Community Chat

[Carolina925]

When I was working and had a family, I did. Just me now so I do it. In my area, there are lots and lots of people who advertise their services. I would think about using one who had good recommendations. A friend has a lady who comes in every two weeks and this is the same lady who services her neighborhood. She has a full time job working in that one small neighborhood. Word of mouth is very important. The lady I used to have worked for other builders in my small town. I learned more about them than I ever wanted to know, and I'm certain they learned a lot about us, too 

Good luck with your surgery and recovery. Sounds like a great idea to me, you don't want to take any chances with your healing.

[cheriere]

@Skyegirl21 

Strangers in the house is my only concern.  It's really hard where I live to find reliable, honest people.  
A few years ago, my mom hired a painter to repaint several rooms inside.  His charge was exceptionally high and he required half up front.  Well, he didn't show back for two weeks and when he did it was here and there leaving the house completely in disarray.

He brought helpers with him who stole several expensive items!  One of the items was my mom's cellphone.  Of course, we could tell its exact location.  We called and told them if the items weren't returned immediately we'd call the police!  Even though we got them back, I feel like she still should've reported them.

I just can't figure out how they managed to take so much stuff right under our noses?

Id LOVE to find someone to help out though, if only temporarily.

[JoyFilled Warrior]

FYI -

This might sound like overkill, but when I am searching for (Enter my home) help (ex cleaning), Im going to be inquiring if the applicant Cleaning Companies are "Bonded."   Essentially, it's supposed to mean, if something is ex stolen, broken, damaged etc from my home, THEY. the company, are to cover it.          

      If it feels right, I might ask the applicant company for details of what the company considers the responsibility of their "Bonding."

(maybe better explanation online) :

Advise, aka Direction to a Company offering Services to a Customer:

"If you are a contractor, for example, a contractor bond would protect your customers in the case of unethical or illegal behavior or business practices. Essentially, being bonded as a contractor means that potential customers may feel more confident about hiring you. By securing a bond from a surety, you are demonstrating your willingness to assume responsibility for any legal/financial issues that might arise as a result of wrongdoing on your part."  (ref:  www   nfp  com)

Good luck!  Enjoy good health.  Take care of yrself & loved ones! 

[Zhills]

@smoochy Yes, I have help with my house cleaning.  Good ones are difficult to find.   They call wiping with a cloth...cleaned!

Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations.

Expect to pay!  Lots!   A cleaner makes more than regular jobs pay, in many cases.  They know the older folks need them and they do take advantage of the fact!

Hope you find a great one!  Ask around!

[jubilant]

We have always done it ourselves but within the last few years it's gotten harder. With both of us having some issues and not being able to do it, I am seriously considering hiring someone.

He usually did the sweeping and I am "trying" to talk him into a Roomba but he doesn't think they will do a good job. He is getting shots in his back and therapy now.... so maybe, "just maybe" he will succumb to the Roomba!!!

[frenchie]

I sure do. Almost three years now. We have a three floor townhouse and at 82 with arthritic hands, there's no way I can do it myself. I still do the cooking, dishes and laundry. Hubby has never helped with housework. This woman works by herself, does three hours twice a month. Our condo fee covers the outside so this set up is fine for us. We no longer have a car either so the Senior Center in town drives me for groceries and doctor appts. Very grateful.

[tansy]

One hour every two weeks.  It's not much but I appreciate having the shower thoroughly cleaned, plus the floors. That's difficult for either of us to do anymore.

[goldensrbest]

Just ME, MYSELF,&I.

[cheriere]

@Nonametoday 

Oh, I wish I had a friend nearby who could organize like that.  My best friend is great at organization too, but she lives in North Carolina.  I find it fascinating how people who have this skill are able to "see" things in a way I cannot.  It's truly a gift.😃❤️

[JoyFilled Warrior]

BTW, ref to that massive info abt "bonding"  I wrote above:

Initial plan is knowledge of this to *bargain for price,* probably with companies that know nothing abt "bonding."  (It costs the company).  And they'll charge what they want of me, & save $$ by not bonding, (protecting the consumer).

If I have to succumb to their rate:  I might give them a 1st try, (while Im in attendance), perhaps right under their nose. Then we play cont'd use by ear.

  To me, this is important stuff!!

(Note: I might end up HAVING to compromise all these goals/plans  of mine.  We'll see.  But Im the customer, who is vulnerable to the going rate of a business setting their own competitive fees of needy ppl, who are customers)