We had employed 4 separate caregivers 24/7; 7 days a week to help care for my aging mother the last year and a half before she passed away. We spent over $85,000 to employ them.
We were beginning to run out of money prior to her passing. We don’t have a lot of money left over to pay them too extravagantly, but we were wondering what kind of gift should we give each one? Any ideas? If monetary, how much? Being that it’s 4 separate people we have to split the dollar amount 4 ways.
When Christmas rolled around a couple months later, I found some nice holiday cards that reflected thanks for the great work they did. Without those two wonderful ladies, I would have been totally lost.
$150 for a Gift Card each to Olive Garden/Restaurant sound appropriate?
As for gift, I would lean towards money, in whatever amount you feel comfortable giving, unless you know what things they like or need and want to give them those. If you can't give them as much as you want, tell them that. They will understand and appreciate your thoughtful gifts.
Tidying up all the financials would need to be handled first, so as to not run short if any required payments are needed (taxes, attys, etc) If you want to include a monetary gift before the dust settles, you could use your own (and any other family members who might want to contribute) and get reimbursement later, if there are any funds left over.
I would also keep it generic, such as a Visa or MC gift card. These would be usable anywhere. RE agent had StarBucks cards for us after mom's condo sale, but I don't go there, so it was of no use to me!
No experience really with in-home care-givers (sure we had some, 1 hr/day but it didn't last long, thanks to mom!) We did give $90 ea ($360 total) as a first year end "gift" at the facility (it gets split by someone else, to everyone), but I didn't repeat it due to lack of funds for me and distaste dealing with bros. I'll likely do it from the trust, if there's anything left, after she passes, but I want it to go to those who provide the hands-on, not all the staff in the whole facility.
I think $1OO/150 giftcard would be nice. A nice night out for family. If they are agency nurses I would send a letter for ea aide to the boss saying how grateful you are with care given. Giving the good points of each one. If private, a good reference.
Once probate is done, then u can decide if you want to give a monetary gift.
Pay what you can afford. (Don’t put yourself in a tough situation).
A large percentage of gift cards are never redeemed.
If they are working for an agency PLEASE send a letter to the agency telling them how much you valued the caregiver and what "Susan" did to make things easier on you. Do this for "Betty", "Abigail" and "Sam" also.
If they worked privately give each of them the same type of letter that they can use when being interviewed by another family, or they could use if they were to go to work for an agency.
Now to the little something.
Most companies will not allow an employee to accept a gift that is over $25.00. That said cash of $25.00 would be fine or a gift card (cut your cost some places you can buy gift cards at a discount Costco often sells $100.00 gift cards for under $80.00) And as you go through the house if there are any little trinkets that might mean something to each of the care givers you could offer as a remembrance, a book she loved, a pretty scarf you get the idea. If they do not accept the item I am sure they will appreciate the cash or gift card.
If you cannot afford to gift, you cannot afford it. Also, make certain all expenses are taken care of before you give more than a token gift.
OP was the employer.
I still have my great aunt's folding chair and I use it every day. Even though the scent of 'Amarige' has at last faded it reminds me of her constantly.
Cash gifts are terribly tricky. Too small and you look mean, even if they know that all the money's gone. Too generous and you look like Lady Muck. If you would prefer to give them money, though, make it roughly the price of something you think they'd like to buy for themselves and tell them that that's what it's for.
I do not have paid caregivers for my mom, it’s all on me. However I agree with a few others that mention letting their agency know how wonderful they were, a reference/referral letter goes a long way with any career.
As for the caregivers directly, a thank you card with a $50 Visa gift card for each is a very nice and generous thought. If you want to give more then go for it but any amount is fine!
This is very nice of you, in the business world if you lost or left a job you would not receive your bonus...
Imagine putting your heart and soul into a job then opening up a card with nothing in it.
Don’t worry about the agency and their rules. Give them each a crisp $100 bill in that thank you card. Four hundred bucks is worth the strain they took off your family and the loving care they provided.
Then, prepare letters/cards that detail your appreciation for each person. Make them as personalized as you can. Invite each to select a momento - after family members have selected theirs. If monetary gifts are OK, give what makes everybody feel good and allows you to have enough to settle your loved one's estate.
Most people I know do not get a bonus of one month's salary, including lower paid people.
What I meant about "rule for tips" is when you frequent individuals who provide a service, like hairdressers, nail specialists, caregiver, housekeepers, many folks want to reward them for long term care and good services. Its especially hard to find and main caregivers since it's not easy work and pay is low. You can goggle the internet for the range of tip or bonuses for each type of service provider. In my mother's case these particular caregivers have been very loyal, are very bonded to my mother and she loves them. So, I don't want to lose them.
There are companies that give end of the year bonus. Before I retired, I worked for one, a major national health plan.