Light housekeeping should be thought of as a task that a caregiver does to help provide better care to a client. For example, when a caregiver provides meal preparation, the client can count on the caregiver to clean up the kitchen, clear the table, put the dishes in the dishwasher or wash by hand, and then place back in the cupboard. When a client needs standby or hands-on assistance with bathing, the client can rest assured that a clean towel and clean clothes will be ready for them, that dirty laundry will be placed in a hamper for washing, and that the bathroom sink, toilet, countertops, and mirrors will be cleaned and ready for the next use.

Light housekeeping includes tasks such as dusting open surfaces; sweeping and mopping floors (damp mops – small areas and hard surface floors); vacuuming around furniture; wiping down counters; washing and putting dishes away; cleaning bathrooms and kitchens; taking out the trash; changing sheets and making the bed; and organizing drawers, shelves, and closets. Light housekeeping is meant to be limited to the areas used by the client such as the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and living room. Light housekeeping is offered as one part of an overall Service Plan to a senior to keep him or her safe and independent in their home environment.