for your loved one and your entire family is invaluable!

  1. Be attentive to early signs that they are discontent or looking for a new job.

If your caregiver feels unappreciated or discontent, they will likely start to show signs early on. This can show up in a variety of different ways including calling off work, shirking on responsibilities or seeming distant or short in your conversations with them.

When you feel you have noted these signs, have an open conversation with your caregiver. This should not be confrontational, but rather from a place of love and concern. If they are able to open up to you, you will have the opportunity to make changes or improvements to their work situation that may encourage them to re-engage their job instead of leaving you.

Have you experienced caregiver turnover? How did this impact your family? Please share your story or advice for reducing caregiver turnover!

Filed Under: Blog, Caregiver Tagged With: aging, care, caregiver, elderly, ella home care, help, professional care, quality, senior citizen

April 9, 2018 by Kirk Brechbiel

Technology at Every Age: Best FREE Apps for Seniors

We are fortunate to live in the age of rapidly growing technology. Not only does this result in many medical and scientific advancements that are helping to improve our health and quality of life, but technology is also helping to keep us safe, add convenience to our lives and offer entertainment.

Older generations are taking advantage of technology by learning how to utilize new apps on their cell phones and iPads. With so many apps out there, and new ones entering the market every day, how can we easily find the ones best suited for our aging loved ones? More importantly, how can we find the best FREE apps? Take a look as we highlight seven of the best free apps for seniors that could greatly help you or a loved one!

  1. AARP Now App

This app provides senior-specific news and current events, shares community activities happening near you and tells you if you qualify for discounts with your AARP membership. If you or a loved is an AARP member, this app is a valuable tool that keeps important and relevant information all in one place and at your fingertips.

  1. Life360

With the free Life360 app, you no longer have to worry about whether a loved one made it home safely, or where they are now. This app uses GPS tracking to keep track of select friends or family while at home, at the doctors, out in the community or at work. The app can also share YOUR location so a loved one can see how close you are to them at any time, in case of emergency.

  1. Big Font

iPads and smartphones can be hard for seniors to use because of the small buttons and hard-to-read text, making it nearly impossible for the visually impaired or for those with limited hand mobility. The Big Font app on iPads and iPhones helps seniors more easily see the words and touch the buttons on their device’s screen by enlarging the screen, functioning like a magnifying glass, up to 1000%.

  1. Pill Identifier and Drug list

This free app allows you to identify pills by color and shape, read about the side effects of a medication and get reminders for when to take pills. Best of all, it’s like having a pharmacists right in your pocket so that you can easily reference or be reminded to take your medications whether you are at home, traveling or doing something in your community.

  1. Red Panic Button

You’re likely familiar with the panic buttons people wear around their necks. Now there’s a free app for that! Press the red panic button and a message is immediately sent out to a designated list of people alerting them that you have an emergency and need their attention STAT. The alert also includes the address where you are located, so this is one less thing you have to worry about communicating in a time of need.

  1. Tapestry – Connecting Seniors and Their Families

Tapestry is a social media app specifically created to connect seniors to their families without them having to worry about privacy or complicated features. All from one account, you can share messages, photos and videos with your family; no ads and no spam! This is a far better option to creating a Facebook and Instagram account just to be able to see your family’s photos and videos.

  1. WordBrain

The word puzzle app WordBrain is a fun and educational way to pass the time while keeping your mind sharp. The puzzles are designed for users of all levels, starting out easy and getting harder as you go. This is one of the most highly rated puzzle apps on the market and is a great alternative to mindlessly watching television all day!

Have you or a loved one used any of these apps to add convenience, entertainment or safety to your lives? Share your personal experience by leaving a comment below!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: adult, aging, apps, cell phone, elderly, ella home care, games, helpful, senior, senior citizen, technology, useful

November 13, 2017 by Kirk Brechbiel

Holiday Activity Ideas for Seniors

The holidays are filled with family gatherings, community events and various activities; however, participating in many of these activities can be difficult for seniors depending upon their mental and physical abilities.

The good news is that there are still many holiday activities that can be adjusted to accommodate anyone’s ability and interest. Take a look at a few activity ideas specifically for seniors.

