How Much Cash or Gift to Workers in Assisted Living Centers(not Nursing Homes)?

Updated on December 09, 2010
K.B. asks from Dulles, VA
6 answers

I went to get an employee list so we could get gift cards or make fruit baskets for each employee. I was shocked they have 50 employees. I wanted to give cash, but obviously that is not going to happen now. Insurance pays $4000 a month for my relative to stay here, but the employees are not paid well. I really want to show them appreciation.

I thought about only tipping those who actually care for my relative but there are cooks, cleaners, laundry workers, the ones that pass out medicines, nurses, maintenance workers, business people, and such. They are have a part in making it a wonderful place. I found out by asking a friend who no longer works there that MOST people don't even say thank you and few give gifts. My relative is the biggest PAIN and I have to go fuss at him to get him to get along better at least monthly. They DESERVE more pay so I would love to give them cash too but I can't.

I found produce I can buy by the case and it is big pears and apples. I thought about putting it in a paper bag that kids decorated and adding some Christmas candy. What do you think?

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So What Happened?

I took the big basket for everyone into the employee sign-in room with a group thank you card. Thanks for the advice.
The boss forgot to tell me they can accept small gifts, but not CASH so it worked out.

More Answers

A.S.

answers from Davenport on

I think your idea is wonderful but please make sure that the workers are allowed to accept gifts. My sister is a nurse. She is currently working in an assisted living community and is unable to accept any gifts at any time (this was also the case when she worked at a nursing home and when she did home health care). Relatives of the people she would care for would try to give her things around the holidays and she was not allowed, per company policy, to accept the gifts which made for a rather awkward situation for the relatives. Also, you could just make up a HUGE fruit basket and put it in the break room or kitchen or someplace where the workers gather with a note indicating your appreciation.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I just wanted to thank you for remembering them. My M. passes out meds, my sister is the concierge and my brother in law is the cook. (all at the same assisted living) They would all appreicate the fruit :) It shows how much you care. Merry Christmas to you and your family :)

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M.L.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I think fruit is a lovely, wonderful, fabulous idea. Fruit will be more than welcome by people who are tired of (or can't have) the sweets that abound this time of year (though it will be fun to add some candy, too). But fruit is heavy, so you might get several smaller bags instead of one great big one.

Or, if you're buying fruit by the case, you could have your children decorate the cases. They'll be easier to carry, and fruit boxes are easy to "wrap" with decorated kraft paper or white paper. I hope you can take your children with you when you deliver them. (Of course, you'll inspect the fruit right to the bottom of the case before you buy it.)

Good for you for thinking of this! Merry Christmas!

M.L.

answers from Houston on

I love the fruit idea!! You are so special :)

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J.C.

answers from Lincoln on

Write thank-you notes and bake cookies. A plate of cookies and a note will surely make them feel appreciated and loved. Its not about the money.

C.R.

answers from Dallas on

I love it. Remembering them in any way well make them feel appreciated that you are thinking about them ")
C.

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