A week in the life of a housekeeper at Willow Wood Hospice
Early starts, plenty of teamwork and countless acts of kindness – there’s much more to housekeeping at Willow Wood Hospice than meets the eye. Over the course of a week, Julie Hafford kept a diary of her daily duties, offering a glimpse into the important role the team plays in helping patients and families feel cared for, comfortable and supported.
If you’d asked me years ago what working in housekeeping at a hospice would be like, I don’t think I could ever have pictured this. Yes, I start early – I’m usually in by 7am – and of course there’s plenty of cleaning to be done. But there’s so much more to it than people might think.
My day often begins with the laundry, getting things washed, folded and ready to go. Other times I’ll be deep into cleaning one of the patient rooms on the Inpatient Unit, making sure everything is fresh, calm and comfortable. Those rooms really matter. They’re someone’s space at a very important time, and I take a lot of pride in making them feel just right.
What surprises people is how much you’re part of the wider hospice life. I’m always stopping to say good morning, having a quick chat, or helping someone find where they need to go. Visitors are often a bit unsure when they arrive, and if I can put them at ease or point them in the right direction, that feels just as important as any cleaning job.
Some days I’ll be upstairs doing offices, kitchens and toilets, other days I’m working alongside my colleagues covering reception areas, family rooms and quiet spaces. We’re a small team, so we all help each other out. There’s always time for a cup of tea and a bit of laughter in between, which makes even the busiest days easier.
Then there are the moments you don’t expect at all. Sitting with someone for a few minutes because they need company. Walking a worried relative to a patient’s room. Keeping an eye out and noticing when someone might need a bit of extra support. That’s not written in any job description, but it’s just part of working here.
By the end of the week I’ve cleaned everything from bedrooms and therapy rooms to stairways and shared spaces, but it’s the people that stay with me. The smiles, the thank-yous, the quiet conversations in the corridor.
It’s a physical job and those early starts can be hard, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Being part of this hospice means knowing that what I do helps create a safe, peaceful place for patients and families when they need it most. And that’s something I’m really proud of.