Volunteer for a Charitable or Community Organization

Charitable organizations such as Toys for Tots, food and coat drives and the Salvation Army are often overwhelmed by the needs of the community during the holiday season. This is a great time to donate your time and talents, however you can. Call your local organizations and ask them how you can best assist them. They should be able to offer a few ideas based upon your abilities and interests.

Make Hand-Made Greeting Cards

Call upon your creativity to make hand-made greeting cards for your family and friends. Better yet, gift these cards to soldiers who are overseas or local hospitals where the recipients will be very grateful for your thoughtfulness.

Attend a Holiday Concert or Ballet

The holidays are a wonderful time of year to attend a concert, play or ballet. Ask a friend or family member to join you at one of these events and assist you in getting there. It will be a lasting memory for you both, and one that will surely put you in the holiday spirit. Keep in mind that many local churches offer their holiday performances free of charge or at a special discount for seniors.

Create Floral Arrangements and Centerpieces

Bring out your crafty side by creating holiday floral arrangements or centerpieces. The time and care you put into each piece will make it a truly special gift for a loved one. Invite over a few friends to join you and make it a holiday tradition for years to come.

Make a Gingerbread House

Gingerbread houses aren’t just enjoyed by children! At any age, this holiday activity calls for creativity, hand-eye coordination and a sense of humor. Bring together a group of friends to share in the fun, and taste testing the end product!

Teach Someone Your Favorite Holiday Recipe

Invite a friend, family member or neighbor over for an afternoon of baking. You can each share your favorite holiday recipe and teach each other how to make it. More than just creating a delicious side dish or dessert, you will get to share stories and create a lasting memory.

Check the Local Newspaper for Free Holiday Activities and Volunteer Opportunities

If you’re still looking for more holiday activity ideas for seniors, be sure to check the local newspaper for a list of upcoming community events and volunteer opportunities. You will likely find many new ideas you didn’t know were available!

Do you have another idea for a holiday activity for seniors? Please share this with us by commenting below!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: activities, aging loved one, caregiver, christmas, crafts, elderly, events, holiday, ideas, senior citizen, things to do

November 6, 2017 by Kirk Brechbiel

November is Caregiver Appreciation Month: How to Say Thanks

November is Caregiver Appreciation Month, and while we know that our caregivers deserve our appreciation every month of the year, this is a nice reminder to stop and think about how you can do something extra special to show your gratitude.

Most importantly, you will want to think about your unique relationship with your caregiver. How long have they been assisting your loved one? How many days a week do they work with your family? What are their interests? The best way you can show your appreciation is by showing you put thought into whatever you choose to do.

Here are some ideas that may help you find the perfect gesture. Take a look!

Put it into words.

This sounds so obvious, yet is often overlooked. Be sure to frequently put into words how much you appreciate your caregiver. Put it into words and put it into writing! Saying “thank you” at the end of each day will not go unnoticed. To take things one step further, a written note of thanks every once and while, especially after a particularly challenging event, will give the caregiver a boost of confidence and also something tangible they can keep and re-read for years to come.

Give them the gift of relaxation.

As you likely realize, being a caregiver can be hard and stressful work at times. One of the most thoughtful ways to show your appreciation is to give them a gift that helps them to relax in their off hours. This could be a gift certificate for a massage, gift card to their favorite restaurant or a gift basket of candles, lotions and chocolates. Encouraging your caregiver to take time for themselves is a great way to show you appreciate their hard work.

Ask them what would make their job easier.

Caregivers spend most of their time in your loved one’s home. One very thoughtful gesture to show your appreciation is to ask them what you can fix or buy new to add to the home to make their job easier. For example, they might appreciate some new cleaning supplies to make housekeeping more enjoyable. Or maybe it’s a new air conditioning unit to keep the spacer cooler in the summer. Whatever will benefit your caregiver, will also benefit your loved one! Investing in their comfort and convenience is a great way to show your appreciation.

Make a donation to a cause they care about.

If you’re still looking for a meaningful way to say thank you to your family’s caregiver, consider making a charitable donation in their honor. You may already know, or you may need to ask them what causes they care about. A donation to the local humane society or food bank in their name is a thoughtful way to say thank you that also continues to give back to others!

How do you plan to show a caregiver your appreciation this month? Share your ideas with us!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: aging loved one, appreciation, caregiver, elderly, gratitude, home health care, in home care, november, say thanks, senior, senior citizen, thank you

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