Life with Mycare: Emma’s Story

Finding the right support for her neurodivergent son

When Emma moved to Cambridge with her 12-year-old son, she left behind more than just a familiar town — she lost the support network that had helped her manage day-to-day life as a homeschooling mum to an autistic/ADHD boy.

She needed someone who truly understood neurodivergence. Someone she could trust, who would respect her son’s unique needs. But finding that person wasn’t easy.

Discovering a Better Way

Emma had tried using Babysits and other care sites before, but the process was stressful. “I was worried about the paperwork, the extra fees — and honestly, I just wasn’t finding the right people,” she says.

Then she stumbled across Mycare during a late-night online search.

“I remember thinking, ‘Oh no, another site with fees,’” she laughs. “But once I saw that they handled things like police checks and had care worker reviews, I realised how different it was.”

Unlike other platforms she’d tried — or even funded options like Manawanui — Mycare made things easier. Everything from the paperwork to communication felt sorted and supported.

A Match That Felt Right

Soon after signing up, Emma heard from Rina, a carer who had seen Emma’s listing and reached out directly. It turned out to be a perfect match.

“She’s been amazing. Rina really gets my son,” Emma says. “She adapts to how he’s feeling, what kind of day he’s having. Some carers don’t understand neurodivergent kids — but Rina just gets it.”

With a background in everything from hospice work to complex care, Rina brought not just skill but genuine warmth. Over time, she’s become more than just a support worker — she’s part of the family.

“My son’s actually excited to go out and do things with her. That hasn’t happened in years.”

More Than Just a Platform

Emma says Mycare’s support has made a big difference. Regular check-ins from the Mycare team, especially Audrey, meant she never felt like she was doing it all alone.

The platform itself was also refreshingly simple. “Booking, scheduling, finding carers… It’s all just easy. I liked being able to read reviews and see detailed profiles too — it gave me more confidence.”

Even small things, like admin reminders, helped her stay on top of tasks. “It’s one less thing for a busy parent to worry about.”

A Real Difference at Home

The biggest impact? Peace of mind. “I can actually leave the house without stressing. I trust Rina completely.”

Emma’s son, who had previously struggled with burnout and social anxiety, is slowly rebuilding confidence. With the right support, he’s exploring new things again — at his own pace, in his own way. “It’s helped us both feel more like ourselves again.”

Emma’s Advice for Others

For other parents of neurodivergent children, Emma has this advice:

“Don’t settle for support that doesn’t feel right. The right person is out there — and Mycare makes it easier to find them.”

Looking for support that truly fits?

Join Mycare and find a care worker who understands your world.