Case Study - Retirement's Best Kept Secret: Homesitting

Posted on 31 March, 2025

Sheila and Graham Jackson, aged 75 and 74, are retirees from Banbury, Oxfordshire, who have found a fulfilling way to spend their retirement years—homesitting.

With a love of animals and an eagerness to stay active, the couple has been homesitting for Homesitters Ltd for nearly a decade, averaging eight assignments a year. They describe their homesitting experiences as "holidays with responsibilities," where they enjoy the freedom of travel while caring for other people’s homes and pets.

Before retiring age 60, Sheila worked as a nurse, and Graham as a healthcare assistant in a critical care unit within the NHS. After decades of service in healthcare, they decided to downsize and move into a retirement development. The move provided them with the security and community they desired for their later years, but it also presented a challenge for two dedicated animal lovers as pets were not allowed in their new home.

Keen to stay close to animals and remain active, Sheila and Graham discovered homesitting as the perfect solution. They realised they could travel around the UK to different locations and enjoy looking after a variety of pets.

Sheila and Graham have always gone above and beyond in their homesitting duties. On one occasion, they were looking after five cats and were also tasked with feeding local foxes daily. Another favourite sit took them to Woodstock, where they enjoyed daily walks around the beautiful Blenheim Palace. These experiences, combined with the hands-on care for pets, kept the couple engaged, physically active, and mentally stimulated.

One of their most rewarding experiences was a seven-week homesit caring for a dog that got an infected paw during the sit. Graham recalls, “We had a lovely dog with a severely infected paw that needed constant care—vet visits, dressings, even special boots. By the time the clients returned, the dog was so much better, and we were proud to have played a part in that recovery.”

Another time, they faced a leak in the boiler and no electricity in a house. The issue could have been disastrous if they hadn’t been there to manage the situation. They were on hand to organise the necessary repairs, liaise with workmen and oversee the repairs to ensure the home was safe for the owners’ return. Shelia comments: “We’ve faced everything from sick pets to major home emergencies, and knowing we’ve helped gives us such a sense of purpose.”

Homesitting also provides many social benefits. Through their assignments, Sheila and Graham have made lasting friendships with homeowners, often being invited back for repeat visits.

Another major benefit is the cost savings. Homesitting allows retirees to travel without worrying about accommodation costs, making it an affordable way to explore new places.

Shelia says: “We love that we can see different parts of the country without the expense of hotels or rentals. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy retirement without breaking the bank.”

Sheila and Graham say homesitting has allowed them to make the most of their retirement. It has given them plenty of free time to pursue hobbies like crafting, doing jigsaws, reading, and listening to audiobooks, all while discovering new places and enjoying the flexibility of working on their own terms.

Graham also notes the support they receive on assignment from Homsietters Ltd is invaluable, “We value the excellent support we receive on assignments, which always gives us peace of mind.”

Sheila adds, “Homesitting has helped us live a life in retirement that blends the joy of animals, the excitement of travel, and the satisfaction of taking on meaningful responsibilities.”

Sheila and Graham Jackson’s homesitting experiences highlight that retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down. They have found a fulfilling way to stay active, engaged, and connected with both people and animals. Sheila jokes, “We are skilled not only in looking after pets but can also tackle any TV, dishwasher, and oven!”

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