One of the most beautiful parts of being a self-employed carer is the freedom to create those moments that wouldn’t be possible in a typical, rigid care job. Let me tell you about one such moment that still makes me smile.
I had been looking after a 92-year-old man who lived alone. He was the sweetest gentleman, but he struggled with loneliness. He would always tell me how much he missed being able to nip out, being around other people, having children running around the house, he missed the joyful chaos they bring. His eyes would light up whenever we talked about his own childhood or the times he’d spent with his grandkids, now all grown up and busy with their own children.
One December afternoon, I had an idea that I knew would mean the world to him. My little boy was playing Joseph in his school’s nativity play, so I was telling him how excited he was to play a big role. The gentleman told me how he so missed being involved with all that, it had always made his Christmas when he watched the children doing their plays. So I thought, "Why not take him along?" It was something I could do because, as a self-employed carer, I wasn’t bound by the constraints of a tight, timed schedule. So, I asked if he’d like to come along, and his face just lit up.
We went together, and I watched him enjoy that nativity play more than anyone else in the audience, even me! He clapped the loudest, his eyes twinkling at the sight of all those little ones on stage. It wasn’t just about the performance. It was about being part of something that made him feel connected, alive, and joyful again. He talked about it for weeks afterwards, and I knew that small act had a profound impact on him.
That’s the beauty of being a self-employed carer. You’re not just ticking off tasks on a schedule; you’re making someone’s day, someone’s life, better in ways big and small. You get to build relationships and moments that genuinely matter. You get to go beyond the basics and bring a little extra joy into someone’s world.
And the best part? I got to do that because I had the flexibility to make decisions that truly put the client’s happiness first. There was no rush, no "time’s up, on to the next client" mentality. It was just me, my lovely client, and a beautiful experience shared together.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a self-employed carer, this is it. It's freedom. It’s heart. It’s creating moments that you’ll never forget—and neither will they.
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