Housekeeper / Homemaker
Job Descriptions
HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
Housekeeping Services consist only of cleaning services and do not include all Homemaking services described earlier. The job responsibilities of a Housekeeper are limited exclusively to providing home cleaning and laundry services. Housekeepers should refer to the Homemaking Program Policies and Procedures described earlier and Home at Heart’s Cleaning Basics available on the external website, www.homeatheartcare.com or request a copy by contacting the Home at Heart office.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Homemaking as described in this handbook, a Housekeeper shall not provide any services which comprise “home management services” or assistance with activities of daily living (which services may only be provided by an employee that has completed the training requirements), including the following services:
· Meal Preparation
· Shopping for food, clothing or supplies
· Simple household repairs
· Arranging for transportation
· Assistance with bathing
· Assistance with toileting
· Assistance with eating
· Assistance with ambulating
· Any services other than cleaning services.
Any questions as to whether a service which a Housekeeper is requested or directed to complete is a non-cleaning service should be directed to the Supervisor.
HOMEMAKING SERVICES
Homemaking services are general household activities provided by a trained homemaker, when a client is unable to manage the home or when the person regularly responsible for these activities is temporarily absent or unable to manage the home.
Covered services are listed in the community support plan (care plan) of the client and may include the following:
Homemaking Responsibilities
Home at Heart Homemakers are expected to provide the highest quality of cleaning and service possible to all clients. These services are to be performed INSIDE the home living areas. Garages and unfinished basements are not generally considered living areas. The following job responsibilities are tasks which a client may ask the Homemaker to perform on a regular schedule or only periodically. For further instruction on proper cleaning techniques, Homemakers should refer to Home at Heart’s Cleaning Basics which is available on the external website, www.homeatheartcare.com or request a copy by contacting the Home at Heart office. The following is not inclusive of duties which may be included in a client’s plan.
Bathrooms – Wash sink, top of vanity, fronts of cabinets, toilet, tub/shower and surrounding area, mirrors and entire floor area. Goggles and gloves are required equipment when cleaning bathrooms and are provided to the Homemaker by Home at Heart; masks are also available on request.
Kitchens - Wash, dry and put away dishes, clean and disinfect countertops, stovetop, surfaces of appliances, tabletops and inside of microwave, sweep and mop floors, occasional cleaning of oven and refrigerator as needed.
Dusting - In every room dust all surfaces, shelves and items on the shelves. Pick up the items to dust under them (rather than dusting around them) and clean the item itself. If the client requests furniture polish, Homemakers should buff the piece of furniture with a dry cloth after the polish dries. Homemakers are NOT required to dust or wash collectible items/items of value if Homemaker’s are uncomfortable with the responsibility of doing so.
Flooring - Vacuum all carpeted areas, changing vacuum bag as needed. Sweep bare floors prior to washing them, mop using the client’s preferred method, including cleaning mp boards. Homemakers are not required to do “hands and knees” mopping. If Homemakers are asked and are unable or unwilling to clean floors on their hands and knees, please contact the supervisor. Pick up rugs to vacuum or mop underneath taking care not to shake the rugs in the house, shake them outside. Clients may want rugs aired out.
Windows - Thoroughly wash insides of all windows, window sills and tracks. Double hung windows may be taken apart to wash outside surfaces if the client requests. Upon request, Homemakers may remove, launder and re-hang curtains/valances ONLY if accessible from a one-step stool.
Bed Linens - Strip the dirty sheets (unless they are soiled with bodily fluids) and make-up the bed with clean sheets. Launder dirty bedding, fold and put away or put back on bed.
Laundry - Wash, dry, fold or hang up and put away the laundry. Some items may also need to be ironed.
Trash - Gather up trash throughout all rooms and replace trash can liners, collect in a main trash bag (usually from the kitchen) and take out when leaving for the day.
Sorting and Organizing - Assist client in sorting and discarding items no longer needed in closets, corners, piles, etc.
Walls and Ceilings - Wash walls and ceilings as requested. Use a one-step stool only (not a chair or ladder – see below). Utilize a long handled mop (with clean mop head) or dry duster with extension as needed for ceilings and high walls. Clean door handles and switch plates.
Grocery Shopping and Errands – Ask clients to make a shopping list, assist with this if needed, which includes needed items and the brand or type if applicable. If the client provides the Homemaker with money, please follow the below process:
Meal Preparation - Homemakers may prepare meals to be eaten by the client during the visit or to be refrigerated or frozen for future use. This includes the occasional baking of cakes, cookies, bars, pies, etc. as requested.
Homemakers are NOT allowed to:
· Shovel snow, rake yards, clean flower beds or garden, or other chores outside of the home living areas.
· Transport clients or other household members (including pets) in any vehicle
· Use ladders or a chair in place of a stool. There are methods to accommodate ceiling and wall washing beyond reach from a one-step stool (utilize a long-handled mop or duster extension).
