“Jenny” – Specialised Cleaning for a Safer Home
About Jenny
“Jenny” (name changed for confidentiality) is a participant of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) who lives in the Lismore region. She lives with schizophrenia, a complex mental health condition that can make everyday tasks — like cleaning and organising — especially challenging.
When Jenny’s symptoms worsen, maintaining her home environment can quickly become overwhelming. Over time, this can lead to safety issues or housing concerns. Sistability’s weekly cleaning visits provide essential stability, helping her keep her tenancy and live in a healthier, more supported environment.
Our Support
Each week, Sistability team members Bec and Krystal visit Jenny’s home for a scheduled clean. Their focus isn’t just on surface cleaning — it’s about creating a safe, functional space where Jenny can continue to live independently and comfortably.
Because of Jenny’s circumstances, these cleans often include biohazard work such as the safe collection and disposal of sharps. This requires specialist training and a calm, trauma-informed approach. Sistability’s cleaners are among the few in the region with this level of training, ensuring services like Jenny’s can be provided safely and consistently.
Specialised Training and Safety
Not every cleaning company is equipped or willing to take on biohazard work. At Sistability, we invest in specialised training for sharps handling, infection control, and biohazard cleaning — giving our staff the skills and confidence to manage challenging environments safely.
This expertise makes a real difference. Without trained cleaners like Bec and Krystal, many clients would struggle to find appropriate support, putting their housing or health at risk. Sistability’s specialised services bridge that gap, supporting both the client’s safety and their long-term independence.
Team Communication and Care
Every week, Sistability’s Team Manager Nic provides Bec and Krystal with up-to-date client notes before their visit. These outline any new concerns, priorities, or changes in Jenny’s situation, ensuring the team is well-prepared before they arrive.
After the clean, Bec and Krystal provide detailed service notes back to Nic — reporting on what was achieved, what risks were identified, and what follow-up may be needed. This two-way communication ensures accountability, supports quality care, and helps the wider Sistability team respond quickly if a client’s needs change.
Supporting Our Staff
Biohazard cleans can be emotionally and physically demanding. Sistability takes great care to look after the wellbeing of its staff who perform this important work.
After each service, Nic checks in with Bec and Krystal to ensure they feel supported and safe. These regular debriefs allow space for reflection and ensure the team has access to mental health support or guidance if needed.
This commitment to staff wellbeing is part of Sistability’s culture — valuing our people as much as our clients, and ensuring no one carries this important work alone.
Progress and Reality
For Jenny, maintaining a clean and safe home remains an ongoing battle. Some weeks bring more challenges than others. But the regular visits mean she is never left without help. Even when setbacks occur, the girls arrive with patience, professionalism, and care — working steadily to restore order and safety.
The consistency of these visits provides structure and stability in Jenny’s week. She knows who to expect, what to expect, and that she is supported by a team that truly understands her needs.
Progress for Jenny isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about maintaining safety and dignity, one clean at a time.
Why It Matters
Jenny’s story reflects the heart of Sistability’s mission — combining care, skill, and compassion to support people who might otherwise be overlooked.
By offering specialised cleaning, regular communication, and emotional support for both clients and staff, Sistability creates meaningful impact that extends beyond the home. Each service helps preserve housing, independence, and connection — key elements of wellbeing for anyone living with complex needs.
This is what social enterprise looks like in action: meaningful work that uplifts everyone involved — from the clients we support to the workers we empower.
Making a Difference
At Sistability, every clean is more than a task list — it’s a step toward stability. Jenny’s journey shows that consistent, compassionate support can help people maintain dignity, stay safely housed, and feel cared for — even in the most challenging circumstances.
