What Are Homemaker Services?

There are several services under the umbrella of in-home care. One such service is homemaking, though this can sound like a broad term.

What are the specifics of homemaking services? What does a homemaker do? In this post, we will answer these questions and discuss all the benefits of homemaking services. 

Homemaker, or homemaking, services most often consist of light housekeeping. The word “light” is key here as there can sometimes be confusion regarding what Caregivers are expected and allowed to do. Light housekeeping includes: 

• General tidying of commonly used areas in the home
• Preparing a meal for the client and cleaning up after
• Mopping the floor/vacuuming once a week
• Taking out the trash
• Doing up to three loads of laundry
• Changing linens/sheets in the bedroom(s)
• Cleaning the bathroom, wiping down the tub, shower, sink, and toilet
  

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Sometimes, when Caregivers are doing light housekeeping, such as preparing a meal or doing a load of laundry, they will include other members of the household who aren’t the client. When making breakfast, it isn’t any real extra work to toss another egg in or another piece of toast. Being considerate is simply part of the job, and Caregivers want to ensure they are giving their clients and loved ones a good experience. However, if others in the household would like, or require, services, another service agreement would be created. The agreed upon service plan must be maintained and the Caregiver should not be put in a situation where they have to say no. There is a difference between being considerate for others and going beyond the service agreement.

When heavy housekeeping is required or requested, many care service companies will refer cleaners who can help with those tasks. The primary goal of the Caregiver is to take care of the client, not do heavy housekeeping. This can include things like:

• Deep cleaning spaces in or around the home, such as washing windows, cleaning ovens, or refrigerators
• Yard work such as raking leaves or shoveling snow
• Removing large amounts of clutter from the home
• Moving furniture
• Hanging drapes/decorations

If there is severe clutter, as the client might be hoarding items, bringing a cleaner in might be necessary before care for the client can begin.

What Are Homemaking Skills?

While we’ve already described what homemaking services can include, it is important to note what skills can ensure a Caregiver’s success when tasked with being a homemaker.

• Cleanliness is key. If you are tasked with “making a home,” it is important that the home be clean and a healthy space for the client to be in.
• Organization. The home should be as the Caregiver found it. If they prepare a meal, the kitchen should be tidied up and dishes should be cleaned. 
• Accommodation. As mentioned before, when cooking or doing chores for a client, decency is the best approach. Cooking a little extra for other members of the home or tossing in a few more pieces of clothing to wash are sure ways to ensure everyone has a good experience with the caregiving arrangement. The caregiver is in the home to take care of the client.  Any additional tasks or expectations should be discussed at intake and communicated to the caregiver. 
• If you are a Caregiver interested in learning homemaking skills, prioritize these as they are essential traits when entering a client’s home. A tidy home is beneficial for the mental and physical health of all involved!

How to Become a Homemaker

If you are interested in homemaking as an occupation, you can start by visiting our website here. Please note that working as a Caregiver may require that you help clients in other aspects besides homemaking. While some clients may only need help with light housekeeping a few times a week, others might need help with personal care, companionship, and other similar services. 

This is a tremendously rewarding occupation as you work closely with groups of people who need support. Forging these connections and having such a positive impact on someone not only changes their life but also yours!

If you are, or someone you know is in need of a Caregiver, even if only to offer assistance with homemaking once a week, contact your local Griswold today! You can find them by dialing 1-800-GRISWOLD or by clicking this link. No matter your needs or level of care, we’re here to help you Live Assured.