What Does A House Caretaker Do? (Duties, Jobs And Skills)

Updated 4 November 2022

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Caretaking jobs include roles, such as house-sitters, housekeepers, medical caregivers and childcare providers. These professionals usually work with private homeowners, property managers, families and childcare or medical caregiving companies. Knowing about different job opportunities available for caretakers can help you make an informed career decision. In this article, we answer the question, 'What does a house caretaker do?', list some job options for caretakers and caregivers and discuss some skills vital for these professionals.

What Does A House Caretaker Do?

Learning the answer to 'What does a house caretaker do?' can help you learn about different career options in this field. Here are some duties of caretaker professionals, such as property managers, property maintenance technicians, housekeepers, house-sitters and medical caregivers:

Supervises daily operations: House caretakers and property managers supervising community buildings or offices handle the day-to-day activities and operations. This usually includes maintaining the property, managing entry or access, performing inspections and repairs and ensuring the functioning of heating, cooling, lighting and alarm systems.
Oversees security: Caretakers open and shut a property at designated times to prevent unauthorised access and ensure that the security devices are functioning properly. Property owners going for a vacation or those with second homes often hire house caretakers to avoid having a vacant house and deter thieves and burglars.
Ensures maintenance and housekeeping: Caretakers usually ensure maintenance, housekeeping and landscaping. House-sitters and caretakers may also water plants, collect mail and supervise other staff in the absence of owners.
Collects rent: In some residential or corporate properties, the caretaker may collect rent and submit it to the owner or management board. They may also maintain records of receipts and share invoices with renters.
Responds to requests from occupants: Caretakers usually respond to repair requests and complaints from property occupants in residential homes and commercial offices. They also report any issues to the property owner to ensure timely action.
Develops and executes care or recovery plans: Create comprehensive care plans as per the unique requirements of the clients. They usually create these plans under the supervision of the client's doctor.
Assists clients with daily activities: Medical caretakers usually handle the mobility, hygiene, dressing, grooming and nutritional needs of their clients. In some cases, they may also accompany clients for grocery shopping or to visit the doctor.
Administers medicines and ensures physical exercise: Medical caregivers administer the medication as prescribed by the client's doctor. They also typically ensure that clients perform the necessary physical exercises for faster recovery.
Provides companionship: A key responsibility of medical caregivers is to provide people with care and companionship. By developing a warm and professional relationship, caretakers offer emotional support to their clients.

6 Caretaker Career Options

Here are six jobs that you can consider if you wish to become a caretaker:

1. Housekeeper

National average salary: ₹1,62,805 per year

Primary duties: Housekeepers keep homes clean and hygienic. They typically work at several houses in close vicinity or in the same apartment complex. Housekeepers sweep, vacuum, dust, mop and empty the trash cans. They may also help clean windows, doors and other structures in the house. Depending on the agreement with the homeowner, they may also wash the dishes, do the laundry and iron the clothes.

With experience, housekeepers can also work at hotels, resorts or residential institutions. In this role, they usually maintain the cleanliness of the premises and notify the management of any potential safety or compliance issues. In some hotels, they may also change and clean the linen, replace toiletries and clean the bathroom.

2. Caretaker

National average salary: ₹2,05,323 per year

Primary duties: A house or property caretaker ensures that a building and its property are always safe, clean and in working condition. Some house caretakers may care for just one property or house, and others may care for multiple buildings, such as schools, offices, gyms, malls or community centres in the same neighbourhood. Property caretakers ensure community members can utilise the buildings securely and oversee the maintenance of the premises.

3. Childcare provider

National average salary: ₹2,11,237 per year

Primary duties: A childcare provider usually helps children with their homework, makes meals for them and develops lesson plans. A provider who takes care of children ensures that the kids under their care are safe, physically active and completing their homework and extra-curricular projects. They also usually report the progress of children's growth and interests to parents or guardians regularly. Childcare providers can work at schools, playschools, daycare centres and non-governmental organisations or find opportunities with private employers who wish to avail childcare services for their children.

4. Maintenance technician

National average salary: ₹2,22,699 per year

Primary duties: A maintenance technician handles routine upkeep, minor repairs and any other regular maintenance at properties. A person in charge of maintenance may fix equipment, light fixtures, fittings and building systems to ensure their working. They also usually check machinery, equipment, security and essential systems, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, escalators and lifts. Maintenance professionals may work for residential buildings or commercial properties. Depending on the agreement with the property owner, they may also oversee the cleaning and housekeeping services.

5. Nanny

National average salary: ₹2,30,150 per year

Primary duties: A nanny provides childcare services to families with children. Many nannies live with the families they work for and are available throughout the day. Nannies usually have jobs and responsibilities that involve every aspect of a child's health, development and well-being. They clean the children's living spaces, like their bedrooms, bathrooms and playrooms and make meals for them. In addition, they also ensure children's general well-being and safety, supervise them and provide them with the company. Some employers also expect nannies to pick up and drop off children from school or after-school classes.

6. Caregiver

National average salary: ₹2,64,263 per year

Primary duties: A caregiver or companion helps people who cannot care for themselves. These people can include infants, children and the elderly. Caregivers assist their clients with everyday duties and offer companionship. They may work in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, nonprofit organisations, shelters and private residences. Medical caregivers usually specialise in caring for certain groups of people, like children with special needs or people with terminal illnesses. Many caretakers work with single clients to stay with them full-time to provide continuous care and supervision.

Caretaker Skills

Here are some vital skills that caretakers and caregivers can benefit from developing:

Attention to detail

Being a caretaker requires performing several duties simultaneously and coordinating with different individuals. Being attentive and having organisation and multi-tasking skills can help them fulfil their duties effectively. Caretakers can also benefit from having strong time management and prioritising abilities.

Communication skills

Caretaking and caregiving roles require direct interaction with clients and other stakeholders regularly. Knowing how to communicate clearly with clients, write reports and conduct research can be helpful in such jobs. Caregivers with strong communication skills can create a positive and comfortable experience for the individuals under their care and develop a friendly relationship with them.

Dependability and trustworthiness

Whether it is property owners appointing caretakers for the maintenance and upkeep of private properties or families hiring caregivers to offer support for the elderly or children, being responsible and trustworthy is crucial for professionals in this industry. Demonstrating qualities such as dependability and loyalty can help caretakers create an impeccable record of their services and secure recommendations from clients. Some employers may also perform police verifications or ask for character certificates.

Problem-solving and negotiation

Several unanticipated challenges can manifest when caring for properties, which can require caretakers to be adept at solving problems. They may also interact with vendors and service providers to maintain, install and upgrade existing machines on the property. Having negotiation skills can help them secure these services at a cost-effective price.

Specialised knowledge of caregiving

Medical caretakers and caregivers also require specialised knowledge and experience in caring. These caregivers usually have expertise in caring for one type of client, such as the elderly or children. Besides knowledge and experience, medical caretakers may also require certain certifications and training to become eligible for employment.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.