What is a general amount of money to give caregivers for Christmas?

I see most answers are a week's pay or a days pay however the agencies in our area charge 40.00 per hour and the caregiver is likely paid near half of that. A shame really. So anything you give them is appreciated. They know you are strapped for cash and appreciate anything they get. When I was a caregiver homemade gifts from the heart were worth more than cash. Fifty years later I still have a play doh rose a client made for me himself. Very special.

The caregiver for my wife works 3 days a week, 8 hours each day. After going through several caregivers all hired privately I found a really good one. She knows her job and is good at it. I'd hate to lose her and have to start again. After asking a lot of people the consensus was a weeks pay. Think about it. A gift card or a measly $20-100 bucks for someone so important to the well being of your loved one is not enough.

My parents have two caregivers. I decided to give each $100 cash because I appreciate what they are doing. Essentially they are there doing the job that I choose not to do. My sister will also be giving them cash. I did not tell my parents I gave them money. Figured it is not necessary to mention.

i learned dedicated caregivers are hard to come by and it is important that they know they are appreciated. If they are good, you want to keep them.

As much as you can afford. Good caregivers are worth their weight in gold!

If it's for caregivers in a nursing home, ethics prevent them from accepting anything unless you do something for the entire staff -- and do it through the administration. Otherwise it appears to be an attempt to buy favored treatment for your loved one.

For Christmas -- and I'm reading the question as a year-end bonus vs. a gift since you're asking about money instead of things -- a generous cash amount of whatever you can afford. A $20 bill is an insult, so I'd say start at least at 20% of a week's salary and go up to as much as an extra week's salary.

LightJoy: Perhaps a gift basket would be acceptable in lieu of money.

If you can afford it, one week's pay for someone who is there all the time with you. Otherwise, whatever you can afford. It's a gift of thanks and any amount should be appreciated.

As I figured, the suggestions are all over the map, and understandably. Everyones financial and health care needs are different, as are the relationships between the caregiver and the person receiving that care.

My suggestion is to give a gift card (for food, gas) in whatever amount feels right to you.

Certainly I couldn't give anyone a full week's salary and I applaud those who have the financial resources to do so - I am sure you have a faithful employee who appreciates your generosity. HOWEVER . . .

The question isn't 'what do YOU give' - it is more general and requires one to consider the person asking the question and the various factors involved (mentioned above) which are very individual.

Yes, caregiving is a tough job and extremely underpaid. But those paying for caregiving are often severely impacted by the expense. $15 per hour X 8 hrs per day comes to $840 a week, an expense that many household budgets struggle with.
I am a caregiver working for an agency and have to report gifts. If my clients give me $20 in gift card or gas card, or cash, I know it is a holiday gift and I am very appreciative. I think most caregivers would be. A days pay, or weeks pay seems exorbitant .

I give a weeks salary. My caregiver comes 4 to 5 days a week (8 hours a day) Question for all you people suggesting $20 - $25 dollars. Did you ever work outside of the home? Did you receive a Xmas bonus or end of year bonus from your place of employment? Was it $20 - $25 dollars for the hard work you did?

Caregiving is not an easy job and If your caregiver is doing an amazing job they deserve a decent Xmas/bonus. Most of them make between $15 to $18 and hour.

I was sadden to see the $ suggestions.

We haven given $25 gift card to Walmart where groceries can be purchased.

$20 to $50 in currency.

Our facility only allows food to be given and it is for all staff in general. No individual gifts. We drop food gifts to administration with cards and they distribute it. Staff parties are often given. We spent $50. When I was working in nursing homes {27 yrs} staff loved the home made cookies and candies. My mom and I make sure staff always knows we appreciate their help..give compliments year round! If I had a home helper I would give a $50 gift card to a local grocery store.

I sent $100 Harry & David gift basket to the nurse's station at my mother's nursing home (full of different kinds of snacks). I also pay a separate caregiver to spend time with my mother 2x/week. She'll get an extra $100 for the holidays. These people work hard and do things I can't imagine doing.

Whatever you can afford and think they deserve. I do believe some caregivers are just biding time, and some have a true heart for it, and put there heart into it. A special note with it letting them know how much you appreciate them, not only feeds their soul but gives them documentation for future jobs.

My Dad had 3 shifts of caregivers per day at home. The caregivers who were regularly scheduled for 1st shift and 3rd shift I gave a $50 Target gift card. The 2nd shift rarely the same person showing up as it was a difficult shift to fill.

I did check with the Agency first, and they said it was ok to give out holiday gifts.

A gift card ($20 or $25)

I doubt if an AL or MC would allow gift giving. You need to check with them. Our Nurses were not allowed to take cash but we used to get a lot of goodies from clients. Some were even good to the Secretaries.

I would check with an agency. Private pay, thats between u and them. Depending on ur finances, you could give a weeks pay or a days pay. Gift cards.

If its a NH situation the aides change all the time. For them and Nursing staff maybe something baked. Order lunch in.

There may be a different answer if you have hired through an agency or if you have a private hire caregiver.
Some agencies my have a policy about what an employee can get as a gift. (the agency relies on the employee to report gifts, if they do or don't that is another story.)
A $25.00 cash or gift card would be a good holiday gift.
If the caregiver is an employee of a facility MC or AL again $25.00 would be good if there is one or two that are your LO's caregivers but I would also bring a tray of cookies, or a sandwich tray to the staff to share. Keep in mind that in a facility there is staff 24/7 and the late night and others that you rarely see should also be included.
What would be appreciated is a well written letter or card thanking "Becky" for the care and dedication. A copy to the caregiver and a copy to the facility or agency if they are not privately hired.

A crisp $20 is a safe bet that most caregivers can accept without having to "report" it to their agency. In addition, you may consider throwing in a gas card and/or grocery card. Considering how little money these people get paid, helping them with everyday expenses is well within the spirit of the season.