Hiring in help for senior citizens can be a challenge. Initially, many seniors may struggle with the idea of asking for or allowing help into their homes. However, hiring a housekeeper can mean more than just keeping things clean.
Health Risks of House Cleaning
If your house isn’t well set up to age in place, you may struggle to stay on top of your cleaning needs. It only takes one slip while carrying a basket of clothes to the basement to cause a serious, life-changing injury. In addition to getting help with heavy tasks, you will want to avoid any cleaning tasks that require you to crawl around on the floor. You may be at risk of a back injury on all fours, or you may suffer a dizzy spell when you get up.
Who to Hire for Occasional Work
Your needs will help you define who you should hire. For example, if you don’t need someone regularly and just want some help getting ready for houseguests or the holidays, Maid Simple is a great option. Not only will they come out and give you an estimate for occasional cleaning, but they use environmentally-friendly cleaning products.
Flexibility
Merry Maids offers you the chance for ultimate flexibility, and they offer coupons on their website. They will clean
- just for the holidays
- with green products if you choose, or
- just come in and clean the bathrooms
Straightforward Pricing
A few services will allow you to calculate your expected payout on their websites. However, Maid Simple makes this even easier. You will pay a flat fee each time a housekeeper comes to your home, and then an hourly rate on top of that flat fee. For simplicity in pricing, this may be your best choice.
What If You Need More than Housekeeping Help?
It should be noted that there are services that can provide personal care assistance as well as light housekeeping. For example, if you are recovering from an injury and need help washing your hair or dressing for a short time, you can hire in a personal care assistant who will
- assist you with dressing
- prepare meals
- run errands
- do light housework, including laundry and cleaning
If you need personal care as well as help with cleaning, a daily check-in with a professional from Right at Home or Caring.com might be a good option.
Should You Hire a Private Individual?
There are a few problems with a private service. First of all, a private hire probably doesn’t have insurance to cover losses if something is damaged or broken. Secondly, they may not have insurance to cover themselves if they suffer a fall or are injured in your home. Finally, if your private hire cleaner is ill or unable to come to your home, you’re simply out of luck as they have no back-up.
While most of these scenarios are unlikely, there is always a possibility that you may suffer a financial loss due to an accident or injury. Unless you are very sure of the cleaner and their quality of work, hiring a professional service can save you worry and headaches.
If you can manage the majority or your personal and household needs but need help flipping the mattress, scrubbing the tub or lugging laundry around, a cleaning service can save you worry and risk. Check them out on-line, carefully note their prices and base fees, and schedule an estimate.
