18/04/2026
This picture of my son and I was taken at the beginning of my journey into a career in care. It was something that started out of necessity, but went on to change my life. ❤️
And this is why I left employed care work!
Why did I give up my job in a care home to become a self-employed carer in the community? Why have I gone from a safe, secure monthly salary with perks, to being out there on my own? Read on and I’ll explain.
At first, I had never thought about working in care. I fell into care work ten years ago as a means to an end. At the time, I was single-handedly raising my teenage son in Zimbabwe, where he attended Peterhouse School. Education is expensive in Zimbabwe and when my circumstances suddenly changed, I was left needing to cover all of his school fees for his final GCSE year on my own. Not an easy task!
I am privileged to hold a British passport, so I came to the UK to work as a live in carer. I left Zimbabwe and trained with Consultus Care & Nursing in Kent. For around a year, I commuted between Zimbabwe and the UK, working as a live-in carer. It got us through one of the hardest times in our lives. My son finished school and passed all his exams 👏👏👏 and we relocated permanently to the UK some years ago.
But during that time, something unexpected happened. I discovered that I truly loved care work.
I found it fulfilling, interesting and deeply rewarding. I was hooked.
From there, I progressed into the NHS as a Healthcare Assistant at St Mary’s Hospital, mainly working in the community unit focused on reablement - helping people regain strength, confidence and independence so they could return home safely. Watching people recover and leave hospital stronger than when they arrived was incredibly rewarding.
Later, I worked my way up to management level in residential care homes. But eventually, I became frustrated. Too often, care felt rushed and task-driven. People deserve more than being treated like a list of jobs to complete.
So I made the decision to become my own boss.
Now, as a fully self-employed community carer, I can provide the kind of care I believe in. Person-centred, unhurried, compassionate care with dignity at its heart.
This isn’t a hobby or something I do casually. I’ve done it properly. I’m fully self-employed, insured, trained, experienced, and most importantly, I’m passionate about giving people the care they deserve.
If you or a loved one need reliable, compassionate support at home, please reach out.
I’m Anthea and I trade as IOW Care Solutions. You can call me on 07955 344402, or if you prefer, drop me an email me at iowcaresolutions@gmail.com. East Wight area
