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Our home health aide was a true angel who always performed above and beyond, for a mere pittance - she didn't even make half of the hourly rate we paid the agency. With three children to support, she greatly appreciated the gift cards for the local chain supermarket that I gave her on holidays and her birthday.
The agency doesn't need to know diddly.
After a YEAR, I asked for a raise. I was turned down. The 'policy' was 'no raises, ever, you make what you make'.
I had to quit, since there was no hope of ever 'doing better'--and told my client's family so. They were devastated, as I was the first and only CG who could handle their mom, whom I had grown to love. I wasn't trying to shake them down, I had to give them a reason for my leaving for a $12 an hour job. (I was working both jobs and could go FT at the $12 an hour one).
I don't know how it happened, but the family (wealthy, to say the least) worked it out with my company to 'tip me out' so that my pay went to $14 an hour, after tax. 2 of the sons were lawyers and I am sure involved in this.
My 'boss' said she'd never seen this before--and I do not know how they worked it out, but I was happy to stay, and honestly, it is often only through being paid that you feel worthwhile. It's about the hardest job in the world!!
My client would also 'tip me' at Christmas and on my birthday. A crisp $100 bill, which was most appreciated. I did not tell my company, and I never felt bad about NOT telling them. Always a sweet note accompanied these gifts.
I stayed with this client until she had to be placed in independent living. Broke our hearts, both of us.
And I quit working for the 'big, cheap company'. Who by then were charging $30 an hour and STILL only paying $9 an hour. And couldn't figure out why their employees were leaving after only a few months.
CG is the hardest job out there, IMHO. A baked good and a card? I honestly would rather have nothing. I was making it possible for an elderly woman to spend 2 more years at home--a loaf of banana bread wouldn't make up for that.
I think the company that hired you should have paid you 14.00 an hour to begin with!!!
A gift card is a good choice.
Often you can purchase gift cards at Sam's Club or Costco for less than the face value. (typically a $100 pack of 4 cards, $25.00 each will cost around $80.00) these are great for gifts. And you do not have to pay to activate them Some of the Visa and Mastercard cards you have to pay a fee to activate them.
One thing your caregiver would greatly appreciate would be a letter written to the agency and a copy to your caregiver telling how grateful you are for the help and care that this person is providing. You can give detailed information as to what they have done. This will go in the employee file and the copy you give to the employee might be able to be used if they wish to look for another job, or if they are asking for a raise.
So she works for me for 3 + years. Good luck & hugs 🤗
It sound to me like she has become more than a Home Health Aide to your family. You may have met her because of the agency, but she has now become a friend to your family.