Do In-Home Caregivers Work on Holidays?

You need assistance caring for a loved one, so you’ve hired extra help. Now, what about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s? Do in-home caregivers work on holidays?

 

Will an In-Home Caregiver Work on Holidays?

The answer depends. Most healthcare workers expect to be on duty some nights, weekends, and holidays. It’s simply the nature of their job. Nevertheless, most people won’t be happy if you abruptly dump long hours on them during this hectic time of year. After all, caregivers have families too. Therefore, it’s important to consider your loved one’s, yours AND the caregiver’s needs.

 

Top Tips for Setting Up Holiday Care

  • Schedule in Advance
    Rather than scrambling to find coverage at the last minute, meet with the caregiver in late October or early November. Ask what days they would like to have off. And remember, it’s OK to compromise. For example, the caregiver could work on Christmas but then have December 26th and 27th free.

 

  • Have a Backup Plan
    There may be a situation where the caregiver needs a day off, and you won’t be around. For instance, let’s say you are both traveling over Thanksgiving. In this case, be prepared to make other plans. You may know a friend or family member who could cover for a day or two. Or, if you’re stuck, contact a local healthcare staffing agency and arrange for a fill-in caregiver or in-home respite care. Most firms provide everything from single day to year-round coverage.

 

  • Offer Extra Pay
    Although not necessarily required, it’s a nice gesture to pay time and a half (or double) for major holidays. This is a thoughtful way to express your appreciation since most people prefer NOT to work Thanksgiving and Christmas. In fact, you may choose to give caregivers a bonus or a seasonal present as well. However, if you are working through an agency, be sure to double-check the rules. Many firms automatically cover holiday rates and/or restrict the size of gifts caregivers may accept. Understanding the rules allows you to avoid an awkward situation, and instead, give the hardworking caregiver a pleasant surprise.

 

Do You Need a Caregiver Who Can Work Over the Holidays?

Anodyne Staffing would be happy to connect you with the help you need. Our recruiters place caregivers, home health aides, and nurses with families throughout Eastern Massachusetts. We provide everything from day one, fill-in coverage to year-round, long-term care. Contact us today to make arrangements for the upcoming holiday season!