Skip to Content

FirstLight
Care Blog

Featured image for post Caregiver Safety: Mopping, scrubbing, and other house-cleaning tasks

Caregiver Safety: Mopping, scrubbing, and other house-cleaning tasks

When doing  house-cleaning tasks including mopping and scrubbing, watch out for  back and shoulder injuries as well as  general aches and pains.

In this post on caregiver safety, we present-  

  • Tools as well as  tips that can help both caregiver and client  stay safe.
  • A talk it over section with a suggestion  of what  you could say, for more effective communication.
  • Tips on where to  find help.

Tools

Use these things to make the tasks safer:

  • A long-handled duster, mop, and scrub brush to limit bending while you clean the floor, walls, tubs, and toilets.
  • A stepstool to help you clean high places without over-reaching and possibly losing your balance.
  • Knee pads or a folded towel to cushion your knees.

Tips

  • Avoid reaching and bending. Move as close as possible to the task. For example, when making a bed, walk around it so you don’t have to reach. Raise the bed if it is adjustable.
  • Every few minutes, stretch and change positions. Switch hands if you can.
  • Try not to twist your body—move your feet instead. Bend your knees, not your back. When lifting a heavy object, hold it close to your body. Lift with your legs. This puts less stress on your back. If it’s too heavy to lift without strain, get help.
  • If you move furniture to clean the floor, push, don’t pull. If it’s too hard to move, get help. Put casters on the feet of heavy furniture so it is easier to move.

Talk it over

You could say this: “Tools with long handles make it easier on my back and help me stay strong and healthy enough to keep working.” Please check out How Caregiver and Client Should Talk to Each Other About Safety for related tips for effectively communicating your concerns to each other.  

Find help

Hardware and discount stores (e.g. Orchard, Costco Wholesale, and Ace) sell step-stools, long-handled tools, kneepads, and casters and sliders for furniture. To make good use of the above  tips, we encourage you to keep track of good ideas to make your work safer and fill out your own to do list  like the one below.

To do list

Supplies needed:
   □ Long-handled duster, mop, scrub brush
   □ Stepstool
   □ Kneepads
   □ Other: __________________________________________

Safety tips you will follow/New ways to do the tasks:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Issues you need to discuss:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

People or organizations to contact for help, tools, or information:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Building on the above  to do list, you can combine them with other to do lists from the other tips in this series  to create your own combined  action plan for safety and keep it on hand to remind you both about staying safe.

 *     *     *     *     *

Is caring your calling? We’re hiring qualified people committed to helping others. We serve clients in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, mainly in Danville, Blackhawk, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Hayward, Livermore, and communities along the 680 Corridor of the East Bay. Learn more here.

You may submit an application here.

← Back to Caregiver Safety Overview                                                     Go to Care Library →

Caregiving Tips

Receive meaningful information, helpful tips, advice and family caregiver support in your inbox.

Subscribe

Request Home Care
Pricing

The cost for home care depends on your unique situation. Request personalized pricing for the services you need.

Find Care

Find Career
Opportunities

Do you have a heart for service?
We’re hiring people who want to help others have their best day.

Search Jobs