Is it appropriate to tip nursing home aides?

[Anonymous]

My elderly father told me he tips an aide $20 when they bathe him. I feel it is excessive and could set up a dynamic of expectation where they will not provide a service he is already paying for. I could see tipping at holidays, but not on the regular.

[Anonymous]

Its not good. It might even be against the rules and unethical and leave him vulnerable to others trying to get something from him. You are right, sets up a bad dynamic. Can you/he afford it? Check out the gift policy and if you can afford extras, and there are good caregivers, recognize them quietly in wAys you see fit. Could even get the employee in trouble. There are so many bad things happening in nursing homes, and caregivers are rarely paid a living wage, even though care is expensive. if you can afford it, find out who the good ones are, and do what you can for them. Christmas? Gift card? ( Maybe he sees it like a massage…😳)

[Anonymous]

Is that even allowed?

[Anonymous]

I think its a nice thing every once in a while but not every time.

[Anonymous]

It's not allowed at our AL facility.

[Anonymous]

Staff where I work is not permitted to accept. If they do they will be fired because it is considered theft. It happened to my colleague.

[Anonymous]

OP - It might be very much appreciated if you did some sort of a treat for the staff in the Assisted Living Care section. But again, check and see what would be allowed with Covid. Perhaps getting boxed coffee and tea from Startbucks or similar local provider with donuts, bagelsor cookies from a local provider would be a possibility. In other words, doing something that would be a "thank you" to the entire staff, but perhaps brought in on the shift that you know the worker you want to acknowledge is working. For the individual worker, a personal note of your thanks for their great care would always be appropriate and appreciated.