Cleaning: A Vital Component of Care in Aged and Disability Support

A Clean Environment Is an Important Part of a Safe Environment

Clean homes are essential for health and safety, particularly for older adults and people with disabilities. Proper cleaning helps:

• Prevent the spread of infection

• Reduce allergens and trip hazards

• Improve comfort and emotional wellbeing

  
  

It is important to note that cleanliness is not only about health. A tidy, cared-for space also supports a sense of control, self-respect, and calm. It gives people pride in where they live.

Clinical Facilitators: Leading the Way

Clinical facilitators play a crucial role in helping support workers see cleaning as a foundational part of quality care. They build staff capability by:

• Normalising cleaning as part of every care plan

• Teaching safe, effective, and respectful cleaning techniques

• Linking cleaning to infection control and wellbeing

• Helping staff shift from a “to-do list” approach to a person-centred mindset

• Identifying when professional cleaning is needed and organising for it to happen

  
  

Through coaching and role-modelling, facilitators can shape how cleaning is delivered with empathy, professionalism, and attention to the unique needs of each person.

From “Doing For” to “Doing With”

Support workers often express, “We want to build people’s independence.” One practical way to achieve this is by involving those being supported in cleaning tasks, even in small ways. Encouraging participation can mean:

• Asking if the person wants to help with dusting or folding

• Supporting them to clean what matters most to them

• Helping them maintain a routine they used to follow

• Giving them control over how their home looks and feels

  
  

When support workers clean with, not just for, individuals, they reinforce someone’s abilities and confidence.

Tailor the Support: Every Home Is Unique

Some people can manage their own light cleaning but need help with:

• High or low surfaces

• Heavy lifting

• Specific hygiene tasks

• Reaching awkward areas like behind furniture or under sinks

  
  

Others may have:

• Cultural preferences

• Sensory sensitivities

• Emotional attachments to how things are arranged

  
  

That is why it is important to always ask:

• “What does a clean home look like for you?”

• “What parts would you like support with?”

  
  

This approach respects each person’s goals, routines, and identity.

Cleaning as a Tool for Care

In aged care and disability support, cleaning is just as important as personal care or social support. It is essential care that contributes to:

• Infection prevention

• Psychological wellbeing

• Home safety

• Independence-building

• Dignity and pride

  
  

When done well, it builds trust between the support worker and the person being supported.

Final Thoughts: What Can You Do?

As a clinical facilitator, support worker, or team leader, here are some ways to bring purpose to cleaning:

• Start conversations with the people you support about their preferences.

• Coach your team on cleaning with empathy and skill.

• Use cleaning time to build rapport and motivate small wins.

• Promote a culture where every task, including cleaning, is valued.

  
  

Cleaning is not just a chore; it is a vital part of care that enhances the quality of life for those we support. By embracing this perspective, we can foster a more respectful and empowering environment for everyone involved.