Some folks reckon a carer and a cleaner do pretty much the same job—helping people out around the house, right? But while they both provide vital support, their roles couldn’t be more different. Here’s a quick explainer for anyone wondering about the line between care and cleanliness—especially in aged care settings, where both roles are essential, yet distinct.

What does a carer actually do?

A carer, also known as a support worker or personal care assistant, provides physical, emotional, and practical assistance to people who need help with daily living. Their duties often include:

• Assisting with personal hygiene, like bathing and dressing

• Helping with mobility or transfers from bed to chair

• Administering medication (if qualified)

• Offering companionship and emotional support

• Preparing meals or helping with feeding

• Liaising with healthcare providers or families

Carers often build close, ongoing relationships with clients. In aged care, especially, this emotional support can be just as crucial as the physical help.

So, what does a cleaner do in aged care?

A cleaner in an aged care setting is focused solely on environmental hygiene and infection control. Their job includes:

• Disinfecting surfaces and high-touch areas

• Cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, and communal areas

• Managing waste disposal safely

• Using industry-approved chemicals and methods to meet health regulations

• Documenting their cleaning routines for accountability

They don’t provide personal care to residents, but their work creates a safe and comfortable space that supports health and wellbeing—particularly for immunocompromised or mobility-limited residents.

Why is this distinction important?

Understanding the difference isn’t just about job titles—it’s about clarity, accountability, and safety.

1. Training & Regulation: Carers often undergo certification and police checks due to the personal nature of their role. Cleaners may receive specific training in infection control but aren’t required to manage personal care unless cross-trained.

2. Scope of Practice: Mixing duties can lead to blurred lines. For instance, a cleaner assisting with a resident’s mobility could pose risks, both physically and legally.

3. Workplace Culture: When everyone knows their role, tasks are done efficiently. But when roles are unclear, jobs can fall through the cracks—or be done poorly by someone untrained for it.

Can one person be both?

In smaller facilities or home-based settings, it’s not unheard of for staff to wear multiple hats. But even then, clear boundaries must exist. A person might be employed in a dual role—say, part-time cleaning and part-time support work—but their duties for each shift need to be clearly outlined and aligned with their qualifications.

It’s a bit like a barista also baking muffins. Sure, they might do both—but they’re not steaming milk and pulling trays out of the oven at the same time.

How does this relate to hygiene in aged care?

Hygiene is absolutely critical in aged care. And it’s where professional cleaners play a starring role. Think of outbreaks like norovirus or the flu—they can spread fast in shared living environments. That’s why specialised Aged Care Cleaning Services are crucial. They understand the need for regulated cleaning protocols, risk minimisation, and detailed documentation.

This also reflects Cialdini’s principle of authority. Facilities that employ trained, designated cleaners signal a commitment to best practice and high standards—both to residents and regulatory bodies.

Is there overlap in the emotional side of the work?

Yes, and it’s often overlooked. Cleaners in aged care sometimes become familiar faces to residents. They might not assist with personal care, but a kind word, a smile, or a quick chat can brighten someone’s day. Just like carers, they’re part of the social ecosystem.

But the key is: kindness doesn’t blur the professional role. That warm interaction is part of being human—not part of the job description.

Quick Recap: What’s the difference?

Here’s a side-by-side to make it even clearer:

Why should families and providers care about the distinction?

Because blurred lines can lead to poor care, legal issues, and even health risks. Families entrusting a loved one to an aged care facility need to know that:

• Cleaners are not expected to provide personal support (nor are they trained for it).

• Carers are not distracted by non-care duties like sanitising the hallway.

• Each role is respected for its unique contribution.

FAQ

Can a carer help with cleaning?
Yes, but usually just light domestic tasks related to the person they support, like tidying their room or washing dishes. They’re not trained for clinical-level sanitisation.

Are cleaners in aged care trained differently than residential ones?
Absolutely. Aged care cleaners are trained in infection control, cross-contamination, and safety protocols specific to vulnerable populations.

Can I hire one person to do both in a home setting?
You can—but be clear about what you need, and make sure they’re trained in both areas.

Roles in aged care can overlap in sentiment, but not in function. One ensures a clean environment. The other ensures a cared-for person. Both are vital, but they’re not the same—and confusing the two can compromise the whole system.

Understanding that difference helps families ask better questions, employers make smarter hires, and staff feel valued for their specific expertise. And when the stakes are high—like in aged care—they’re not just jobs. They’re lifelines.

If you’re curious about what sets specialised cleaning in aged care apart from your standard mop-and-bucket routine, this piece outlines it well.