I was never a hired caregiver but I cleaned houses for years and I can tell you that I appreciated cash over any other holiday bonus, I didn't need any tchotchkes or gift cards from shops I normally would never enter. And if I knew someone had a limited income (seniors) I was happy with something like homemade cookies or snack mix.
Are these private hire or staff in a facility? If these are people you hired cash or gift cards would be appropriate. If this is staff in a facility or ones that work for an agency those places of employment may have very strict regulations on what the employees can accept. Most will limit a cash or gift card to $25.00. All caregivers would appreciate a very nice letter thanking them for the kind work they do. If the person is with an agency or working in a facility another letter to their supervisor or HR for their employee file would be appreciated. And just a side thought.. If you do not thank them daily for what they do…start. If you do not greet them each day with a smile and a good morning ..start. If you walk through a facility and see ANY employee..greet them, smile and say good day.
Our PSW has two kids, is pregnant, and has a low income, so we’re giving her cash. I will probably give her a small something just for her like body cream from Bath & Bodyworks, but I’m sure she could use the extra cash.
If you are talking about an unpaid family caregiver, the gift of your time for respite would be PRICELESS! Offer to give them a break by taking on care/supervision for the afternoon, or do a specific task for them. Free up some of their time.
For agency staff, I made up a box of breakroom treats: cookies, hard candy, chocolates, brownies, clementines - everything in individual wrapping of course! I put it all in a red box that I got from the dollar store (it's one their stock comes in; they set them aside for people to take/use.) It cost me $20-25.
I am on a very limited income and yet love to do something nice for those who care for me and help me. I assume the caretaker is aware of that and would be grateful for some gift. I personally would take them out to a wonderful dinner of their choosing as to where to go. Or I would buy a gift card from Visa or Master Card. I love to be able to take such a credit card and get what I personally really want. Or their are gourmet food packages such as from Swiss Colony. None will break the bank but do show appreciation.
I finally have a wonderful caregiver through an agency who has been with us 4 hours a day for six months now. Is there an appropriate percentage? Is $500 enough? I pay the agency about $3000 a month and I think his salary is half that.
If you're giving your agency-employed caregiver a $500 Christmas bonus, make sure to give it to him in cash. If the agency he works for finds out about it, they take it themselves or he gets fired for accepting a gift. Keep it cash between you and him.
And if I knew someone had a limited income (seniors) I was happy with something like homemade cookies or snack mix.
If these are people you hired cash or gift cards would be appropriate.
If this is staff in a facility or ones that work for an agency those places of employment may have very strict regulations on what the employees can accept.
Most will limit a cash or gift card to $25.00.
All caregivers would appreciate a very nice letter thanking them for the kind work they do. If the person is with an agency or working in a facility another letter to their supervisor or HR for their employee file would be appreciated.
And just a side thought..
If you do not thank them daily for what they do…start.
If you do not greet them each day with a smile and a good morning ..start.
If you walk through a facility and see ANY employee..greet them, smile and say good day.
For agency staff, I made up a box of breakroom treats: cookies, hard candy, chocolates, brownies, clementines - everything in individual wrapping of course!
I put it all in a red box that I got from the dollar store (it's one their stock comes in; they set them aside for people to take/use.) It cost me $20-25.
If you're giving your agency-employed caregiver a $500 Christmas bonus, make sure to give it to him in cash.
If the agency he works for finds out about it, they take it themselves or he gets fired for accepting a gift.
Keep it cash between you and him.
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