When we consider how to be a homemaker, we aren’t talking about the outdated ideals presented in the homemaking guides of the past century. Homemaking is the art of transforming a residence into a clean, secure, and inviting place to live for the household. It encompasses a variety of tasks, including cleaning, maintenance, restocking household supplies, organization, and budgeting. Collectively, these responsibilities form an impressive skill set worthy of any high-paying job! While most of us do some homemaking as a part of our daily routines, people who take on the primary homemaker role for their families understand the considerable effort it entails—and the gratification that comes from seeing the results of a beautiful home and contented household.
Sadly, homemakers often do not receive the recognition and compensation they deserve. This is a global issue—a recent study conducted by Oxfam revealed that women and girls, in particular, contribute an astounding 12.5 billion hours of unpaid care work daily. If we were to assign this work a minimum wage value, their annual contribution to the world economy would amount to no less than $10.8 trillion.
However, the tide is turning, especially as society progresses towards greater gender equality. In the United States, individuals of any gender with homemaking experience, including displaced homemakers, are discovering fresh career opportunities as caregivers for an aging population, even being paid for doing homemaking work for their families. For instance, Nova Home Care Connecticut offers professional homemaker services and welcomes applicants with homemaking experience, regardless of whether they have paid experience or not.
What Is A Displaced Homemaker?
A displaced homemaker is an individual who has been an unpaid, full-time, stay-at-home homemaker and has lost the financial support previously provided by the breadwinner of their household. This can be due to divorce, bereavement, or a range of other life circumstances. This leaves the displaced homemaker in a precarious position as they navigate a competitive job market without a paid employment history on their resume.
For a displaced homemaker, transitioning to a career as a professional homemaker can be an appealing and rewarding choice as they enter a growing industry that highly values the skills and experience acquired in their domestic roles. Additionally, displaced homemakers who have elderly or disabled dependents can get paid for caring for them by working through established home care agencies.
How To Be A Homemaker: Duties, Qualities, And Skills
Homemaking entails a mix of physical and mental activities, with elements of planning and caregiving, making it essential for a skilled homemaker to have excellent organization skills, a friendly disposition, and attention to detail. In the case of a professional homemaker, typical responsibilities encompass a range of tasks, including:
- Light housekeeping – Cleaning, tidying, handling laundry, and managing waste disposal
- Meal preparation – Planning and cooking meals according to clients’ specific dietary plans
- Errands – Grocery shopping and restocking essential household supplies
- Organization – Assisting clients with their schedules, medications, and appointments
- Plant and pet care – Including light gardening tasks and the care of animals in the household
What Kind Of People Need Professional Homemaking Services?
Clients for homemaking services include anyone who may require assistance to maintain a clean, secure, and inviting home environment. Potential clients include:
- Seniors
- People with disabilities
- Individuals recovering from injuries or illnesses
- Parents caring for a child with a physical disability
A well-maintained home not only reduces stress but also boosts the self-esteem of its occupants while minimizing the risk of accidents or illnesses. However, clients with the aforementioned conditions often require more than just homemaking services. This is why many homemakers also undergo caregiver training to expand their career opportunities and earning potential.
Working As A Homemaker And Caregiver In Connecticut?
The qualities that make someone a great homemaker are also useful for caregiving roles. By training as an in-home caregiver, a homemaker can boost their job prospects and engage in emotionally and financially rewarding work helping vulnerable members of their community to lead satisfying lives at home.
For instance, Nova Home Care Connecticut offers comprehensive training to applicants, covering essential homemaking practices for caregivers—such as establishing safe emergency exit routes in a residence—and all the necessary skills to provide personal care services. These skills include helping clients with mobility, ensuring medication adherence, and assisting with personal grooming, among other tasks.
Training And Benefits For Homemakers In Connecticut
Nova Home Care Connecticut actively recruits people with homemaking experience, particularly those who already know someone in need of care. If you are caring for a loved one in their home, we offer opportunities for you to receive compensation as a family caregiver and homemaker.
If you believe you possess the right qualities to work as a caregiver or homemaker, then we invite you to apply through our careers page or contact us online for further information about remuneration and benefits, including a competitive salary, health insurance, paid vacation, 401K, training, and help with Medicaid benefits for your family.