May Jean’s story
May has lived in Liverpool since childhood. Now in her late 90s, she’s created a lifetime of memories in her home – from working in local factories as a young woman, to caring for her parents, to building a life with her husband.
She’s always been independent and sociable. In her younger years she loved going to the pub and chatting with friends; these days she prefers the comfort of home, with the TV and radio keeping her company and helping her “keep up with what’s going on in the country.”
May has been supported by Be Caring since January 2024. Our role is to help her stay safe, comfortable, and in control of her day-to-day life while continuing to live in the home she loves.
“I haven’t been out in years”
Over time, getting out and about became more difficult for May. She now uses a wheelchair and hoist, and most of her routine takes place indoors.
Her regular Care Workers, Katelyn and Emily, got to know May well. In their everyday chats, they heard how much she missed the simple pleasure of “going up to Broadway”, a nearby shopping area she used to visit often.
Although she hadn’t been out in years, May still talked fondly about those trips. Katelyn and Emily could see that a change of scenery, even for a couple of hours, would mean a lot.
Planning a day that was all about May
Because Be Caring uses a block-pay model, we’re able to build in Above and Beyond time – flexible time that colleagues can use to do something extra when visits are complete, focusing on what really matters to the person.
Katelyn and Emily requested Above and Beyond time so they could support May on a proper trip out, not just a quick errand. Together, they planned an afternoon that felt safe, manageable, and enjoyable for her.
On a Saturday, they arrived at May’s home just before lunchtime. After helping her wash, dress, and settle comfortably in her wheelchair, they asked with a smile, “Are we ready to go out then, May?” She laughed and replied, “Not really – I haven’t had my nails done!” With everything in place, and still chatting and joking, they headed up to Broadway together.
A Simple Outing, A Big Impact
At Broadway, the focus was entirely on May’s choices.
First stop was a local café, where she enjoyed a cheese toastie and a cup of tea. As they sat together, May began sharing memories of the times she’d been there years before, pointing out how much the area had changed and talking about how busy it used to be.
Afterwards, she decided she wanted to go shopping. Katelyn and Emily supported her to visit a nearby shop to pick up a few essentials. While they were there, May spotted some work bags and chose to buy one for each of her Care Workers as a thank you – a small gesture that meant a lot to the team.
As the afternoon went on, May started to feel tired, so they arranged a taxi back home. Before they left, May told them how much she had enjoyed her day and how good it felt to get out again after so long.
Why this time matters
For May, the outing wasn’t about doing something grand – it was about being part of everyday life again, feeling the fresh air and seeing familiar streets, sharing stories and memories with people she trusts and making her own choices about where to go and what to do.
For Katelyn and Emily, it was a chance to use Above and Beyond time exactly as intended – to “make someone’s day” by doing something meaningful that doesn’t always fit into a standard time slot.
Be Caring’s approach means colleagues are paid for their time between visits, not just for minutes in the home. That gives teams the flexibility to respond to what really matters to people – whether that’s a trip out, support to attend an appointment, or simply staying a bit longer on a difficult day to listen and reassure.
Looking ahead
Since her day out, May has talked more about her memories of Broadway and how much she appreciated the effort made “just for her.” It has reminded her – and her care team – that even after nearly a century of life, the small things still make a big difference.
With the support of her regular Care Workers and the flexibility of Above and Beyond time, May can continue to live at home, feel connected to her community, and enjoy moments that bring joy and a sense of independence.
