Gifts for Caregivers

[springer02]

I moved my Mom into a great assisted iving facility in Michigan back in January.  I've started thinking about Christmas gifts for her caregivers and I need your suggestions.  There are maybe 6 nurses and aides that take care of her and one special aide who goes above and eyond for her.  

I was thinking maybe a nice pin or plant or maybe a big gift basket for everyone to share, DH was thinking gift certificates to restaurants up there.

Thanks in advance,

Tena

[jpreiser]

A gift basket to share is a great idea. We love it when we get a big basket with all kinds of yummy treats for all of us to share. And since my boss loves to snack it is perfect for him and us!!!!

[HersheyGirl]

I am a nurse, and I know that we loved getting gift baskets to share.  I would feel very uncomfortable getting a gift certificate from a patient/client/resident. Also, gifts throughout the year is a nice thought as the Holidays are always fill with so much food, it all kind of gets lost in the shuffel.  Many places like that do not allow for the employees to accept personal gifts. Just my 2 cents.

[Acts 2:38 girl]

I agree with Hersheygirl. I think a gift basket is a great idea! You don't want to go crazy with gift certificates! It's a really nice gesture to show how much you appreciate the care they give her. I don't think that field gets enough appreciation.
A good nurse is a precious thing!

[boncrab]

I have been to ethic meetings working for a health insurance company and almost any hospital or care facility have strict gift policies.  They don't want any patient receiving better care because the nurses or caregivers are given gifts.  Something very simple and inexpensive to say thank you is ok, but anything in monetary form (ie. gift cert) are unacceptable.  I like your little pin idea, it's simple and very inexpensive and yet it will convey what your are really trying to say, which is "thank you".

I would probably ask the administration office for some guidance as to their policies before spending any money.

[NightOwl]

ha ha--we've had lots of experience with this through the years--what with sick  and older relatives  in nursing homes and hospitals.  My SIL is a nurse and told me years ago that she and her friends  really love  baskets of treats , especially fruits.  And yes, Hershey Girl's comment is right on--there is so much food and candy at the holidays that everyone ends up feeling "stuffed."  And so it's nice to spread it out during the year to other times.  For instance, we always sent a really nice Christmas card to the staff with a personal note in it thanking them for their loving care of my MIL and then  sent  our actual  "gift" (fruit basket) accompanied by a thank-you card as a way of celebrating Mama's birthday.  

Sometimes I baked a cake (no special occasion) and took it over just for the heck of it--we know most of the staff personally since it is a small community and they are neighbors.

[angelsmom10]

Like everyone else said, gift basket to share would be great, but going a little farther would be to get one that they send monthly... like a fruit basket.. I've seen places that offer "a fruit for a month for a year" or something along that line, or even just baking something yourself every month and taking it over.  If they have a monthly staff meeting or something like that... you could bake something for that.

[Kelly]

I like the gift basket idea.  Since your mother is in Michigan and you are in Virginia ... how about a basket of items made in Virginia?

I have a friend who just got back from visiting friends in North Carolina.  As a thank-you she sent them a basket with "made in Minnesota" goodies in it.  I though that was a great idea.

[dee106]

we had a fancy cookie tray sent as a thank you

[tlhdoc]

A gift for all is the best way to go.  

[Kelly]

Tena ~

What did you decide to do?  Anything yet? [/FONT]

[springer02]

We haven't decided on anything yet but I really appreciate all of your answers.  I mentioned it to my Mom last night but she was in one of her crabby moods and said that she doesn't want to do anything but I'm sure that will change when I catch her on a good day.

I think I'm going to do a big fruit or treat basket and then individual gifts, pins or something, for the "special" people who go way above and beyond.  They're all angels to me, I'll take 19 second graders any day over seniors!

Thanks again for your suggestions, I can always count on YOU

Tena