Housekeeper keeping her care home free of germs
Our 12 Days of Caring series, concluding today, has been saluting the exceptional work of the care sector during a tough year in which staff have had to go the extra mile. NEIL FATKIN reports.
SINCE the onset of the Covid pandemic, ensuring care homes are clean and free of germs has never been more important.
At St Ronans Care Home in Southsea this responsibility falls on the shoulders of housekeeper and cleaner Maxine Clarke.
Maxine, 52, who is from Leigh Park, said: ‘Since Covid came along it is even more important to make sure the care home is clean and free of germs. This includes the bleach cleaning of light switches, door handles and all railings. It has been a really difficult year but we just get on with it.
‘The building is split into different units and I always take great pride in ensuring everything is clean. The residents will often thank me for cleaning their rooms and making it smell nice.’
As well as her general everyday duties of cleaning rooms, communal areas and toilets, Maxine also makes and serves residents cups of tea.
‘This is the best part of the job and I love to have a chat with the residents. You get to know about their lives and the type of jobs they used to do – you meet some real characters. I enjoy my job and when I go home it feels good to know I have been involved in helping people,’ said Maxine.
Maxine, who used to work in a candle and perfume factory, is planning on continuing to keep St Ronans clean for many more years to come.
She added: ‘I have been here for 15 years and I will be here until I retire.’
The News has spent the last 12 days highlighting the sterling work that goes on in care homes all year round. It’s been part of a citywide effort to say thank you, which has also seen Portsmouth Music Hub stream a special carol concert, and Shaping Portsmouth co-ordinate local businesses to deliver hampers.