Talk to them first
For many older people, accepting help with housework can feel like a loss of independence. It goes better when they're involved in the decision: talk about what they find hard, what they'd like help with and who they'd feel comfortable having in their home. Framing it as help with the heavy jobs – hoovering, changing beds, cleaning the bath – often goes down better than 'a cleaner to do everything'.
What a cleaner can help with
Domestic cleaners typically help with:
- Vacuuming, mopping and dusting
- Cleaning bathrooms and kitchens
- Changing beds and putting washing on
- Emptying bins and taking them out
- Ironing
- Keeping on top of clutter and tidying
What a cleaner isn't
A cleaner isn't a carer. Personal care – help with washing, dressing, toileting, medication or eating – is a different service. In England, care providers must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and the other UK nations have their own regulators. If your parent needs personal care, contact their local council for a needs assessment or speak to a registered home care provider.
Choosing the right person
Continuity matters even more here. Someone who comes on the same day each week and gets to know your parent provides reassurance as well as a clean home. Look for patience, reliability and good communication. Ask about insurance and whether they have a basic DBS check – see cleaner insurance and DBS checks.
Safety and wellbeing
A cleaner can be a useful extra pair of eyes:
- Agree who the cleaner should contact if they're worried about your parent
- Make sure products are stored safely and clearly labelled
- Ask the cleaner to keep walkways clear and flag trip hazards such as loose rugs
- Discuss how money will be handled – bank transfer by you is often simplest and clearest
Get quotes from local cleaners
Protecting against scams
Unfortunately, older people are sometimes targeted by rogue traders. Arrange the cleaner yourself or with your parent, agree payment in a clear way and keep in touch with how it's going. Encourage your parent never to agree to extra paid work from anyone at the door without speaking to you first.
Helping a parent at a distance
If you live far away, a regular cleaner can also be reassurance. Agree with your parent (and the cleaner) how you'll keep in touch – a quick message after each visit to say all is well, for example – and who the cleaner should contact if they're worried.
Arrange payment yourself by bank transfer if that's simpler and your parent agrees, so there's no cash in the house and a clear record.
Other help worth knowing about
Local councils can carry out a free care needs assessment, which may lead to support at home. Charities such as Age UK offer advice and, in some areas, help-at-home services. Home adaptations such as grab rails can make bathrooms safer – an occupational therapist assessment through the council can help.
Costs and other help
Domestic cleaning is usually charged by the hour – see our house cleaning cost guide. Some older people may be eligible for financial support through benefits such as Attendance Allowance, which isn't means-tested and can be spent on whatever helps them, including cleaning. Age UK and local councils can advise on what's available locally.
