We started about 2 weeks ago with having a hospice aide come M-F to assist with getting my 83 yo dad who has late stage dementia ready in the mornings. The aide cleans my dad, changes bed sore bandaids, applies ointment to his left knee and hip, gets him dressed and then puts him in his wheelchair. He usually takes about 30-45 mins to do this. It hasn’t happened yet, but I’m sure he would take a little longer if he had to clean my dad after a bowel movement.
I know there isn’t a “norm” but wanted to ask if anyone tips their aides? If so, how much and frequency? I checked the hospice website but it didn’t mention any policies on whether tipping is allowed or not.
The best thing you can do is write a letter expressing your thanks and appreciation send a copy to the Hospice and give a copy to the staff person.
If you do give a gift or cash keep it under $25.00. The biggest problem is there are lots of families that can not afford to give such gifts. Staff is typically assigned to particular areas so if one staff person happens to be assigned to an affluent area and another in a poorer area or is assigned to facilities they do not get the "extras" that others might.
You could also ask when their Team meeting is and arrange a delivery of sandwiches or donuts and coffee depending on what time the meeting is scheduled. (All Hospice Teams have what are called IDT (inter disciplinary team) meetings where they discuss all the patients on the team)
As to the amount, I gave her $100 on her birthday and at Christmas, and lesser amounts on other holidays/occasions (like a $20 bill to take the kids out for ice cream on July 4). She had three children, so gift cards from the local supermarket chain were also greatly appreciated.
With my husband's current caregiver, I gave her a bonus at Christmas both years and a birthday card with cash.
Her agency allows gifts, you just have to report them to the agency so no one can be accused of stealing or coercing the gift. I have reported the gifts, but not the amount because I don't feel it's any of their business.
This wonderful woman brings my husband special things to eat; when they talk about things and he tells her about something he ate as a child, she will either find it or make it and bring it. She brings him birthday and Father's day presents because she is shocked that his own children and grandchildren don't call or acknowledge him ( another long story for another time). All these extras for $11/ hr the agency pays her.