What to do while cleaner is here ?

[AnyaMarx]

Backstory quickly- I'm 51 and live alone and have been struck by what my gp thinks is rheumatoid arthritis which has now left me so immobile and debilitated I w hired a cleaner - seeing consultant in 2 weeks and I'm desperately hoping for treatment, but that aside for now I'm really struggling with housework.

I'm cash strapped but have got a cleaner coming for 90 minutes a week .

Tomorrow is the first time . I've said just concentrate on one room at a time as 90 mins is t that long - starting with kitchen - I can't get to the skirtings and it needs bottoming .
My draws and cupboards are disordered as I've just got to the point I can't reach down so I throw things in and wang the door shut !

Thing is I feel so guilty! She's coming tomorrow and I don't know whether to
Scarper or say I'll help her ? I'm embarrassed as my hoover smells in use as I have dogs , I can't afford a new one and even though I wash it and take it to bits - it smells .

My house is a mess. I can do a
Rudimentary tidy and make it look ok but the proper cleaning I'm struggling with . I thought if she can do the kitchen , at least I can try stay on top of it - and if she does a room a week and I can keep on top better then she might be able to do a bit more as the weeks go by as it won't be as big a job .

What's the protocol ? I'm feeling a bit crap about everything - she's been to meet me and seen the house so
She knows what's in store - it's not a hell hole I just can't do it myself so things like skirtings are really dirty .

Don't help her. You'll be more of a hinder. Go & sit in another room and let her get on with it 😊

I'd go out. I had a deep clean done the other day and that's what I did, took her through what was expected and went elsewhere, told her to ring me 20 minutes before she was done so I could get back and pay her. You just get in the way and feel a bit awkward otherwise. And it's not for you to help, that's what you're paying for.

Firstly, I'm sorry about your ill health and I hope you get a diagnosis and treatment soon.

You're hiring a cleaner right do the stuff you can't do so of course it's OK not to help out. Get yourself comfy in the lounge and be on hand nearby in case she has any questions about what can be trashed or moved or whatever. Maybe make sure dogs are out the way.

She has already seen your home and has accepted the job so I wouldn't be worrying about her being unimpressed with the state of your home

A lot of cleaners bring their own cleaning equipment, including hoovers. Did you discuss who would be providing what in this respect? I'd maybe look knto getting a new hoover - even a second hand one - if you'd like her to use one. Specially if your dogs moult.