December 16, 2009 - 10:53 pm
There are about 4 staff workers in each unit - an RN and several aides. The Nursing Home sent a note saying that cash gifts aren’t permitted, but cookies or fruit are ok. The aides rolled their eyes at that. I got the impression that gift cards might be ok, but don’t know how much to purchase. One aide in particular has spent a lot of time with our family member and with us.
Family member was recently admitted to a unit with 16 patients.
I’ve worked in either nursing homes or assisted living facilities for 20 years, and it’s never been okay for staff to accept gifts from a resident or their family. I’d strongly suggest NOT giving a gift card — while the staff might take it gratefully (times are tough right now and you can hardly blame them), they are risking their job to do so. Accepting a gift that is intended for them only — cash, gift card, perfume, etc — is grounds for dismissal in EVERY place I’ve worked and every healthcare facility I’ve heard of. Fruit baskets, cookie trays, etc are often given, but I know one of the best "spreads" we got was from a family who brought in a bunch of really nice deli sandwich trays — enough for each shift to be able to enjoy.