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Help..Need Favors for Staff at Assisted Living Home:)
Hoping someone has some great ideas! My grandmother was just moved into an assisted living facility for dementia. I get to go visit her on Sunday and would like to take some type of stamped item for her and some type of "favor" item for the staff that is working with her. Maybe something small/individual that I can put in a large basket for each of the staff to take.
I found out that I finally get to visit a couple hours ago and my mind is emotionally drained of creative ideas. This has been a really tough transition for us all and ANY ideas/suggestions would be WONDERFUL
It's not my idea, but PAMELAK shared these some time ago. I thought they were just great. You'd have to adapt the poem to rhyme with your grandmother's name, but I think it makes a lovely token gift. Just an idea!
Hoping someone has some great ideas! My grandmother was just moved into an assisted living facility for dementia. I get to go visit her on Sunday and would like to take some type of stamped item for her and some type of "favor" item for the staff that is working with her. Maybe something small/individual that I can put in a large basket for each of the staff to take.
I found out that I finally get to visit a couple hours ago and my mind is emotionally drained of creative ideas. This has been a really tough transition for us all and ANY ideas/suggestions would be WONDERFUL
Thanks Kim
I wanted to pipe in and give you a ((((big hug)))! I used to work at a Dementia Assisted living as an Activity Director and then as an Admissions Director and I know how hard it can be to place a loved one. It sounds like you are happy with the facility which is GREAT! And it is wonderful that you visit so often... many families do not... good for you and your Grandmother! Visiting often and befrending the staff can really help aid staff/family communication.
Caregivers love food! Especially Chocolate! although if it's very hot where you live another candy may be more appropriate. How about just a cello bag with candy or a home-made goodie (muffin, cookie, chocolate dipped pretzel) and a nice "Thank you" tag attached? I would also be prepared to feed some residents if you bring food... perhaps ask the nurse on your Grandmothers wing/unit if you bring some munchies for the residents too. It's just almost impossible to "walk around" with an item for staff and not encounter some hungry folks!... or maybe you could just ask them to put something in the break room.
Also... 3rd (night) shift ALWAYS gets forgotten in these sorts of group gifts. You might want to ask if some items could be put aside and left especially for the night and evening shifts. The Director of the facility or the Activity Director will be more than happy to help you I am sure!
Randie 58- It is so funny as I had just cased those tea bags and posted how much I loved them earlier in the day and then you emailed the exact same link!
Sarah -Thanks so much for the response as you gave me a lot of great info. This is a first to me as she was just moved from her house last week and I have not been able to visit until now as the facility wanted only her son to visit for the first week. Not sure what to expect but I KNOW that I have to take something for them Thanks again.
Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I would like to take something every month or so!
Me again... so apparently they do not like chocolate in the facility.
I thought I would do popcorn packets to start (I will do the tea bags when it gets colder as it is 100+ degrees right now)....anyone have cute sayings for popcorn packets that might be appropriate for the staff?
Me again... so apparently they do not like chocolate in the facility.
I thought I would do popcorn packets to start (I will do the tea bags when it gets colder as it is 100+ degrees right now)....anyone have cute sayings for popcorn packets that might be appropriate for the staff?
Kim, I don't think my brain is functioning well right now, but all I can think of is something like:
When you hear the loud popping,
Reminiscent of your day,
And think about all that you do,
As the popping slows,
And it's quiet again,
Remember we appreciate you.
Okay, so I'm not much of a poet. I'll think some more and see if I can come up with something better.
Thanks for the suggestions...Love them! My friend and I were talking about these favors and we were having a hard time coming up with an idea. I told her I was going to post on SCS and she laughed at me. I don't think she has any idea how many FABULOUS people are on this site
psychkim, what you are doing is great! For yourself (and other family caregivers), may I suggest the message boards at alz.org. Many caring people there are going through this as well. Bring a tissue.
Wow, this thread has really taken me back to the time that my dad was in an Alzheimer's facility . . . he had wonderful care there (for the short time he was there) and the staff was great and very appreciative of what we brought in for them and for my dad. I think all of the ideas are wonderful. I did packets with hot chocolate mix and a candy cane for the staff (used the stamp from Inky Antics--Snowman Soup).
You could do something with a pack of Lifesavers for the staff. Might be more practical when the little tiny rolls are available for Halloween (which should be in the next day or two, given that back to school and Christmas are out in some stores Kudos are always good, too--altho that's chocolate.
How about doing something with the RSVP pens (for a non food idea--altho food is always appreciated!!) . . . magnets made from the little tiles would not be too expensive; or even magnets made from cardstock and laminated.
It is a sad time when someone you love has come to this time in their life. My dad has been gone for five years now and I miss him every day.
Thanks for all the suggestions...love the hot coc. and lifesaver ideas. I was also thinking about doing the pens at Christmas time
It was so hard to see her so confused and not understanding what was happening. SHe does not understand that she is not going home. I just feel blessed that she can afford to be in a facility like this and that the people were all so very nice. The least I can do is take them some cute stamped items when I go to visit
Thanks again, it is amazing how impressed "non stampers" are with any type of stamped items!
Help..Need Favors for Staff at Assisted Living Home:)
