Care Worker at 65 'wouldn't change a thing'

Showing there are no age restrictions to milestone moments, a former qualified engineer, Harry Seward, smashed societal expectations by becoming a domiciliary care worker at age 65. Now, five years later, Harry (70) has shared his reflections on the decision, saying it is the most rewarding thing he has ever done and that he "wouldn't change a thing".

Unable to take early retirement and 65 years old, Harry's journey into care began when he took voluntary redundancy from an engineering job and began working as a delivery driver. Still searching for additional part-time work, Harry noticed a job going as a caregiver, which he took up for three years before deciding to become a full-time carer.

Now working for the established Nottinghamshire-based homecare provider, Respectful Care, Harry serves as a much-loved and highly regarded team member at its Nottingham South branch. Thriving off person-centred care, he utilises his empathetic nature by building rapport and relationships with clients in a bid to fill their day with warmth and positivity.

Believing people to be at the forefront of his experience, Harry has developed and maintained strong friendships with many of his clients. He holds fond memories of singing Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ and ‘Strangers in the Night’ with a jovial client who developed Alzheimer’s, and even attended his funeral when he sadly passed away.

To unwind and forget the stresses of work, Harry has recently purchased an electric drum kit, which he enjoys playing in his spare time. He was previously in a pop/blues band called ‘That Beautiful Style’, who re-formed to perform toe-tapping jingles at one of Respectful Care’s Christmas parties. An avid music-lover and virtuoso, Harry additionally enjoys playing the Cajon, exemplifying an unparalleled youthful spirit and ultimate zest for life.

Reflecting on his enriched experiences to date, Harry would like to tell his 25-year-old self to “live in the present moment. There is a lot of beauty in that. Enjoy nature, be at one with it. It is an incredible feeling doing simple little things like walking in the woods or listening to the birds. Just enjoy the fresh air and nature."

He additionally had some well-articulated advice for those considering a profession in the care industry, saying: "You have to want to do the job and, ultimately, be a nice person. It brings its rewards, depending on how you approach it. Be courteous, kind and polite. Sometimes you have to be firm, but you must always be courteous with it."

"I never thought I would be a carer as it is a female-dominated profession, but it's all about making contact with people and making people smile. It’s different from working in an industrial environment. Anyone working in the care industry will tell you it is not an easy job but that they love doing it. You get a lot of joy, sometimes you experience grief also, but it is hands down the most rewarding thing I have ever done, and I wouldn’t change a thing," he concluded.

By fully embracing a whole new career venture, Harry has undertaken a personal journey of discovery in his new care-oriented pursuits. Finding his domiciliary care work to be both pleasurable and fulfilling, Harry’s inspiring story serves as a reminder that it is never too late to take on a brand-new challenge at any stage in your life.

Respectful Care is currently recruiting. Anyone looking to make a difference and wanting to join a team that prides itself on being the best can find more information by visiting our recruitment page.