Help Around the Home

It mightn't be everyone's favourite task, but supporting members to maintain a clean and hygienic environment at home has a massive impact on their wellbeing. As we start to lose mobility, it can be easy for small jobs to build up and cause us stress. Don't underestimate the value of what you contribute when you help members keep their homes clean and tidy.

This section has guidance for how to take initiative in supporting members with basic cleaning.

What does Help Around the Home include?

Wiping/dusting surfaces, sweeping
Washing, drying, putting away dishes
Washing, drying, putting away laundry
Disposing of household waste
Vacuuming or mopping floors
Bathroom, shower and toilet
Changing sheets and bedding
Wiping walls/de-cobwebbing
Washing windows
Kitchen appliances
Light decluttering and sorting

Always ask.

Everyone has different preferences for how they like to do cleaning tasks. Don't be afraid to ask a member how they'd prefer to to have cleaning jobs done. That way you can be sure you're meeting their expectations.

Equipment

If you are required to do any cleaning, you should use the cleaning agents and tools that are available at the member's home. Your Helper kit will contain disposable gloves for your use, should they be required for activities where there's a risk of exposure to bodily fluids. Otherwise, use reusable rubber gloves for any cleaning.

Guidelines

Use detergent and water for general cleaning, and use disinfectant when infection is known or suspected. Use different cloths for each room. Cloths used for floors should only be used for floors.
Clean spills promptly, dispose of contaminated materials and perform hand hygiene.
If cleaning up spills of bodily fluids, ensure you are wearing disposable gloves and clean the spill using a disposable towel, which should then be disposed of with the gloves in a plastic bag and placed in the member's household bin. Finally, clean the area with detergent and water. Ensure you wash your hands afterwards.

How often should I be cleaning?

Multiple times daily

Wipe down kitchen benches after food preparation.
Wash dishes and cooking utensils after each meal.

Once daily

Sweep the floors.
Empty the kitchen rubbish bin.

1–2x each week

Wash/mop the floors.
Clean the toilet.
Clean the laundry tub.
Clean the shower recess/bath and handbasin.
Dust surfaces
Wash clothes and bed linen

Once each month

Clean the stove/oven and refrigerator
Clean cupboards, windows and walls
Brush the flyscreens
Get rid of cobwebs

Cleaning Practices and Safety

Vacuuming

Before using, pull out the power cable to its full length, checking for any breakages or fraying. Do not use if the cord is frayed and external wires exposed. Check that there is room in the bag or cavity—they should not exceed three-quarters full.
Always plug in vacuums with the power switched off.
Ensure the cable sits flat on the floor, and avoid stretching across walkways—if this is essential, ensure you inform others that you are doing so.
Only move heavy furniture with assistance.
Do not vacuum up large objects, liquids or damp items as these may damage the machine. Where there is a lot of debris, sweep it up first before vacuuming.
Ensure long/large mats are rolled out to expose the surface requiring vacuuming. Mats and rugs should not be lifted.
Ensure heavy furniture is arranged to allow access around four sides (or at least three sides). If not, only the exposed floor surfaces should be vacuumed.
Avoid vacuuming stairs that require the repeated lifting of the vacuum cleaner – or use a lightweight stick vacuum cleaner.
Assessing whether vacuum is fit for purpose (this should usually happen during safety assessment).

Making beds

Do not move bed unless it has been fitted with castors with a lockable braking system and are easy to manoeuvre.
Ensure the bed is moved away from the wall and/or furniture and is clear of obstructions.
Ensure a minimum of two workers are available to turn a mattress. Avoid turning mattresses alone.
Kneel instead of bending or squatting when tucking in sheets.
Tuck in sheets and blankets at the end of the beds only, leaving sides untucked (ensure this is suitable and safe for the client)
Ensure linen is located nearby on a chair or table between hip and shoulder height.

Laundry

When changing sheets and bed linen, where possible, carry the laundry basket to the bedside and empty the linen directly into the laundry basket.
Wear disposable gloves when handling linen of residents or members who have an infection, or if the linen is soiled.
Do not placed used linen or clothing on the floor. Avoid shaking used linen and keep it away from your clothes.
Place linen soiled with body fluids into leak-proof laundry bags. You should avoid having to carry around soiled linen.
Always wash your hands after handling members' linen.

Bathrooms

Use cleaning agents to assist with cleaning. These will usually be provided by the member. Use toilet cleaner for the toilet bowl. You should not use bleach-based products.
Where available, rinse with handheld shower or tap with attachable handheld shower hose
Minimise time spent kneeling – use mops or long handled squeegee to reach difficult areas where possible.
Kneel rather than bending or squatting – use a folded towel when kneeling.
Use one hand on the bath to support weight when cleaning and rising from kneeling.
Keep an open palm by using a larger cleaning pad.
In slippery areas, stand on a damp cloth or non-slip mat, where available.

Mopping

Ensure mop buckets are only part or half filled (filling should be done as close to the area to be mopped as possible)
Mop in an 'S' shape, keeping yourself as upright as possible. Use floor cleaner/detergent.
Notify any people in the house of any areas where there are wet floors.
After using the mop, rinse it with clean, hot water.
Only move heavy furniture with assistance.
Ensure heavy furniture is arranged to allow access around four sides (or at least three sides). If not, only the exposed floor surfaces should be mopped.
Ensure long/large mats are rolled out to expose the surface requiring mopping. Mats and rugs should not be lifted.
Assess whether mop and bucket are fit for purpose (this should happen during OHS assessment).

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