My mother has been in a nursing home since early November. There have been ups and downs, but all in all, a better experience for mom than living at home would be. There is an aide who works on my mother's floor who has been a godsend. Although not "assigned" to my mother specifically, She has taken my mother under her wing, cared for her personal needs, conforted her, entertained her. She has also taken the time to learn about my mother, and helped other employees understand how to treat her. In addition, this woman has also become a friend to me and taken lots of time to talk to me about my concerns and the different things available to my mom at the NH. My first intention was to give her a card and a $100 bill in a wrapped box, but now I'm having second thoughts. She is certainly worth that and more, but we've developed a good relationship and I don't want to, by my action, reduce it to a "business relationship," or look as if I'm "buying her" or trying to ensure her future services. Things are cool now and I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable, or draw attetion to the fact that I don't think she makes much money. I also don't have the ability to bake or make her something nice, which I know would be ideal. Please help. I don't think I would have survived this without her. She's truly one in a million.
Personally, a couple of times a year, I deliver three large tins of yummy European cookies to the office or front desk with instructions to place one in the staff room at the beginning of each shift. In the summer, when I'm buying fresh fruit from a nearby market garden, I'll do the same with fresh strawberries.
Writing a letter of commendation and giving it to her supervisor and then donating something to the NH might be the best way to go. A small token gift should be OK. Perhaps an inexpensive pin to wear on her uniform that her patients would also enjoy seeing would be appropriate.
If you'd like to do more slip her a Christmas card with a gift card to Walmart or Amazon tucked inside.