This is great advice, Brenda! Testing the waters before you sit down is easy to do and can be done without calling attention to what you’re doing. We always want to be careful not to offend a family by showing them that we don’t want to sit where they have offered for us to be. I also love what you said about wearing wash and wear clothing. I used to tell families the same thing – that I was dressed for fun so if I got messy that was a-ok!

I’ve told my families over the years that what I wear is wear and wash and let then know accidents happen. If I’m that uncomfortable, I’ll stand or sit on a coat.

One piece of advise I heard from a more seasoned HVer when I started was to always avoid sitting on upholstered furniture, be cautious when sitting on carpet ( can cover holes) and test the furniture/chair to be sure it is sturdy enough to hold you. Priceless advise! I would rather be wet that lying in the floor from a fall.