When my dad spent a few days in the hospital, his helper wasn’t needed. She was paid anyway. Her help was valuable, she also needed the money, and we wanted to keep her. Money well spent
My dad was the one who was generous, and didn’t fuss money. Mom was more careful. She could have you convinced they were one paycheck away from broke. Both were responsible, but had different approaches to money. I take after dad, and would encourage my parents caregiver to go enjoy the day, unless they can be useful helping, as was wisely suggested.
An unexpected free day, paid, is the kind of gesture, that could make that caregiver feel more loyalty toward your LO, and that’s a good thing. Mom used to give our executive dad an allowance, in cash, that he would collect in his wallet, saving it all up, for the next person he thought might need it. One of his daughters was often in his sights, and dad giving us enough to help us out, BUT not enable us, was glorious. My parents/s caregiver, is the kind of person I’d want to make sure, feels occasional bursts of gratitude from me. Jmho.
I would pay them. I once got myself in trouble for suggesting that my piano teacher should be paid if not given enough advanced notice. Other clients were constantly calling and cancelling last minute. In my mind, if she has blocked off that time for you in her schedule, she has possibly not filled that time with another client. If you cancel last minute, it’s a waste of her time and lost wages. That didn’t seem fair to me but other parents paying the same teacher were not happy about my suggestion.
I would pay the caregiver for the day if their service is not needed for the day. However if you could use them in another capacity do so. If they are not needed for the day because you are taking your loved one to the doctor would it be easier if the caregiver came and helped you? If you are going to a family function if the caregiver is "like a member of the family" invite them to join. Your loved one may be more comfortable with a caregiver that they know well rather than getting help from other members of the family. But no one would turn down a paid day off particularly this time of year.
Yes, I would pay her for the day. She will greatly appreciate it.
An unexpected free day, paid, is the kind of gesture, that could make that caregiver feel more loyalty toward your LO, and that’s a good thing. Mom used to give our executive dad an allowance, in cash, that he would collect in his wallet, saving it all up, for the next person he thought might need it. One of his daughters was often in his sights, and dad giving us enough to help us out, BUT not enable us, was glorious. My parents/s caregiver, is the kind of person I’d want to make sure, feels occasional bursts of gratitude from me. Jmho.
However if you could use them in another capacity do so.
If they are not needed for the day because you are taking your loved one to the doctor would it be easier if the caregiver came and helped you?
If you are going to a family function if the caregiver is "like a member of the family" invite them to join. Your loved one may be more comfortable with a caregiver that they know well rather than getting help from other members of the family.
But no one would turn down a paid day off particularly this time of year.