We had employed 4 separate caregivers 24/7; 7 days a week to help care for my aging mother the last year and a half before she passed away. We spent over $85,000 to employ them.
We were beginning to run out of money prior to her passing. We don’t have a lot of money left over to pay them too extravagantly, but we were wondering what kind of gift should we give each one? Any ideas? If monetary, how much? Being that it’s 4 separate people we have to split the dollar amount 4 ways.
As for gift, I would lean towards money, in whatever amount you feel comfortable giving, unless you know what things they like or need and want to give them those. If you can't give them as much as you want, tell them that. They will understand and appreciate your thoughtful gifts.
Tidying up all the financials would need to be handled first, so as to not run short if any required payments are needed (taxes, attys, etc) If you want to include a monetary gift before the dust settles, you could use your own (and any other family members who might want to contribute) and get reimbursement later, if there are any funds left over.
I would also keep it generic, such as a Visa or MC gift card. These would be usable anywhere. RE agent had StarBucks cards for us after mom's condo sale, but I don't go there, so it was of no use to me!
No experience really with in-home care-givers (sure we had some, 1 hr/day but it didn't last long, thanks to mom!) We did give $90 ea ($360 total) as a first year end "gift" at the facility (it gets split by someone else, to everyone), but I didn't repeat it due to lack of funds for me and distaste dealing with bros. I'll likely do it from the trust, if there's anything left, after she passes, but I want it to go to those who provide the hands-on, not all the staff in the whole facility.
When Christmas rolled around a couple months later, I found some nice holiday cards that reflected thanks for the great work they did. Without those two wonderful ladies, I would have been totally lost.
$150 for a Gift Card each to Olive Garden/Restaurant sound appropriate?
Imagine putting your heart and soul into a job then opening up a card with nothing in it.
Don’t worry about the agency and their rules. Give them each a crisp $100 bill in that thank you card. Four hundred bucks is worth the strain they took off your family and the loving care they provided.
I think $1OO/150 giftcard would be nice. A nice night out for family. If they are agency nurses I would send a letter for ea aide to the boss saying how grateful you are with care given. Giving the good points of each one. If private, a good reference.
Once probate is done, then u can decide if you want to give a monetary gift.
Most people I know do not get a bonus of one month's salary, including lower paid people.
I do not have paid caregivers for my mom, it’s all on me. However I agree with a few others that mention letting their agency know how wonderful they were, a reference/referral letter goes a long way with any career.
As for the caregivers directly, a thank you card with a $50 Visa gift card for each is a very nice and generous thought. If you want to give more then go for it but any amount is fine!
This is very nice of you, in the business world if you lost or left a job you would not receive your bonus...
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