Asssited Living and Tipping

[Anonymous]

My MIL moved into an assisted living community 6 weeks ago. She has her own apartment that includes linens and bi weekly cleaning along with a hot breakfast, a happy hour and a hot dinner in the dining room. It is quite nice, entrees run from salmon and orzo, prime rib, stuffed shells, burgers and fries, club sandwiches, huge salads etc. It is included in her fees and we have joined her almost every week as immediate family dines free on Sundays.

There is no tab so it has me wondering if I'm supposed to be tipping the server. I don't see others doing it but many are very old and alone so it might just be cluelessness.

Does anyone know if tipping is normal here?

[Anonymous]

When my FIL was in AL, we tipped generously at the holidays, contributing to the staff pool, and, brought in a meal for the entire staff once per year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My MIL moved into an assisted living community 6 weeks ago. She has her own apartment that includes linens and bi weekly cleaning along with a hot breakfast, a happy hour and a hot dinner in the dining room. It is quite nice, entrees run from salmon and orzo, prime rib, stuffed shells, burgers and fries, club sandwiches, huge salads etc. It is included in her fees and we have joined her almost every week as immediate family dines free on Sundays.

There is no tab so it has me wondering if I'm supposed to be tipping the server. I don't see others doing it but many are very old and alone so it might just be cluelessness.

Does anyone know if tipping is normal here?

No. Not on a per-meal basis. Give generously to the employee holiday fund.

[Anonymous]

My mom's community has an employee fund. Resudents contribute on an annual basis...a suggested amount. It is divided among staff.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all.

[Anonymous]

At my parent's CCRC (they are still in IL), tipping is not allowed anywhere. Employees could get reprimanded and even fired if they accept a tip/anything like a tip.
In December, they have a "holiday fund" that is distributed to all the employees and that is how you "tip". Those who are "employees of the month" or recognized otherwise throughout the year get an extra amount from this. But all employees are rewarded generously, because the fund is always overfunded, as it's a higher level CCRC, so most members are UMC+ and many downright rich.

[Anonymous]

No.

[Anonymous]

When my dad was in assisted living due to rapid decline his cognitive abilities, he thought he was staying at a hotel. So, he kept asking for cash to tip 'bell service and the waiters'.