Do carers have to clean? Clarifying Caregiver Cleaning Responsibilities

Oct 19, 2025 3 min read •

senior care caregiving Home Care

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, home health and personal care aides commonly perform housekeeping tasks as part of their job. However, the extent of these duties is often misunderstood. So, do carers have to clean everything, or is there a clear limit to their responsibilities?

Quick Summary

A carer's cleaning tasks are generally confined to light housekeeping directly related to the care recipient's health and safety, such as tidying, laundry, and meal cleanup. Their duties do not typically extend to deep cleaning or general household maintenance for the entire family, as these fall outside their primary caregiving role.

Key Points

Light Housekeeping is Typical: Carers commonly perform light housekeeping tasks like tidying, laundry, and meal cleanup to maintain the client’s immediate living space.
Deep Cleaning is Excluded: Heavy-duty tasks such as scrubbing floors, washing windows, or moving heavy furniture are not part of a standard carer's role.
The Care Plan Defines Duties: A caregiver's specific responsibilities should be clearly outlined in a care plan or contract to prevent misunderstandings and set appropriate boundaries.
Focus is on the Client, not the House: The fundamental difference between a carer and a housekeeper is that a carer's priority is the client's health and safety, not general household management.
Safety is the Primary Goal: All cleaning tasks performed by a carer are geared towards ensuring the client's environment is safe, sanitary, and free of hazards.
Separate Services May Be Necessary: For deep cleaning needs, families should consider hiring a professional cleaning service rather than placing the burden on the carer.
Boundaries Must Be Communicated: Carers must effectively communicate their professional boundaries and expectations to both the client and family members.

Understanding the Core Role of a Carer

The primary role of a carer is to support an individual with daily activities, focusing on their well-being and maintaining a safe living space. This focus on the person, rather than the entire household, guides their responsibilities, including cleaning tasks.

What is Considered Light Housekeeping for Carers?

Light housekeeping is a standard component of many caregiving roles, aimed at keeping the client's immediate environment clean and safe. These tasks help prevent accidents and promote hygiene.

Common light housekeeping tasks include:

Tidying the client's personal areas.
Washing and folding the client's laundry and linens.
Cleaning dishes used by the client.
Cleaning up the kitchen after preparing meals for the client.
Emptying trash from the client's rooms.
Wiping down surfaces like counters and tables in the client's space.
Light vacuuming or sweeping of the client's immediate living area.

Defining the Boundaries: What Carers Are Not Expected to Do

It is crucial to understand the limitations of a carer's role. Tasks outside their defined responsibilities can lead to issues and divert attention from the client's primary care needs.

Tasks typically not expected of a carer include:

Deep cleaning tasks like washing windows, scrubbing grout, or cleaning ovens.
Moving heavy items or furniture.
Outdoor chores such as yard work or shoveling snow.
Cleaning areas or doing laundry for other family members.
Cleaning up after guests.

Carer vs. Housekeeper: A Critical Distinction

Distinguishing between a carer and a housekeeper is vital for setting realistic expectations. Their primary focuses and training differ significantly, as highlighted in the table below.


Feature	Carer	Housekeeper
Primary Focus	The health, safety, and well-being of the individual	The cleanliness and maintenance of the home
Core Services	Personal care, companionship, medication reminders, meal prep, mobility assistance, light housekeeping	Domestic tasks like deep cleaning, scrubbing, organizing, and general home upkeep
Training	Often requires specialized training (e.g., CNA, HHA) and background checks focused on human care	Training is typically centered on household management and cleaning techniques, often without a medical component
Oversight	Often overseen by a care agency's nurse or case manager to ensure client care standards are met	Oversight is generally less formal, focusing on client satisfaction with cleaning results

How to Set Clear Expectations and Avoid Misunderstandings

Clear communication is key in any caregiving relationship. Discussions about expectations should occur upfront between the carer, client, and family.

The Importance of the Care Plan or Contract

A care plan or contract should clearly outline the carer's duties, including specific light housekeeping tasks, their frequency, and any client preferences. This document is essential for preventing future disagreements.

Communicating Boundaries Effectively

Carers should be able to communicate their boundaries professionally when asked to perform tasks outside the care plan. Reminding families of the primary focus on the client's needs and suggesting alternative solutions, like a separate cleaning service, can be helpful.

Hiring an External Cleaning Service for Deep Tasks

For extensive cleaning needs, hiring a separate professional cleaning service is recommended. This allows the carer to concentrate on their core duties without being overwhelmed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics website provides further details on the typical duties of home health aides.

Conclusion: Prioritizing the Care Recipient's Needs

In conclusion, a carer's cleaning responsibilities are limited to light housekeeping that supports the client's health and safety. They are not housekeepers. Establishing clear expectations through a care plan and maintaining open communication are vital for a successful caregiving arrangement that prioritizes the client's well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Light housekeeping typically includes tasks such as tidying the client's room, doing the client's laundry, washing their dishes, taking out their trash, and general surface cleaning in the client's immediate living area. The purpose is to maintain a safe and hygienic space for the care recipient.

Yes, a carer can refuse to do tasks that are outside the scope of the agreed-upon care plan or contract. If a request involves deep cleaning, moving heavy items, or is unrelated to the client's direct care, it is appropriate for the carer to set boundaries and refuse the task.

No, a carer's responsibilities generally extend only to the care recipient. They are typically responsible for the client's laundry and linens, not the laundry for other family members living in the household.

Deep cleaning, such as scrubbing floors or washing windows, is not typically a carer's responsibility. For these tasks, it is usually necessary for the family to hire a separate, professional cleaning service.

A carer's primary focus is on the client's health and personal care needs, including emotional support, with light cleaning as a supplementary duty. A housekeeper's sole focus is on cleaning and maintaining the household.

A carer's job description will most likely specify 'light housekeeping' duties. This might be further detailed with examples like vacuuming the client's room, doing their dishes, or preparing and cleaning up from meals, clarifying the limits of their work.

If a carer's cleaning is not meeting expectations, first refer back to the written care plan to confirm their responsibilities. Then, have a clear, respectful conversation with the carer and the hiring agency to clarify the duties and find a resolution.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.