home help and christmas presents

cool_pinkie

I think if care workers are not to accept gifts they can take small things less then a few pounds. When I did support work I think we were advised to inform the manager if we were offered anything but obviously if it was expensive you would have to decline. I think most carers have come across this and know to be sensitive so not to hurt the service user's feelings.

Torry_Quine

I agree with others who have said that care staff are not supposed to accept gifts of any kind. One of the reasons is that it would be unfair if some staff got gifts as their client could afford it and was mentally aware enough to give but others didn't. They are all doing the same job and having differences between them is not a good idea.

Errata

A gift costing a few pounds might not make much of a dent in one clients finances, but could make a much larger on in another client's.
What happens if one client gives a home carer a 20p diary and another of their clients gives a £5 box of chocs ? Does it affect the professional relationship ?
It seems to me that the wisest path is one that forbids gifts from clients, then nobody's hurt, out of pocket or feels beholden and the relationship remains on a professional footing.

Money_maker

I would suggest a small gift (box matchmakers, 4 pack ferrero rocher etc) could be given to the carers that attend on Christmas Day only. No carer expects any gifts but the ones that work on Christmas Day would greatly appreciate it (I always refuse to do Christmas Eve and Day). You are not allowed to accept gifts from clients (service users) however most companies would not disapprove of a small token gesture gift such as this. If in any doubt, contact their office and obtain approval beforehand.

Do not try to gift all the carers - you could have 20 or more different ones covering these calls and it would be a nightmare to sort out.

Money_maker

Stardust wrote: »

I give a large box / tin of sweets to my nans carers to share out between themselves at the office.

Community carers don't work in the office generally. They wont see them - only the office staff!

cookie54

where i work we are allowed to accept small gift ie choc etc but need to log with office any cash gifts or vochures ( sp )

allycat999

Errata wrote: »

Homecare workers, whether agency or council, are not allowed to accept gifts from clients.

Totally correct, any acceptance of any gift is financial abuse. This policy is in place specifically due to elderly service users being put into this position at christmas. If a service user buys 5 carers a gift one year they feel they have to buy christmas presents the next year, if they now have 10 carers this quickly becomes a financial strain.
As a member of an adult abuse team I do not believe it is acceptable to accept gifts even of a minimal value I do consider that a policy of no gifts ensures financial abuse does not occur.

dexter_fan

I work in Retirement Housing, and we also have a strict 'no pressie' rule. I think a fair way would be to buy a tin of sweets, and leave them open for any passing carer/visitor to have a sweet. Only one tin to buy, and each carer has not taken anything of value. A tin would easily last throughout the festive season

grunnie

dexter_fan wrote: »

I work in Retirement Housing, and we also have a strict 'no pressie' rule. I think a fair way would be to buy a tin of sweets, and leave them open for any passing carer/visitor to have a sweet. Only one tin to buy, and each carer has not taken anything of value. A tin would easily last throughout the festive season

My mum has a tin of sweets open all the time for her carers and helpers but I give the small gifts at Christmas. I also put a box of biscuits to the care staff of the home she stays in .

borders_dude

Old_Git wrote: »

So how should she get around the Christmas present problem .

If it was me I would have a problem becuase I wouldnt be given them anything.

They are paid staff, there to do a job, she doesnt owe them anything.

Just call me scrooge.!.!