Live-in housekeeper services: how can a live-in housekeeper help the elderly?

A live-in housekeeper can be a great option for people who require full-time help around the house –from helping with things such as cleaning, vacuuming and laundry, to assisting with the weekly shop and helping out with preparing meals.

Quick summary

  • A live-in housekeeper can help with day-to-day tasks such as cleaning, doing the laundry, cooking and running errands.
  • They can be a great help for those who require full-time support around the house.
  • In many respects, a live-in housekeeper is similar to a live-in carer. A live-in carer also performs a range of care duties such as helping with getting dressed and making sure medication is taken on time.

A live-in housekeeper is a different service from live-in care . Part of a live-in carer’s role is to provide support with everyday domestic tasks such as running errands and doing the shopping, but are there predominantly to help with care needs. However, a live-in housekeeper’s role is to provide full-time help around the house.

In any instance of live-in home help, the most important factor is that it allows people to stay in their own homes, retain a certain level of independence and feel happy and comfortable in their own abilities and circumstances.

Duties of a live-in housekeeper

Cleaning services

One of the main duties of a live-in housekeeper is to ensure the home is kept tidy and clean, in line with the requirements of you and your loved one. This includes day-to-day tasks like washing the dishes, vacuuming and dusting.

It can also include larger-scale cleaning duties, such as cleaning the bathroom and doing a deep or seasonal clean. The exact cleaning tasks will be for you and your housekeeper to decide.

It is extremely important to keep a clean home, especially for the elderly who are more at risk of being exposed to infections – therefore the more you can do to keep germs at bay, the better.

Not only that, but keeping a clean house is beneficial for mental wellbeing and whilst an elderly person may want to keep a tidy home, they may just not have the physical ability to do so, or even be afraid of a fall.

Conditions such as arthritis that limit mobility can make it hard for elderly people to do as much cleaning as they may like – so it is handy to have someone on board to offer help.

Laundry

Doing the laundry can be quite an exertive task for the elderly, and age-related conditions such as dementia and memory loss can result in some people forgetting to do their washing.

A live-in housekeeper will be able to assist with any laundry needs, if this is something you require. They can help with everything from stripping and making beds, and washing bedding and clothes.

Some people may prefer to do their own laundry, but a housekeeper can always assist. They can also help with ironing and any extra washing tasks. Regular laundry is important to make sure there are always clean towels, clothes and linens – all contributing to looking and feeling good.

For those with limited mobility, keeping clean bedding and sheets is important to minimise the risk of developing sores and ulcers – or causing irritation to sensitive skin.

Cooking and preparing meals

Having a healthy and nutritious meal is essential for an elderly person’s wellbeing – both mentally and physically. But it is important for them to also have a say in what they are eating – everyone has their favourite foods that make them happy, so it is key these can be implemented to help people keep control and maintain independence.

Conditions such as Alzheimers, as well as mobility issues such as osteoporosis can make cooking difficult and often dangerous, so having some assistance is beneficial.

A live-in housekeeper will be able to discuss dietary requirements or preferences when it comes to meals and will be able to prepare nutritious and tasty meals and snacks.

Pet care

There are plenty of benefits to having a pet in the home. It can help to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and increase physical activity. Not only that but having pets can even reduce depression and loneliness – which is key for the elderly.

That being said, caring for a pet can sometimes become daunting as a person ages or becomes unwell. However, this doesn’t always mean you need to give up a pet.

In addition to caring for your home, a live-in housekeeper can help with pet care – from walking your dog to ensuring your pets are fed, happy and clean.

Often, accepting help when it comes to household tasks is the first step to accepting assistance in other areas. The wellbeing of yourself or your loved one is of the utmost priority. A live-in housekeeper may not offer as much support as is needed.

At this point, live-in care may become a natural next step. In the same manner, a live-in carer allows people the comfort and independence which comes with staying in your home.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a live-in housekeeper in the UK?

The cost of a live-in housekeeper will likely vary based on a number of factors, such as your requirements, the company or the individual performing the housekeeping services, for example, you may pay more for someone with extensive experience in housekeeping compared to someone who is just starting the profession. Costs will also vary depending on the usual duties you require and the amount of hours per week the housekeeper works. Find out more about the cost of care.

What is a live-in maid?

A live-in maid is someone who takes up permanent residence in your home, and whose duties involve performing the cleaning tasks you require in your home on a daily basis. Whereas a live-out housekeeper will come to your home as their place of work during the day, but return home in the evenings. 

What is the difference between a maid and a housekeeper?

Most of the time the difference between a maid and a housekeeper is that a maid performs one-off large cleaning tasks, whereas a housekeeper performs daily cleaning tasks on a regular basis. A housekeeper may also do tasks such as cooking and laundry.

How much should you pay a housekeeper?

The amount you should pay a housekeeper will vary based on a number of factors, such as how often they come to your house, if they reside in your home permanently, the individual or company and the tasks performed. Paying for care is slightly different, and there are some funding options which can help.

What are the duties of a housekeeper?

The duties of a housekeeper can vary based on the needs of the individual, they can include a wide range of different duties, including, cleaning, laundry, cooking and preparing meals and even running errands.

Do housekeepers cook?

If required, many housekeepers can cook and prepare meals.

How to hire a live-in housekeeper?

Depending on your specific needs and requirements, you can hire housekeepers through individuals, agencies or care specialists.

How to find a live-in housekeeper

There are different ways to find a live-in housekeeper, either through word of mouth or through specific companies or agencies who specialise in housekeeping services.