· Purchase or use of alcohol
· Purchase or use of tobacco products. Client homes are designated non-smoking areas for all Homemakers, even if the client smokes or uses tobacco.
· Participation in illegal activities, including but not limiting to the purchase or use of controlled substances.
· Purchase Lottery Ticket (of any kind).
· Administer Medications (over-the-counter or prescription) including filling client pill boxes or laying out daily medications.
Client Pets - Homemakers are not required to clean up animal feces or clean cat litter boxes. If a Homemaker is comfortable with cleaning up after pets, the Homemaker may choose to do so for the client, but is not required to do so.
Homemaking Program Policies and Procedure
The following are the policies and procedures specifically applicable to the Home at Heart Homemaking program and Home at Heart Homemakers. These policies and procedures supplement the generally applicable policies and procedures set forth within this Handbook.
Absent Clients - Homemakers may only provide services when the client is home. Do NOT enter any client’s home if they are not present. Under unique circumstances, Home at Heart has a policy that allows for Prearranged Visits, Homemakers may contact the supervisor for guidance.
Work Schedule/Holiday - Home at Heart expects Homemakers to coordinate with the client and supervisor to establish a work schedule. This work schedule should take into consideration observed holidays. Homemakers should not schedule work during observed holidays.
Lifting - Home at Heart does not allow Homemakers to move heavy furniture (sofa, loveseat, beds, lounging chairs, etc.). As a general guideline, Homemakers should only lift objects that weigh less than twenty-five (25) pounds.
Personal Care/Activities of Daily Living (“ADLs”) - Assisting any client with personal care and or ADLs is not part of the Homemaker’s essential responsibilities. This includes, but is not limited to:
· assisting with shower/bath
· trimming toenails or fingernails
· doing hair
· dressing or undressing
· changing/regulating oxygen tanks
· transporting and/or monitoring/adjusting any medical apparatus.
Blood Borne Pathogens/Bodily Fluids - Homemakers are not required to clean up any blood or bodily fluids from their clients. This includes, but is not limited to, syringe clean-up, wiping up blood or bodily fluids including emesis, or handing of personal items that have been soiled with blood.
Housekeeping Services consist only of cleaning services and do not include all Homemaking services described earlier. The job responsibilities of a Housekeeper are limited exclusively to providing home cleaning and laundry services. Housekeepers should refer to the Homemaking Program Policies and Procedures described earlier and Home at Heart’s Cleaning Basics available on the external website, www.homeatheartcare.com or request a copy by contacting the Home at Heart office.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Homemaking as described in this handbook, a Housekeeper shall not provide any services which comprise “home management services” or assistance with activities of daily living (which services may only be provided by an employee that has completed the training requirements), including the following services:
· Meal Preparation
· Shopping for food, clothing or supplies
· Simple household repairs
· Arranging for transportation
· Assistance with bathing
· Assistance with toileting
· Assistance with eating
· Assistance with ambulating
· Any services other than cleaning services.
Any questions as to whether a service which a Housekeeper is requested or directed to complete is a non-cleaning service should be directed to the Supervisor.
HOMEMAKING SERVICES
Homemaking services are general household activities provided by a trained homemaker, when a client is unable to manage the home or when the person regularly responsible for these activities is temporarily absent or unable to manage the home.
Covered services are listed in the community support plan (care plan) of the client and may include the following:
- Meal preparation
- Shopping and errands
- Routine household care
- Assistance with instrumental activities of daily living
- Transportation arrangement
- Companionship
- Emotional support
- Social stimulation
- Monitoring of the safety and wellbeing of the client
Homemaking Responsibilities
Home at Heart Homemakers are expected to provide the highest quality of cleaning and service possible to all clients. These services are to be performed INSIDE the home living areas. Garages and unfinished basements are not generally considered living areas. The following job responsibilities are tasks which a client may ask the Homemaker to perform on a regular schedule or only periodically. For further instruction on proper cleaning techniques, Homemakers should refer to Home at Heart’s Cleaning Basics which is available on the external website, www.homeatheartcare.com or request a copy by contacting the Home at Heart office. The following is not inclusive of duties which may be included in a client’s plan.
Bathrooms – Wash sink, top of vanity, fronts of cabinets, toilet, tub/shower and surrounding area, mirrors and entire floor area. Goggles and gloves are required equipment when cleaning bathrooms and are provided to the Homemaker by Home at Heart; masks are also available on request.
Kitchens - Wash, dry and put away dishes, clean and disinfect countertops, stovetop, surfaces of appliances, tabletops and inside of microwave, sweep and mop floors, occasional cleaning of oven and refrigerator as needed.
