How should I go about tipping home health aides for the holidays and judging the amount?

xinabess, I also ran into that problem on what to give the caregivers who were there 24 hours a day, the weekday group was different from the weekend workers who usually just worked one day. My plan was to give out Target gift cards.

It was a head scratcher trying to figure out who got what amount. I bought everyone Target gift cards. I had cards $100, $50, and $25. What I found interesting, the male caregiver was the only one who sent me a handwritten thank you note.

I would check with the agency about gift giving policy. The facilities I worked for we were not allowed to accept gifts of any kind.

We have had a 24/7 caregiver plus the weekend caregiver who does 2 12-hour shifts. The full time had been with us since July and the part time only since December 1st. The full time woman goes above and beyond and she fits in like family. We are giving her $200.00. She is also choosing to have dinner with us on Christmas and see he family earlier in day. She won't be "working" that day as I'll take care of my mother. The part time woman just does the very bare necessities, but is good with my mom and friendly and my mom looked her. We are thinking of $50.00. The part time woman is invited to dinner also but she is engaged and has a family she will be with on both Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Don't know if that helps. Merry Christmas!

What's with the gift cards? Make it easy for the caregiver and give the cash!

I still really question if it is legal for a health care provider to accept money tips. I am a nurse, and it is my understanding it is a big NO NO. I would get them each a big tray of cookies or some banana bread or something like that. NOT cash. A gift card might be pushing it, but better than cash.

Be in your heart and be clear on this being a Thank You tip and keep within your financial means. I wouldn't tip more than I would a wait person for good service for a nice meal in a restaurant. I think it best to give $25 cash with a nice note of appreciation - perhaps highlighting some specific care and thoughtfulness of theirs throughout the year. Cash isn't taxed and checks may be; many gift cards are not used. I believe billions or perhaps millions of dollars in 'gift cards' are not redeemed. Just my thought.

Up to $100 is my thought...$35 or $50 seems fine as I see it..Target gift card would be fine..

Grace + Peace,

Bob in North Carolina

Given that this is NYC, 100- 200$ seems like the right range. I also agree th at cash is better.

Zythrr, no, the caregiver has the day off. I and my husband will take care of my mother Christmas including waking, showering, meals, companionship and even her exercising. Our caregiver is like family, she and my mom are very close. She works for an agency but is a friend of my in-laws. We are blessed to have her.

My client's family routinely gifted me $100 at Christmas and for my birthday. They always said they couldn't have managed mom w/o me. It was OK with my agency. They also "tipped me" each month, by adding to my base salary through the company's payroll, so I was making about $15 an hour, not the $9 an hour the co paid. It was all above board and no coercion. I still would have worked as hard, but the extra money really was appreciated and needed!