The ‘Housekeeper’
For me, the word ‘Housekeeper’ conjures up the image of an impeccably run and smoothly operating household with all the hard work being done efficiently behind the scenes. And while that very traditional image of the housekeeping role has continuously evolved, Housekeepers are certainly still the ones who ensure that a busy household runs like clockwork and that everything seamlessly happens on time. Their effective management of the household also sits alongside making sure that all the needs and wishes of the family are met and their guests are taken good care of.
So, how has the role changed?
Over the years, our lives have changed significantly, which means the role of a Housekeeper has been compelled to change too. Today the position demands a much wider skill set, as the Housekeeper may work alone and not have a team to delegate to. There is little doubt that we lead busier, more demanding and much more complex lives, so it is very easy to see how the Housekeeper role naturally expanded in order to fulfil the needs and expectations of clients. There is a particular need therefore for enhanced skills (a cookery qualification for example), more flexibility and the ability to take on many more duties.
What you can expect a Housekeeper to do..
An overview of the role, responsibilities and duties typical of a Housekeeper can be characterised as ensuring the efficient and smoothly running of a household in keeping with the homeowner’s wishes and expectations. This includes overseeing and undertaking cleaning, care of the laundry/clothing and cooking plus dealing with a variety of errands such as the post/parcels & picking up dry cleaning. Because every household is of course different and very individual, there may be other specific duties and responsibilities to be undertaken as part of the role and these would need to be discussed at interview stage. For example, alongside the everyday tasks & duties, there could also be an additional requirement for help with a family’s children and in this instance, the advice is to employ a Housekeeper/Nanny.
Similarly, another example is the Housekeeper/Cook, requiring more experience and knowledge of different types of cuisines and more than just basic cooking. And finally, the role of a Housekeeper/Companion is an important one, as typically we are living longer and the desire to remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible by staying in one’s own home, is strong.
Housekeeper/Nanny:
An ideal solution when the duties involve looking after a child/children as well as the household. The duties of a Nanny/Housekeeper are the same as those of a generalist Housekeeper but will also include:
- Preparing snacks/cooking for the children and helping in the kitchen
- Childcare/babysitting
- Doing the school run/taking the children to activities & clubs/parties/appointments
Housekeeper/Cook:
A Housekeeper/Cook will also have the same responsibilities as a general Housekeeper but with the added responsibility of meal preparation for the household. They will have built up good, solid experience of cookery & developed their knowledge of cooking, preparing meals & devising menus and should possess a keen interest in cooking. Usually, meal choices will be made in consultation with the employer and there may be special attention required on serving nutritious and healthy family meals. Some households might also want to employ a Housekeeper/Cook who has gained specific knowledge of preparing food and menus for special or restricted diets & allergies and then finally, many households will require experience of cooking for dinner parties and family entertaining.
Housekeeper/Companion:
A Housekeeper/Companion is a great asset to any home where an individual or an elderly couple require someone with them during the day or night to assist with everyday tasks and also provide companionship.
Some Housekeeper/Companions are employed on a full-time, live-in basis as this provides peace of mind and reassurance for help required during the night. Other options are also available such as a temporary Housekeeper/Companion (perhaps providing cover during the short-term absence of a family member or following illness/surgery) or a part-time Housekeeper/Companion (helping an elderly person maintain their independence at home).
Specific duties for this role will include:
- Shopping for weekly essentials and running general errands
- Accompanying on regular or special appointments and outings
- Cooking and sharing meals
- Light domestic support such as cleaning, laundry and maybe some pet care
- Light gardening duties
- Participating in & helping with hobbies and interests
- Helping with travel arrangements
- Assisting with correspondence and paperwork
It should be noted that Housekeeper/Companions are not necessarily qualified carers or nurses and therefore not all of them will be expected to assist with & administer medication. However, should that be required, those with the right qualifications can be sourced in order to assist with all types of medication.
Similarly, if a household needs specialist nurses or carers for young children/young adults a Housekeeper/Companion can work well alongside them, giving the right all round support to the client.
A role not covered yet is that of a ‘Houseman’. This can be a good, versatile solution for many households as a Houseman specifically takes care of the general upkeep and maintenance of your home and often fits in well working alongside other household staff.
A Houseman has responsibility for cleaning and maintenance of the house and the external features of the property, for example a swimming pool/hot tub/tennis court and if they are employed on a full-time basis, they can also provide their employers with additional security.
Eden finds that many Housemen come from a military background (such as the Ghurkhas for example) and this provides a strong level of reassurance that they are hardworking, reliable, highly trained and come with a very diverse range of skills.
A Houseman’s duties will depend on the home and what the employer needs, but generally will include:
- Assisting with housekeeping, deep cleaning projects (such as carpets and upholstery), polishing brass, mirrors, glass, light fixtures and chandeliers
- Waxing & floor cleaning, laying fireplaces & restocking wood
- Changing light bulbs & fuses, checking security and alarm systems and undertaking minor household repairs
- Assisting generally with laundry, shopping, laying/clearing tables
- Helping care for children and pets
- Helping with garden maintenance such as mowing, clearing, watering
- General maintenance of exterior walls, fences, windowsills, paths, steps, cleaning windows and outdoor furniture
- Valeting & general car maintenance, driving to meetings, airport & appointment drop off/collection and school run
- Maintenance of swimming pool, sauna, gym, tennis court, hot tub
The Housekeeper role and its’ variations provide a great number of possibilities for clients with plenty of flexibility to manage their households.
For advice, guidance & further information on employing a Housekeeper please call the Eden Household Team on 020 7471 6000