Dusting - In every room dust all surfaces, shelves and items on the shelves. Pick up the items to dust under them (rather than dusting around them) and clean the item itself. If the client requests furniture polish, Homemakers should buff the piece of furniture with a dry cloth after the polish dries. Homemakers are NOT required to dust or wash collectible items/items of value if Homemaker’s are uncomfortable with the responsibility of doing so.
Flooring - Vacuum all carpeted areas, changing vacuum bag as needed. Sweep bare floors prior to washing them, mop using the client’s preferred method, including cleaning mp boards. Homemakers are not required to do “hands and knees” mopping. If Homemakers are asked and are unable or unwilling to clean floors on their hands and knees, please contact the supervisor. Pick up rugs to vacuum or mop underneath taking care not to shake the rugs in the house, shake them outside. Clients may want rugs aired out.
Windows - Thoroughly wash insides of all windows, window sills and tracks. Double hung windows may be taken apart to wash outside surfaces if the client requests. Upon request, Homemakers may remove, launder and re-hang curtains/valances ONLY if accessible from a one-step stool.
Bed Linens - Strip the dirty sheets (unless they are soiled with bodily fluids) and make-up the bed with clean sheets. Launder dirty bedding, fold and put away or put back on bed.
Laundry - Wash, dry, fold or hang up and put away the laundry. Some items may also need to be ironed.
Trash - Gather up trash throughout all rooms and replace trash can liners, collect in a main trash bag (usually from the kitchen) and take out when leaving for the day.
Sorting and Organizing - Assist client in sorting and discarding items no longer needed in closets, corners, piles, etc.
Walls and Ceilings - Wash walls and ceilings as requested. Use a one-step stool only (not a chair or ladder – see below). Utilize a long handled mop (with clean mop head) or dry duster with extension as needed for ceilings and high walls. Clean door handles and switch plates.
Grocery Shopping and Errands – Ask clients to make a shopping list, assist with this if needed, which includes needed items and the brand or type if applicable. If the client provides the Homemaker with money, please follow the below process:
- Use the receipt booklet provided by the Supervisor
- Confirm amount – Homemaker should count the monies & repeat the total to the client to confirm the amount.
- Review the items purchased with the client while putting them away.
- ALWAYS return the store receipt and any monies left.
- Both client and Homemaker to sign the HAHC receipt and/or log sheet provided in the Client Handbook
Meal Preparation - Homemakers may prepare meals to be eaten by the client during the visit or to be refrigerated or frozen for future use. This includes the occasional baking of cakes, cookies, bars, pies, etc. as requested.
Homemakers are NOT allowed to:
· Shovel snow, rake yards, clean flower beds or garden, or other chores outside of the home living areas.
· Transport clients or other household members (including pets) in any vehicle
· Use ladders or a chair in place of a stool. There are methods to accommodate ceiling and wall washing beyond reach from a one-step stool (utilize a long-handled mop or duster extension).
· Purchase or use of alcohol
· Purchase or use of tobacco products. Client homes are designated non-smoking areas for all Homemakers, even if the client smokes or uses tobacco.
· Participation in illegal activities, including but not limiting to the purchase or use of controlled substances.
· Purchase Lottery Ticket (of any kind).
· Administer Medications (over-the-counter or prescription) including filling client pill boxes or laying out daily medications.
Client Pets - Homemakers are not required to clean up animal feces or clean cat litter boxes. If a Homemaker is comfortable with cleaning up after pets, the Homemaker may choose to do so for the client, but is not required to do so.
Homemaking Program Policies and Procedure
The following are the policies and procedures specifically applicable to the Home at Heart Homemaking program and Home at Heart Homemakers. These policies and procedures supplement the generally applicable policies and procedures set forth within this Handbook.
Absent Clients - Homemakers may only provide services when the client is home. Do NOT enter any client’s home if they are not present. Under unique circumstances, Home at Heart has a policy that allows for Prearranged Visits, Homemakers may contact the supervisor for guidance.
Work Schedule/Holiday - Home at Heart expects Homemakers to coordinate with the client and supervisor to establish a work schedule. This work schedule should take into consideration observed holidays. Homemakers should not schedule work during observed holidays.
Lifting - Home at Heart does not allow Homemakers to move heavy furniture (sofa, loveseat, beds, lounging chairs, etc.). As a general guideline, Homemakers should only lift objects that weigh less than twenty-five (25) pounds.
Personal Care/Activities of Daily Living (“ADLs”) - Assisting any client with personal care and or ADLs is not part of the Homemaker’s essential responsibilities. This includes, but is not limited to:
· assisting with shower/bath
· trimming toenails or fingernails
· doing hair
· dressing or undressing
· changing/regulating oxygen tanks
· transporting and/or monitoring/adjusting any medical apparatus.
Blood Borne Pathogens/Bodily Fluids - Homemakers are not required to clean up any blood or bodily fluids from their clients. This includes, but is not limited to, syringe clean-up, wiping up blood or bodily fluids including emesis, or handing of personal items that have been soiled with blood.