Housekeeping

Housekeeping is an important part of caregiving.  Housekeeping should be done to the client/loved one's preferences as much as possible.

If you are a paid caregiver, you are probably expected to keep the home clean as part of your responsibilities.

Again, observation is a key element.  Take notice--if the home is already clean, the client/loved one is probably used to having a clean home and you will just need to maintain its cleanliness. Observe where cleaning supplies are kept so that you can return them to their proper place. Observe how things are arranged on table tops, shelves, bathroom counters, etc. so you can replace them in the same places after cleaning the surface.  Observe how beds are made, towels are hung, dishes are shelved so you will be able to put them back in the same way.

If the home is not clean, you will need to ask.  Ask if the client/loved one has preferences how things are done or how they look.  A messy, dirty home may be due to the inability of the client/loved one to continue housekeeping due to illness or injury. It is not necessarily an indication that they don't care.

So far as possible, things should be done to the preference and convenience of the client/loved one.