Care for self means they will fill their needs if they go into the red. That is all. Instead of Care for self you can order them to garden or build a particular skill.
HI @polseibrod
as you also posted in the bug forum, I'm going to lock this thread.
I've merged your bug report with the current report on the issue.
As you said the workaround doesn't help you, make sure to read this post: https://answers.ea.com/t5/Bug-Reports/WORKAROUND-Care-for-Self-for-Sims-at-different-lot-not-properly/m-p/7731383#M87359 and see if that helps.
Please stick to one thread in the future.
Thank you.
