posted on December 10, 2000 09:08:07 AM
First I want to thank VeryModern for the idea of coming to the message boards for help with this. Thanks!
My Mom-in-law went into a nursing home this summer and I am at my wits end to think of a gift for the staff in her wing. This is a small home and it is run fairly loosely. The staff can have the same meals as the residents so they have all kinds of home made goodies all the time. These things are available to residents, staff and guests. I have to come up with something for about 10 rotating staff members. It is also a very eclectic staff and I am sure that they come from varied religious backgrounds.
Believe me, any ideas would be appreciated beyond words.
Not responsible for any spelling errors this time of year.
posted on December 10, 2000 10:06:55 AM
Helnjoe: As a retired nurse, I think the best thing I ever received was a gift certificate to a restaurant that was usually too expensive for my budget. It wasn't enough to cover the cost of the entire meal, but it made it affordable. That was a treat. Another one, was a gift certificate to a shoe store. Most all nurses now wear white tennis shoes. And I usually needed a new pair every 6-9 months depending on how much overtime I worked. Even $5.00 was a big help. Ok and my favorite was 2 tickets to a Hockey game, didn't even like hockey BUT--- Tattoogranpa and I had a great time. Most nurses especially those that work in nursing homes are not paid what they are worth. AND especially if the ones you are giving presents to are nursing assistants or LPNs. I was an RN in a large Hospital and made fairly decent wages, but only if I worked alot of overtime which was never a problem.
Corporate American often overlooks the person that has to do the "hands-on" work, the first place they cut corners is with that person's pay.
And Nursing isn't the only job. Think about Teachers, Corrections Officers, Police Officers, Firemen, etc, etc-- even the Garbage Pick-up Person.
Sorry I will get off my soapbox now. Got to get ready for WWF Armageddon, got to go see the Undertaker win "Hell In A Cell".
Tattoonana
posted on December 10, 2000 03:50:11 PM
Not exactly what you were talking about, but an idea-We have a wonderful non-profit nursing home owned by our community. I bought them a huge, LIVE christmas tree for their foyer this year. All they ever had was a fake one, and everyone is really enjoying smelling this tree!
posted on December 10, 2000 04:07:08 PM
At first I thought this thread would be about what to give nursing home residents. After reading it I realized you meant gifts for the staff. I know this may sound strange to some people... but I suggest just giving a gift of cash. Most floors or units will "pool" the cash gifts and divide it equally amongst the staff. If you are aware of one particular staff member who brings special care or comfort to your loved one, then simply give that one a card or note with a cash gift enclosed.
posted on December 10, 2000 10:46:29 PM
My mother was in a nursing home for a couple of years. Before that, she was in an assisted living home. There I bought boxes of candy and put name tags on them for the staff, but one year I tucked a $5 bill in an envelope for each staffer (there were about 20). There was one aide who got her dressed and bathed, etc., and I gave her a larger amount of money--I think $25 or $50--although those years were soooo busy and sort of gray-colored for me that I'm not sure about the exact amount.
When she was in the nursing home, I asked the director what would be appropriate. At her suggestion, I gave $100 to her to be used toward something special at their annual Christmas staff party.
posted on December 11, 2000 12:56:36 PM
My sister is Director of Nursing at a nursing home. She suggests things that nurses and aides routinely run out of or lose such as pens, bandage scissors, stethoscopes, hand lotion,or watches. Gloves or a donation to the office party fund are also things that are appreciated.
posted on December 12, 2000 07:44:34 AM
A couple of years ago I worked at a nursing home, and one of the resident's sons used to buy us all a couple of $1 scratch off lottery tickets. It wasn't an expensive gift and there's always that possibility of winning something more!
Sorry I will get off my soapbox now. Got to get ready for WWF Armageddon, got to go see the Undertaker win "Hell In A Cell".