Hi all,
The official AL residents handbook specifies "no tipping" of the AL staff. However, I would assume that simple gifts of a reasonably low value are acceptable? What are good ideas for gifts for the 1) general caretaker staff 2) key staff and managers involved with my dad?
I suppose since its still "sort of" COVID times, I should ask them if its going to be a shared food item I bring in?
Most ALF have a fund you can contribute to as well, but make the mistake of suggesting amounts, which generally ends up simply offending folks.
Subs, pizza, pop, cookies.
I also try and bring treats in once a month.
My mother is not easy AT ALL to care for, so I try and do something nice for the staff. I want them to know that I appreciate their efforts.
Healthcare workers are constantly washing their hands so quality hand lotion is always a good choice too.
Any kind of delicious food should be fine.
I used to give out the giant boxes of Russell Stover chocolates to the special caregivers at moms Memory Care. They were $9.98 at Wal Mart in 2022.
Here it is......$23.99 not including shipping 😑
https://www.russellstover.com/assorted-chocolates-holiday-big-box-20-oz?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmsurBhBvEiwA6e-WPNwFdfTsTwLdEBIGu6NRRACCdEjU0BnzOUafzsxnsbsXtvKvEVO-_RoCP5QQAvD_BwE
To the rest of the staff I'd give out a Christmas tin of butter cookies here:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sam-s-Choice-Butter-Christmas-Cookies-12-oz/154183440
Or a big Christmas tin of popcorn here:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Great-Value-Holiday-Popcorn-Tin-Christmas-Camper-Design-21-Ounces/2108477101
I'd also contribute $$$ to the pool.
This year my Mom moved to Skilled Nursing (she has ALS). I went to Hobby Lobby and got an assortment of Christmas tree ornaments (50% off!) so each aide/tech/nurse will get a star ornament and then one other.
I plan to go to Krispee Kreme doughnuts and lattes/coffees for the Christmas eve and Christmas day crews
we called it nurse bait 😺
Many want gifts "pooled" because there are a lot of people caring for residents that you do not see or are not even direct hands on care but their services are needed just as much as the CNA and nurses you see each time you visit.
A fruit tray, a tray of sandwiches that you bring to the nurses station would be nice, a large box of candy or cookies.
If you do this bring one for AM staff and at some point bring another for PM staff.
If there is anyone that is particularly nice, helpful a nicely written note to both the person and the Supervisor or HR. A note like that would go into the employee file and might be mentioned during an annual review or if the person wants a better time off schedule. Given to the employee she/he can use it when applying for another job or if they want a raise or a promotion.
One of the kindest things that you can do is
Greet each employee when coming to visit, say good bye when you leave. This is not just CNA's, Nurses but the person moping the floor, the guy that is spreading salt on the walkway so you don't slip, the person from kitchen that serves lunch or brings snacks. It is amazing what a smile and a greeting can do for someone's day.
Say "please" and "thank you"
You do you.
what ever you are comfortable giving...give
Don't let anyone pressure you to give more than you can afford or what feels right to you.
I am sure there are some that can and do give more and some that can give nothing.