Light Housekeeping

Help keeping the home clean, tidy and safe: laundry, dishes, bed linens and clutter-free paths.

Find light housekeeping caregiversWhat is included
An older woman washing vegetables at her kitchen sink
Who it helps
Older adults who want a clean, safe home but find chores harder than before.
Type of care
Non-medical, in your home, by the hour, overnight or live-in
Often combined with
Meal Preparation, Home Care Assistance, Companion Care

What light housekeeping includes

Every caregiver sets out exactly which tasks they offer on their profile. These are the most common ones; agree on the details in your care request.

  • Dishes and kitchen

    Washing up and wiping surfaces.

  • Laundry

    Washing, folding and putting clothes away.

  • Fresh linens

    Changing and making the bed.

  • Living areas

    Vacuuming and sweeping the main rooms.

  • Bathroom

    Cleaning the bathroom your loved one uses.

  • Trash and recycling

    Taking it out on the right days.

  • Clear walkways

    Hallways and stairs free of clutter.

  • Company while working

    A friendly presence, not just a cleaner.

Is light housekeeping right for your family?

Non-medical help covers daily life at home. Some needs call for a licensed professional instead, and many families use both.

A good fit when

  • Chores are piling up
  • Clutter has become a fall risk
  • Your loved one wants to keep the home they are proud of
  • You want housekeeping combined with company

Ask a licensed professional for

  • Deep cleaning or carpet shampooing
  • Moving heavy furniture or working at height
  • Yard work and repairs

Your loved one's doctor can refer you to a licensed home health agency. Many families combine both kinds of help.

Example schedules

Most families start with a few hours and adjust. Enter an hourly rate to estimate a monthly budget; real rates are set by each caregiver on their profile.

Example rate. Change it to see your estimate.

Weekly tidy

3 hours / week

One visit for laundry, linens and the bathroom.

About $390 per month

Twice a week

6 hours / week

Two 3-hour visits to stay on top of chores.

About $779 per month

Combined visits

12 hours / week

Housekeeping plus meals and company.

About $1,559 per month

Estimate = hourly rate × hours per week × 4.33 weeks. It excludes any payment processing fee, mileage or overtime. See our guide to care costs.

A closer look at light housekeeping

A tidy home is a safer home

Piles of laundry, a crowded hallway or a slippery bathroom floor can quickly become fall risks. Light housekeeping keeps the spaces your loved one uses every day clean, comfortable and safe.

What light housekeeping covers

  • Washing dishes and wiping kitchen surfaces
  • Laundry, folding and putting clothes away
  • Changing bed linens
  • Vacuuming and sweeping the main living areas
  • Cleaning the bathroom used by your loved one
  • Taking out trash and recycling
  • Keeping hallways and stairs free of clutter

What it usually does not cover

Deep cleaning, moving heavy furniture, window washing at height, yard work and cleaning for other household members are usually outside light housekeeping. If you need these, mention them in your care request or hire a cleaning service separately.

Combine it with other help

Housekeeping is often part of a broader visit that includes meal preparation and companionship, which makes each visit more valuable.

Questions about light housekeeping

Short answers to what families ask most. More in our FAQ.

Is this the same as a cleaning service?

Not quite. Light housekeeping keeps the spaces your loved one uses clean and safe, often combined with company and meals. Deep cleaning is usually separate.

Who provides cleaning supplies?

Usually the household. Show the caregiver where supplies are kept and mention any products to avoid.

Can housekeeping be part of a longer visit?

Yes. Most families combine it with meal preparation or companionship to make each visit more valuable.

Helpful guides

All resources
Home Safety 3 min read

A Room-by-Room Home Safety Checklist for Aging in Place

Simple, affordable changes that reduce falls and make everyday life easier for older adults who want to stay at home.
Family Caregiving 3 min read

The First Day With a New Caregiver: How to Prepare Everyone

A smooth first visit sets the tone for everything that follows. Here is how to prepare your loved one, your home and the caregiver.
Aging in Place 3 min read

Aging in Place: A Practical Planning Guide for Families

What it really takes to grow older at home: health, the house itself, money, daily help and a plan for when needs change.

Find light housekeeping near you

Compare reviewed caregivers, see their rates and availability, and send a free care request. No obligation.

Browse caregivers How it works

Caregivers on CaregiverCrew provide non-medical support only. They do not diagnose, treat, administer injections or perform skilled nursing tasks. Rules about what non-licensed caregivers may do differ by state; when in doubt, ask your loved one's doctor.

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