The holidays are quickly approaching. As you finish up your shopping and prepare to celebrate the holidays, a few questions about your loved one's home healthcare worker may begin to sneak into your head. You may begin to wonder if your loved one's schedule will change with the holidays or if you should buy a gift. Here are a few frequently asked questions you may have about home healthcare workers and the holidays.

Should I Give a Home Healthcare Worker a Gift or a Tip?

During the holiday season, you may find yourself wondering who you should tip or give gifts to and who you should not. If this is the first year your loved one has had an at home healthcare worker, you may find yourself wondering whether you should tip or give a gift.

Giving a gift is a nice gesture this time of year. The healthcare worker provides your loved one with a lot of care and support, so saying thank you with a thoughtful gift is acceptable. Many home healthcare workers spend a lot of time socializing with your loved one, so if your loved one is able to communicate, they may be able to help you come up with gifts that fit in with the interests that the home healthcare worker may have. If you are considering giving cash instead of a gift, check with the agency that employees the home healthcare worker first. Many agencies will not allow home healthcare workers to accept cash gifts or tips.

Will My Loved One's Home Healthcare Schedule Change Because of the Holidays?  

It is likely that your loved one's home healthcare schedule will change because of the holidays. If the home healthcare worker only checks in on your loved one a couple of times per week, their schedule will likely be adjusted so that they can enjoy the holidays with their family as well. However, if your loved one is checked on daily, or has health needs that require a visit on a particular day, their schedule may not change. Talk to the home care health worker a couple of weeks before the holidays to find out for sure. They will be able to inform you of any schedule changes.

My Loved One Seems Sad Around the Holidays. Should I Discuss This With the Home Healthcare Worker?

It is very common for those who have medical issues, the elderly and those who may be confined to a home to feel depressed or sad around the holiday season. You and your family may be busy shopping, baking and celebrating the holidays, while your loved one feels alone and left out of the festivities. Or your loved one may simply be reflecting on their poor health. Whatever the reason for your loved one's blues, it is something you should discuss with your loved one's home healthcare worker.

Home healthcare workers are trained to spot the signs of depression. As such, they may already notice shifts in your loved one's mood and behavior. However, if they haven't, bringing this topic up can help them to keep a closer eye on them. Sometimes bringing the topic up opens up a conversation for what you and the home healthcare worker can do to lift your loved one's mood. Other times, the home healthcare worker may recommend you make an appointment for your loved one with a doctor or mental health professional. Either way, it is always important to discuss changes in your loved one's mood and behavior with their home healthcare professional, regardless of what time of year it is.

If this is the first year your loved one has had a home healthcare worker, you may have some questions about home healthcare workers and the holidays. If you haven't found all the answers you need in this article, then go to websites that offer more information about home healthcare. Getting answers to these questions will help you feel better prepared for the upcoming holiday season.

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