Maintaining a home can be a lot of work, and if someone is elderly or has a disability, the job might be too big. One way to help your loved one live as independently as possible is to provide light housekeeping duties. That way, their home will remain clean and free of clutter, so they don’t have to worry about keeping things in order.
At PASCO, we’re dedicated to helping clients to live independently with resources that can help them thrive. We believe that family members make the best caregivers, and our Family Caregiver Program will ensure that you’re prepared to provide all kinds of services for your loved one.
Let’s look at what it takes to do light housekeeping and how it can benefit your loved one.
What is considered light housekeeping?
Light housekeeping is an arbitrary term that can include a variety of tasks. When compared to deep cleaning, light housekeeping usually only includes taking care of the areas in which the client spends his or her time. This includes places like the kitchen, bedroom, living room, and bathroom. Deep cleaning, on the other hand, encompasses the entire house, including its exterior.
Some common light housekeeping duties include:
How can in-home healthcare help with light housekeeping?
As an in-home healthcare provider, a caregiver can assist their client with basic housekeeping duties. For example, if the client needs to be bathed, the caregiver will ensure that there are clean towels and fresh clothing for the client to use afterward. The caregiver can also clean the bathroom when they’re finished so it’s ready to be used again.
At mealtime, a caregiver can prepare meals for the client and provide light housekeeping duties when the meal is over. This includes washing the dishes and putting the back in the cabinets, wiping down tables and countertops, and making sure the kitchen floor is swept and clean.
When it’s time for bed, a caregiver can ensure that the bed has fresh linens, and if they need to be changed, the caregiver can quickly handle the job.
These small tasks provide so much help for seniors and people with disabilities. Light housekeeping duties can be hard for people with mobility problems or those with cognitive difficulties, and certain tasks can even become dangerous.
An in-home caregiver can ensure that your loved one is taken care of and that their house is clean and clutter-free.
Why do some people need help with light housekeeping?
Some people need help with light housekeeping so they can safely remain in their home environment. If a person is elderly or has a loss of cognitive function due to dementia, or has a mobility impairment, they may not be able to take care of basic household duties. This includes tasks like doing laundry, loading the dishwasher, or sweeping the floor. Without proper cleaning, the home can quickly become messy and pose a health risk to the person living inside. Without help with basic housekeeping, a senior or a person with a disability can quickly lose their independence. caregivers can help people with cognitive problems or disabilities to tackle light housekeeping duties so they can remain in their homes.
In one study, older women with arthritis were observed as they washed dishes by hand. In 75% of the instances, the plates were not cleaned properly. That means that three quarters of their dishes were dirty, and without help, they had a 75% chance of eating off of dirty plates at their next meal.
What issues could arise when a client doesn’t have housekeeping service?
Some people have mobility problems, making it difficult for them to perform the movements needed to sweep, lift, or scrub. These light housekeeping tasks can be dangerous for people who have conditions like Multiple Sclerosis since they can easily lose their balance or drop objects. Mobility problems are fairly common, and as a person ages, their chances of having mobility issues increases dramatically. This makes light housekeeping duties difficult, if not impossible.
Light housekeeping can also ensure that the home is clutter-free so there aren’t any obstacles around that can become a tripping hazard. Many seniors and people with disabilities can’t bend over to pick objects up off the floor, and clutter can quickly get in the way. Pair that with walking aids and wheelchairs and it’s easy to see how clutter can become a major issue.
Light housekeeping is meant to be easy, and if performed routinely, it takes little effort on the part of a caregiver. If, on the other hand, a client doesn’t have this service, these small tasks can pile up quickly — like dishes in the sink — and those light duties can become massive undertakings. Providing at-home healthcare with added light housekeeping service can make a world of difference for a client who is trying to live as independently as he or she can.
How PASCO can provide light housekeeping services in addition to in-home health care services
At PASCO, we believe in helping clients live independent and vibrant lives, where they can be successful members of their communities. To do this, we support family members who act as caregivers, and we train them to provide quality care to their loved ones. We believe family members make the best caregivers, and because of this, our Family Caregiver Program provides four different ways to become a caregiver for your loved one. That way, you can administer medication, provide medication management and perform light housekeeping duties for your loved one. If you’d like to learn more about light housekeeping services in addition to in-home health care services and you want to know how we can support you toward becoming a Family Caregiver, contact us today.
