Elderly MIL and cleaning

[OneHippoOnThePhone]

MIL is ill and elderly. She lives close enough to us that DH sees her a couple of times a week and attends most appointments with her.

She can’t do much around the house. She has a fortnightly cleaner who changes her sheets and cleans her small flat.

The cleaner of course can no longer come. Is it okay for me or DH to go in and do the cleaning for MIL?

I’ve been avoiding her as have the DC but DH has been going to medical appointments with her and walking outside with her but not going inside her home. For this reason alone it seems most sensible for him to do it. She’s also his mother.
I’ll do it but the only reason for me to do it is I’m better at it and the reason I’m better is because I do it more and I do it more because...

I can’t get into a feminist argument over this. I’m boiling that one inside. Is she at more risk from me and him than just him?

Feel free to ignore and I’m doing the dreaded posting and going to bed, but I’ve not had a minute today to THINK until now what with work and life.

There were a few threads on this yesterday (not a criticism of you for starting your own, just saying that other people have the same dilemma). The consensus was that if it's essential cleaning to keep the person safe/healthy (as opposed to just a nice to have), then someone will have to go in to do that. Some people were going to do this themselves for their elderly relatives and some were cautiously continuing with sensible/trusted hired cleaners. Sensible precautions people mentioned were:

-Keeping it to just one person at a time (I won't get involved in the question of if it should be you or your DH, but increasing the number of people definitely increases the risk, even if the people live together it is possible one of you could be incubating the virus and not yet have passed it to the other, especially if you are following good hygiene measures at home).

-It goes without saying that if you have experienced even mild symptoms, or come into contact with someone who has don't go in.

-The cleaner should wash hands on entry, and frequently as they go along. If possible, they should wear a mask and gloves also. They should wash down surfaces they have touched with hot soapy water and/or disinfectant. Wash any cloths used with hot water or dispose of disposals before they leave.

-The cleaner should not be in the same room as the elderly person at any time. Your MIL would need to understand the cleaner is there to clean only and not as a social visit, which could be hard for her.

-Minimise the time spent in the flat as far as possible, no hanging around to chat or do minor/unnecessary jobs.

Hope this helps...

Maxelly*. Thank you so much, that does help a lot.

I was in a state yesterday and not concentrating, I was doing. Madly. I will go and search for his threads in a calm and considered manner.

However the consensus seems to be sensible and I’ll talk it over with DH, MIL and the lady who cleans. I’m pretty sure MIL would only pay her if she comes and that’s not my decision to make.

Thank you again for bearing with me and the comprehensive answer.