From Caring for My Mum to Caring for Others

Introduction

I work at Careline365 because the work we do genuinely changed my life – and my mum's. For me, this isn't just a job; it's personal, and I carry that with me every day.

I Never Expected to Become a Carer

I didn't plan on becoming a carer. It just happened gradually, almost quietly. My mum had been living with COPD for years, and as she moved further into her 80s, things slowly got harder for her.

She was fiercely independent, the sort of woman who insisted on doing things her way, and the idea of her going into care just didn't sit right with any of us. Adding to that, my only sister lives on the other side of the world. She wanted desperately to help, but she simply couldn't be here. So naturally, the day-to-day caring fell to me, and I took that on with love and commitment, but with a huge sense of responsibility too.

When Everything Changed

Then, right in the middle of all this, the Covid pandemic hit. Suddenly the world became smaller, scarier, and so much more uncertain. Mum was extremely vulnerable, and the fear of catching Covid, on top of everything else, was always hanging in the air. I think every carer at that time felt that pressure: the need to protect the person you love from something you couldn't even see.

So when Mum reached the point where she needed round-the-clock support, we brought her to live with us. And that's when everything truly shifted. I became her full-time carer almost overnight. My own life just paused. And with Covid restrictions, isolation was even more intense. I didn't feel like I could leave her alone, not even briefly, not with her health, not with the fear of infection, not with the world the way it was.

Discovering Careline365

One day, a friend mentioned personal emergency alarms, something I'd never even heard of. But I was desperate for anything that could help us breathe again, especially during such a frightening time. So I started researching, and that's when I found Careline365.

I remember being genuinely surprised at how affordable 24/7 monitoring actually was. Amid all the uncertainty of the pandemic, this felt like one small thing we could control. So we got Mum an alarm. And the change was instant.

"It's Alright, Love… I've Got My Button"

Mum suddenly had this quiet confidence again, like someone was looking out for her even when I couldn't be in the same room. She'd often say:

It's alright, love… I've got my button.

And it really reassured her. For me, it meant I could finally breathe. Even during lockdowns, even with all the rules and restrictions, I could step out of the house briefly, nip to the shops, get fresh air, without that crushing fear that something might happen while I wasn't there.

That little alarm gave Mum dignity. It gave me peace of mind. And it gave our family balance again, at a time when the whole world felt unbalanced. And it stayed that way until the day she passed.

Why I Joined Careline365

After losing her, I knew I wanted to go back to work. But I also knew exactly where I wanted to be. I remember thinking:

I don't care what role it is — but I'm doing it for Careline.

Because I'd lived the difference it makes. I joined Careline as an Emergency Call Handler, then moved into running shifts, and later into the Learning & Development team. Now I'm the Learning & Development Partner, leading our ARC training. And I absolutely love what I do.

Supporting the People Who Support Others

Because every day, I get to support the people who support others. Every day, I'm reminded that what we do isn't just about alarms, it's about restoring independence, reducing fear, and giving families the reassurance they desperately need, especially in times of uncertainty.

I've seen the impact first-hand. I've felt it. And that's why working at Careline365 means so much to me.

Looking for Support for Someone You Love?

If you're caring for an ageing parent or loved one and wondering whether a personal alarm could help, Careline365 offers a free quote. Our team can answer your questions, talk you through the different options, and help you find the right level of support for your family.