House Cleaning for Elderly Homeowners: Because a Clean Space Shouldn’t Be a Burden
While growing up, Mom was always cleaning the house. The five-second rule didn’t apply in your home. She scrubbed those floors so hard that you could eat off the floor any day.
However, Mom is now in her golden years with failing sight and uses her walker to get around the house.
She has verbalized frustrations about the cleanliness of her home, and frankly, you’ve noticed the dust bunnies that have been congregating under the furniture.
You work full-time and have your own household to run, but you are concerned that she could injure herself if she attempts cleaning tasks on her own — but you just do not have the time to appropriately deep clean and maintain her home.
What can you do to help her? Keep reading for further information on house cleaning for elderly homeowners and how Tidy Up Portland! can bring you both peace of mind and a clean house.
Table of Contents
Why House Cleaning Services for the Elderly Are Important
Just because you or your loved one is aging does not mean a clean home should be sacrificed, but enlisting additional help may be necessary.
Keeping a home clean for seniors is important for a variety of reasons, which may include:
A reduced fall risk or injuries from cluttered rooms or hallways
Improved air quality and reduced allergens
Contribution to emotional health stability, knowing the home is presentable
An increased potential to remain in their homes for a longer time — the concept of aging in place
In many cases, it’s the adult children or caregivers who step in to arrange cleaning services for a senior loved one. Tidy Up Portland! conducts virtual walkthroughs for new clients, and our process is designed to be simple for tech-savvy family members, making it easy to coordinate care even if your loved one isn’t comfortable communicating online.
It’s important to note that if you or your loved one needs additional support, beyond housekeeping, it’s recommended to look into hiring a caretaker who can come to the home regularly. Tidy Up is typically able to provide our outstanding cleaning services in conjunction with another agency’s caretaking services.
3 Common Cleaning Challenges That Seniors Face
Understanding the distinction between caregivers and cleaning services helps determine which support your loved one needs. Professional cleaning services focus primarily on maintaining the home environment, while caregivers provide personal assistance and companionship.
As some people do not have the time, ability, or desire to do in-depth home cleaning, Tidy Up Portland! is available to complete those tasks at your convenience.
#1: Limited Mobility
Cleaning a home can be challenging for seniors due to limited or impaired mobility.
Reaching high spaces, cleaning under furniture, or simply stooping to pick up items or scrub low surfaces all have become more difficult.
Caregivers and adult children often see these challenges first. Which is why many choose to set up cleaning services on their behalf.
#2: Safety Concerns
Bending, stretching, reaching, and climbing up and down stairs can all pose increased safety risks to elderly people who may not be as steady on their feet as they were in their younger years.
Impaired mobility paired with handling appliances, like corded vacuums, poses a higher risk for falls or injuries.
Cleaning products or chemicals may also be a concern if used improperly or accidentally combined with another chemical, causing a hazardous reaction.
#3: Chronic Conditions
The cleanliness of a home is not only for the sake of appearance, as keeping dust and allergens controlled may also keep chronic health symptoms at a minimal level.
Particularly, respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema can be triggered by dust and excessive allergens in the air.
Keeping health conditions and the environment in mind, Tidy Up Portland! strives to utilize only green, eco-friendly, and non-toxic products while cleaning your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About House Cleaning for the Elderly
What Makes Senior-Focused Cleaning Services Different?
House cleaning for the elderly may require a few added touches of TLC while providing routine services.
Staff need to understand the challenges their elderly clients may face, such as chronic illnesses, impaired mobility, or cognitive impairments.
So, what may look different when providing house cleaning services for the elderly?
Increased focus on safety
Securing cords or other items away from walking paths
Careful placement of furniture
Securing loose rugs
Consistent staffing
Establishing rapport with the client
Improving comfort and trust levels with consistent staffing
Gentle and non-toxic cleaning products
Reducing the chance of a chronic illness or allergen exacerbation
Communication
Communicating with family members and other caregivers in addition to the homeowner
Keep in mind that senior housekeeping services save time and energy, allowing elderly adults to focus on activities they enjoy. The goal is to support independence but not take over all tasks, especially ones that they are still able to complete.
With thoughtful coordination between family members, caregivers, and cleaning services from Tidy Up Portland!, we can create an environment where seniors thrive while maintaining their sense of control and independence.
What Services Are Typically Included in Senior Cleaning Plans?
Your services can always be tailored to your cleaning needs, but will generally include the following:
Dusting furniture, fixtures, and appliances
Vacuuming carpets and rugs
Mopping and sanitizing hard surface floors
Disinfecting bathrooms and the kitchen
Sanitizing high-touch surfaces
Emptying garbage and recycling bins
Changing bed linens
Laundry
Washing
Drying
Folding
House cleaning services for seniors can easily be customized based on individual requirements. In addition to routine visits, Tidy Up Portland! is also available for deep cleaning, one-time visits, or some specialized needs — all services that can support the elderly population to remain in their own homes as long as possible.
How Do You Handle Fragile Items or Sentimental Belongings?
Professional cleaners should understand the value of your sentimental and fragile items. Great care needs to be taken when working around personal belongings, allowing extra time to clean fragile or delicate articles.
Cleaning experts are trained to handle delicate surfaces with appropriate tools and gentle methods to prevent damage like scratches or dents, and safe, non-toxic products are utilized for delicate items or surfaces.
Reputable cleaning services and professionals prioritize careful handling of fragile and sentimental belongings using specialized training, gentle techniques, and appropriate products.
Does Medicare Cover House Cleaning for Seniors?
Medicare does not cover house cleaning or homemaker services.
The focus of financial Medicare supplementation is to cover healthcare needs such as:
Home health care
Medical equipment needs
Treatment for chronic diagnoses and illnesses
Treatment of injuries
Tidy Up Portland! Wants To Help Provide Seniors With a Cleaner Home and a More Independent Life
The professionals at Tidy Up Portland! want to help seniors live in a clean and comfortable environment. Whether the services are on a routine basis or as needed, we are here to help.
Choices of packages are available, including a Maintenance Cleaning Package and a Deep Cleaning Package.
If you’re a family member arranging care on behalf of an aging loved one, our team is here to make the process simple. With virtual walkthroughs, you can set everything up quickly — no tech skills required for your loved one.
Contact our team of experts at Tidy Up Portland! today by phone or on our convenient online booking service. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, our trustworthy and dependable cleaners will have your or your loved one’s home looking spotless and refreshed in no time.
