Any suggestions for how to thank NH staff for their kindness to DH other than muffins, cake, cookies, flowers? Would like to do something different to express gratitude for the care they have given. Thanks,
Perhaps if you could find out if there is any thing the staff needs or wants for their unit ? Coffeemaker, or other small appliance..... Handmade items such as pillows, blankets for the residents...shawls, afghans, throws...
Find out if they make coffee on the unit, and what kind of coffee they could use. Gourmet coffees or tea bags could work. If they are leery about eating home made treats, how about a large box of candy? Whatever you provide, make sure it is in triplicate, and labelled for each shift. If there is a really delicious gourmet bakery in your location, they would probably enjoy a treat from that place--again, one for each shift. (As a nurse for 42 years, I can attest to what the staff might like--and of course they probably try to eat healthy as a rule--but not in the case of gifts from patients' families! lol ) But don't forget that they are professionals, and really don't expect anything at all.
LOVE the homemade cookie idea. WHO can turn those down??!!
Since I don't bake or cook much anymore, I've taken pizzas and they've gone over well. Even if it's just Little Ceasars pizza. Sometimes carry in little bags of M&Ms. They light up with almost anything.
Great ideas. I often make a point of thanking them and make the comment specific to something they have done either with my husband or something I see with others. I regularly tell them they are doing a great job and I am thankful my husband is in care with them. Their work is very challenging as we know and to take time and thank them can mean a lot - it sure used to for me during many years of registered nursing practice. I sometimes send hand made cards (not made by me). It seems so unusual anymore with email and texts to actually get a letter or card by mail.
Marg, I understand the desire to show our appreciation to the staff. Where Lynn is it is against their policy to gift to an individual and only gift such as food or flowers that can be shared equally by all staff are appropriate. They do appreciate the home baked goodies and boxes of chocolates etc. and they are aware that we can't give them more. (at least IN the facility)
Personally I think it means more to them to hear how much they are appreciated. I constantly praise them both personally and in writing notes to their supervisors. I go every day, for over 5 years now, so I know the staff very well. It is easy to tell when someone is having a bad day, or if the floor is stressed. I take a run to the store to buy them treats. If someone passes away, I go to the local Dunkin Donuts and get them coffee and treats. It is the little things like that that let them know we care. Maybe it is just my experience, but I think because I am so vocal about how much I value each of them, they do a much better job on Lynn's care.
As Nikki said, I think a note or letter to their supervisor--something that will be kept in their employee file--is a good idea. It may even help them get a raise when performance evaluation time rolls around.
Thanks to all who responded to this inquiry. Great suggestions from all. I asked one RN, and her idea was that they don’t need anything on the unit, but chocolate would be a hit. So, today I bought Swiss chocolates (appropriate, since my DH is Swiss) for each of the shifts, enclosing a card with each. It went over really well with the Morning and Afternoon shifts – left a package for the overnight crew. Tomorrow I will send a card to the Deputy Director of Care (their boss). I appreciate your suggestions (loved the pizza suggestion!)