10.2: Unit B- Performing Housekeeping in the Home

We all maintain our own living spaces. Each of us has preferred ways of doing things. We have specific cleaning supplies we might especially like. We may like to perform household tasks in a certain order. We may even feel very particular about other people touching our personal belongings. While Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides use the housekeeping skills that they already use to clean their own homes, they can also learn new ones in this course.Remember, cleaning another person’s home is very different than cleaning your own home!

The way Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides do things may be very different from the way their patient does, or prefers to have them done. Remember though, that there is more than one way to complete a task. Remember also that the patient’s preferences are always correct and must be respected. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides must always be conscious (aware) of respecting their patient’s belongings, their preferences, and their cultural values and practices (Leahy, Fuzy & Grafe, 2013).

Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides will be using equipment and cleaning supplies different from their own. They should find out how to use their patient’s equipment correctly. Ask the patient to explain how to use it, read the manufacturer’s instruction booklet, or seek assistance from a supervisor. They should ask their patient to tell them how they would like their home to be cleaned and the cleaning supplies they prefer them to use. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides must remember when completing tasks in which they must move the patient’s belongings to always put them back where they were. They shouldn’t take it upon themselves to rearrange their patient’s belongings or furniture. Think about how you might feel if someone came into your home and started to rearrange your things because they thought their way was best! Handle the patient and family’s belongings carefully. Replacing items, especially equipment, can be very expensive.

While it is important to encourage independence and support a patient’s ability to perform household tasks independently, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should always be sensitive to their limitations (Leahy, Fuzy & Grafe, 2013). They may not be able to physically complete a task that others may find very simple. They may also not be able to psychologically handle the extra burden or stress of cleaning or performing other household tasks. Do not be judgmental about their abilities. Instead, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should work with them to find the tasks that they are able to do. Find creative ways to adapt tasks to their abilities. For example, a patient may not be able to stand for long periods of time. However, they may be able to very successfully perform many household tasks seated. They could fold laundry, iron clothing, prepare food, and even vacuum from a seated position!

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\)

True or False

1. It is okay to clean your patient’s home the way you normally clean yours. After all, you know how to clean!True or False? __________

2. Patients should be expected to keep their own home clean, and do the majority of the cleaning tasks, even if they are physically ill or stressed. True or False? __________

Answer

1. False

2. False

FEEDBACK:

1. The Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide should always be respectful of patient’s preferences for how their house is cleaned, supplies used, and while handling patient’s belongings. Their home is their own personal space and the HHA/PCA should be mindful of this.

2. Patients may not be physically capable of cleaning their homes due to illness, disease, or disability. It is an important task of the HHA/PCA to provide light housekeeping duties to assist the patient and their family in their time of need. Patients and family members may help within their physical capabilities. The HHA/PCA should never pressure, rush, or make a patient feel badly if they are unable to assist in taking care of their home.