What would you do?

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Tina2
Tina2 Member Posts: 2,943
edited April 2020 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

We use a small, professional house-cleaning service twice each month. Three women dust, vacuum and clean the bathrooms in about two hours. They are in and out of several homes each day. Since mid- last week, my spouse and I have been "self-isolating," trying to stay safe and in our own small way "flatten the curve" of coronavirus contagion. We go out only for doctor appointments, and to get groceries and prescriptions.

Since my cancer has progressed again and I've recently started Ibrance, we are concerned about my possibly diminished immunity. The women who clean for us could be unknowingly carrying and transmitting the virus-- as could anyone, including us. My online research indicates I am no more prone to contracting the virus than others, but may become much more ill if I do.

All this makes us nervous enough to consider suspending the service until a good test is available to all and this plague is over. However, I worry about these ladies losing their livelihood and being unable to support their families. We don't know what their employer provides them in terms of benefits and insurance.

I'm aware this is a "first world problem," but I'm in a quandary. Thoughts?

Tina

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  • Moomala
    Moomala Member Posts: 436
    edited March 2020

    I have isolated as well and for me that means no-one comes into or out of my home, not even my kids and grandkids. It's hard to do I know, but I would suspend the service for a little while.

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited March 2020

    Your first priority is to protect your health. Put you first. Yes, it may be a hardship for the cleaning ladies, but perhaps when they begin back up again you can give them a nice cash tip. Don’t put their livelihood before your health. If you are “nervous enough” to consider stopping the service then don’t stress yourself out further. We women always think we have to put others’ welfare before ours. This is not the time for you to do that.



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  • arolsson
    arolsson Member Posts: 118
    edited March 2020

    I have been using the same cleaning woman for 20 years. She knows me and I am grateful that she is still willing to come clean. I wouldn't give her up because hte benefit of being able to keep my house clean is important and I know that she is very careful. Probably nobody washes their hands more often than cleaning personnel plus she works in gloves! We keep a meter away from each other. But of course its an individual decision. the most important thing is that you feel comfortable. My MO thinks its fine.

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  • SandiBeach57
    SandiBeach57 Member Posts: 1,617
    edited March 2020

    Suspend service, but pay them.

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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited March 2020

    We had our cleaning lady come on Monday. Two weeks from now. . .not sure. Ask me when we get there. My DH has been getting more nervous about letting people in the house.

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  • Piggy99
    Piggy99 Member Posts: 229
    edited March 2020

    We are suspending service but will send a check with the usual payment. Our cleaning team is not part of a larger organization, though. Is there a way to check with your provider if they would accept payment for services not rendered?

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  • Zillsnot4me
    Zillsnot4me Member Posts: 2,687
    edited March 2020

    Of course you are wary with new treatment. I would be hesitant until you find if you and ibrance will play nicely with each other.

    I asked my hairdresser and massage therapist who are both self employed If I could buy a gift certificate. My massage therapist said yes but had no idea when she’d be back to work.

    If they are not self employed maybe you could offer a Walmart gift card?

    It’s a very sweet and generous idea to think of them in these scary times.

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  • Heidihill
    Heidihill Member Posts: 5,476
    edited April 2020

    I gave my housekeeper notice but she qualifies for short term unemployment benefits and I submitted the paperwork. Of course there is a backlog in the applications process. I offered to advance her the money but she refused to accept it. I don't know how things work over there but if you can afford to bridge any gaps or even part of it, it may be very welcome.

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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited April 2020

    For us it's two weeks from now. . .LOL. We sent her a check and asked her not to come. She's been cleaning for us for more 10+ years and does an outstanding job. We can afford to help her keep going.

    Often she has more work than she can really do so gets her cousin to join her but we have the kind of relationship where we're at the top of her list if paring the list is necessary.

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  • Tina2
    Tina2 Member Posts: 2,943
    edited April 2020

    Update: We ended up suspending service. It was a hard decision because of our concerns for the cleaners' welfare. The owner of the business was essentially professional in his response, but defensive ("They wash their hands after each stop," etc.) A younger, cancer-free me might have been guilt tripped, but not the current version.

    We did not send extra money because we had no relationship at all with these women and there was no way to ascertain they would receive it.

    Tina

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