Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
C
Caregiver1954 Asked June 2021

Thank You gift to Staff?

My mom recently passed away in a terrific nursing home where they took great care of her. I do plan on sending a bouquet of flowers to the nursing staff in general to thank them for the work they've done. (Is that appropriate?) However, there were 3 people who I especially appreciated and who paid special attention to Mom and myself (when I would visit) and thought I would give each a Thank You card with a small financial bit inside. It certainly would not be much as I don't have much. Would this be appropriate? Would I write in each card to keep this personal and private? Would the genral floral arrangement for everyone be enough? Thank you !

GardenArtist Jun 2021
I once asked one of the nurses what they would prefer as a token of our gratitude.   To my surprise, the male nurse wanted pizza!   

I do think that the staff would appreciate recognition, but other than donuts, I've usually brought cards.   At one point I asked about something healthier than donuts, but that didn't seem to generate any excitement.

Grandma1954's suggestion of sharing your appreciation with the admins, for the employees' files, is a great idea.

AlvaDeer Jun 2021
Overall, many nurses don't much like flower arrangements and are often left with them when patients leave. I would say, coffee if you know what kind of coffeemaker they use, donut box, candies always go over big.

ADVERTISEMENT


Grandma1954 Jun 2021
Most places will not allow monetary gifts to be given to select staff. (you can see there might be a problem)
What you can do is write a very nice letter acknowledging the dedication, kindness that they gave to you and your mom.
2 copies. One to go in the employee file so address that one to HR or the administration. The other should be given or sent to the staff so that they have a copy for themselves. This will be useful if they are due for a raise, promotion or if they ever look for another job.
If you truly want to give a gift of value a Gift Card and I would not exceed $25.00 (many places if they do allow gifts they limit the value.)
For the entire staff flowers would be nice. But you might want to think about deliveries for each shift. One of fruit, donuts and coffee from a local coffee shop to be delivered in the morning. Maybe a delivery of Sub sandwiches in the late afternoon. And for the night staff either sandwiches or pizza. (please make some of each a vegetarian option) Although food is difficult because of the sensitivities or allergies people have. Although you can't go wrong with fruit!

JoAnn29 Jun 2021
I see no problem with the flowers. Everyone likes to know that their efforts have been appreciated. The monetary gift, I would not do. A gift certificate, yes. But I would ask the DON wharpt is appropriate.

NeedHelpWithMom Jun 2021
You are very kind. My mom recently passed away in April. We gave a donation to her hospice organization because their major fundraiser was canceled due to Covid.

I also sent flowers and gave cards with cash for her caregivers. We will never forget the excellent care that she received. Hospice teams are angels!

It is lovely to see how much you appreciate her NH staff. I am quite sure that they will appreciate your gifts. Your mom would be pleased that you are grateful. I am sure that she was appreciative too.

MJ1929 Jun 2021
Since your mother has passed, I don't know whether the ethical considerations that would be in place when she was a resident would be the same now that she isn't.

Consult the Executive director and ask what their rules are.

I know that once my mom is gone, I'm paying for a full spread for the staff from the Mexican restaurant down the street from her place. I bring Mom chile rellenos to coax her to eat, and the staff starts following the fumes when I walk in with a #13 combination plate!

cwillie Jun 2021
I think it is wonderful to reward those who go above and beyond but there is going to be a policy in place that prohibits anything but a very modest gift, and may places do not allow even that and/or prefer that any contribution is made to a group fund. (Keep it discrete)

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter