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This depends on what you can AFFORD/WISH TO GIVE for someone you appreciate. Both factors are very important I would say. This is a personal decision. I am certain as a caregiver this person will get another job quickly as they are in high demand now, and with your good references should have no trouble getting a job, but if you can afford to gift I think that would be wonderful. And again, it is up to you, and what you can afford to do for a valued person you likely have grown close to.
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Pellen66 Jun 30, 2025
3 years can form a very personal relationship, even for a ‘professional’, but as caregivers we often form intimate bonds. As a caregiver who was a friend to a client that passed, I can tell you that i needed time to grieve every bit as much the family did!
Yes, in demand and capable, but potentially broken hearted just like other human beings
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One of the last conversations my dad had with me was to tell me to “take care” of his helper. This was from a man who’d gone from being incredibly opposed to having in home help, in what seemed like no time, she’d become a valued friend. I sent her a note of appreciation and cashier’s check. She responded in tears. Consider both this person’s value to your family and caregiving situation, along with the financial picture and do the best you can. There’s no set amount. A note of appreciation, and possibly a recommendation letter, is worth as much as money
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JanPeck123 Jun 30, 2025
I agree with you, Daughter of 1930. We have also seen obituaries that have mentioned the aid by name. The aid finds that a wonderful thing also.
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I would write a glowing letter of appreciation that can be used for a reference when they look for another position.
If you can afford 2 weeks I am sure that would be appreciated. If you can afford more..great. If you can not afford 2 weeks I am sure the caregiver is aware of the circumstances. (You can't be with a family for 3 years and not be aware if things are a bit tight)
If the caregiver wishes, and you want to if there is a personal item of your family member that you wish to give as a memento that might also be nice.
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tgentile Jun 30, 2025
Thank you!
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Two weeks at least I would say, if you can be generous a month.
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I gave my dad's caregiver one monthpay and a letter of recommendation. My dad was not easy to care for but his care giver stuck close to my dad even tho he would say hurtful things. I remember his caregiver telling me at the end that that my dad was not himself and it was easy to let go of the bad as the good he had out weighted it all. He was worth every penny and so much more. I could never thank him enough for the care he gave.
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If you give them any severance, it should be with a contract that this settles everything between the employer’s family and them.

As my dh pointed out to his parents, their indy caregiver’s mission is to maximize what she gets from them. Which is about 121,000 a year plus introducing her young relative who now sleeps over there. However, thank god, she isn’t in the will.

If the in laws died today, the calculation would be to offer her a two month severance for leaving now. Neither she nor the kid get mail there, but it could be argued that caregiver be allowed to stay longer on behalf of the minor. Here’s 22000 free, just sign this paper instead.

Tailor your severance to what they could cost you by not going away.
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Two weeks per year, if you can afford
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up to 6 weeks pay if you can afford it
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2 weeks is nice and a good recommendation is like gold. Giving a little more money allows the caregiver a little more time to find a new placement.
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I just had my job end after 3.5 years as a live-in caregiver for a couple. We put in the contract 3 months severance pay. I gave up alot of clients at the start and throughout and it takes times to build that back up. Obviously 3 months may seem outrageous to some, but I would say at least 6 weeks.
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