Maybe someone you know can recommend someone.

temporary service, 4 or 5 times until my helper returns. I am hoping the Area Agency on Aging can make a recommendation. My husband is partially disabled and I have arthritic issues (I cannot get down on my knees to clean the bathtub like I used to) and I cannot maneuver the vacuum cleaner (too heavy).

I'm sure it varies from person to person, and from place to place. I found them adequate but not thorough. Most of the large company maid services are similar in quality. Depends upon the people you happen to get. Many do not speak English. I also bet the workers are paid very little, but don't know. I haven't had anyone for a long time; the best are individuals who have their own business, and will use YOUR equipment and cleaning products. They charge more, but worth it. In your case, I would try one though, since it will be temporary. Good luck.

They charged me a huge fee to do a first time clean that was supposed to include a lot more than a regular service. They didn't communicate to the girls who came about what I paid for.

You probably can get them on a temporary basis,but be very specific about what you want done and how much you will pay.

Stopped a few months ago when my husband retired - he thinks he can do the cleaning, though it's not happening.

Merry Maids insist on a "deep cleaning" the first time around, which is very expensive. After that they will do routine cleanings, but do not move furniture or make an effort to get under furniture. The areas under my dresser and couch were not vacuumed, swept or mopped, for instance.

The women that came were nice and always seemed pretty happy about their work. I never asked what they were paid versus how much I paid the company. It would have been better if my schedule allowed for the same team to come every time - I kept having to change the day and that meant they had to shuffle me among the available teams.

There are several locally owned maid services - I think I will try one of them when I can talk my husband into it. One left a flyer for their services that had a price half of what I was paying Merry Maids. For what I need - floors and bathrooms - that sounds about right.

Recommendations are necessary to insure that it is someone you want having access to your home.
If an independent, you should make sure they are individual contractor, i.e., paying necessary taxes and social security, etc., in order to relieve yourself of responsibility in that area.
My ladies are independent contractors who advertise their services on Craig's List; because English is not their first language, my daughter takes the calls & explains their services to would be clients; in return she gets a free cleaning every 4-6 weeks.

Yes, it is customary that the first cleaning is a "deep" cleaning and more costly, after which they revert to regular service and a lower price.
I've never used Merry Maids.
Good luck.

She worked for Merry Maids for a short time researching the book and was appalled by their unsanitary methods for kitchen and bathroom.
Same sponges, etc.

My cleaning lady uses my sponges and cloths and I will insist on it staying that way. I must say I've been somewhat pampered by my very good cleaner. I pay her a good wage and I'm happy to do so. She brings an assistant who unfortunately doesn't drive.