My brother with Alzheimer’s is cared for 4 hours a day from a caretaker who comes to his home. They will drive him to the the store and Doctor appts as well. Is it acceptable for them to be treated to lunch on a regular basis after such outings? Thank you!
In the south (and coming from a blue collar family), we always offer people something. I kept bottled water in the freezer and fridge so I could offer one of each to delivery men during our hot summer. Kept paper cups for hot coffee in the winter. When I had an awkward or heavy package, it was always set inside my door by the delivery man, even though that was against the rules (no I didn't ask). Beyond thinking I got greater service, I always thought it was the right thing to do, to make life a little easier for someone working hard. In my tradition, I purchased a meal for a caregiver who feeds my love one. I don't believe in eating in front of the person even if they are a paid caregiver.
When mom drove she used to send Christmas cards to the mechanics who did work on her car; it did not mean a thing. They charged her even when correcting their mistakes, and when she did not have her car anymore, there was no offer to help her find another one or thank you note/card for the many years she patronized their business.
Out of curiosity, did these guys take some off the bill or charge you the same price as those who did not offer drinks or food?
I am a firm believer that whomever does the inviting, picks up the check. It stops people from inviting you to buy them a meal.
If you work around my home, you get water, sodas, and whatever we are eating, if you want. It has always been appreciated by the workers. They have ALL done an outstanding job and have told me if I ever need anything to call. Some send greetings on all holidays and just to say hi. It's about relationships.
I think a little human kindness is so appreciated by all recipients, especially since it seems so rare in 2022.
If they are doing a great job, this will show them that their efforts are noticed and appreciated. That's how loyalty is built.
She would literally moan in joy over that little hamburger. I remember once that I had bought a large Diet Coke and she had a water. She picked up my DC and practically drained it dry--and said "Oh, dear, did I take your drink? That was FANTASTIC" (Her daughter didn't let her have soft drinks. After that, she always got a small DC with her burger.
SHE was my client, not her daughter. After this incident, my client always kept a 6 pack of DC in her bedroom, for 'me' but I'd pour her half a can.
If I was working a 6 hr shift, I HAD to eat something. I worked for minimum wage--which at that time was $9 an hour.
And no, we did not eat at fancy places. My client just wanted a dang HAMBURGER. And I always put down on my log that we had eaten 'out' and how much it had cost. (NEVER more than $10, usually about $6).
I remember picking up a meal as part of the post doctor or dental visits ritual well into my teens. My Mom had a more frugal approach when I drove her later in life, she’d get an ice cream cone or a burger, but take the burger home so she could get a soda out of the fridge rather than pay fast food prices for soda.
If cost is a factor, and you are the POA, you may need to discuss a budget and how to limit the expense to an appropriate level.