IT IS never too late to begin a career in care, says a woman who is still working in her mid-70s.

Mary is a carer for Home Instead Guildford and Woking, which she joined in 2017.

Her work involves looking after older people in their own homes by helping them dress and bathe, supporting them with housework and giving them much-needed company.

She says she thoroughly enjoys enabling people to stay living in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, while receiving the care that is crucial to their health and wellbeing.

Mary was an NHS community nurse for 30 years and retired in September 2017 at the age of 69. She soon decided she did not want to settle into a slower pace of life and looked for ways in which she could continue helping others.

“I first came across Home Instead on Facebook,” she said. “At the age of 70, I thought no-one would want me and that volunteering was my only option. 

“On the advert, the line that caught my attention was ‘mature ladies who have more to give’. 

“It really resonated with how I was feeling, and in that moment, I knew that becoming a carer was a journey I wanted to embark on.” 

“I’m so glad I started my career in care at an older age because I have a better understanding of how older people feel and can more easily empathise with them. 

“Many of my clients are a similar age to me, and we have plenty in common and insightful life experiences that we share with one another. 

“They feel I’m more like a friend than a carer, which is lovely.”

Home Instead Guildford and Woking managing director Sarah Daly commented: “I know there are many more people in the area who can make just as much of a difference as Mary as a carer, and I’d love to hear from them. 

“We don’t necessarily look for previous experience in our care professionals. 

“The most important character traits are a warm heart and a desire to help.”