76 year old Margaret proves care is a career for all ages

We would like to introduce you to Margaret Senior, Care Professional for Radfield Home Care Wakefield & Dewsbury. Margaret is a very special lady and today we are shining a light on her. 

At Radfield Home Care we are on a mission to help the nation age well and remain connected to the things that matter most to them. But, this doesn’t just apply to our clients. For some, helping others is part of who they are and Margaret is a shining example of how you can keep helping others despite your age. 

Margaret joins us at the age of 76, with her 77th birthday on the way in May. Her reason for restarting her career in care is equal parts noble and heartbreaking:

“Sadly, last year my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away in November. I looked after him during his cancer battle. Seeing Macmillan carers come in 3 times a day to support him, opened my eyes up to the great service they provided and how he looked forward to them visiting.  I have very fond memories of their visits.

That’s why I took an interest in a role in care, as when he sadly passed, I felt I wanted more of a purpose in life. I am 77 in May and felt that I had a lot more to give and get out of life.”

A great career for those with more left to give

Margaret’s career in care span’s all the way back to the 1960’s, as a fresh faced 17 year old. She joined Wakefield Hospital (Staincliffe Hospital at the time) as a nursing cadet. It was here that she started working toward her State Registered Nursing qualification, which she eventually achieved. 

Margaret in her nursing cadet uniform

Following the birth of her children, Margaret took a career break to focus on being a mother full-time. Several years later, she returned to the role of nursing. Later, she decided to take up the challenge of being a childminder. 

“For the last 30 years I have been a childminder in Ossett, looking after children at home and in nursery settings from 0 to 12  years old. During this time I gained qualifications in Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, and Safeguarding. I loved the job, as I love working with children, and over the years got to know a lot of people and see a lot of children growing up with very fond memories of them.”

Margaret has lived in Ossett for 46 years and when the time came for her career change, she made a quick Google search “Are there jobs in Ossett for older people in the care sector?” Radfield Home Care Wakefield & Dewsbury came up top and our values and hers married up perfectly. That same day, she walked into town, knocked on our door and the rest was history. 

“Megan answered the door, and was extremely welcoming. I just said “You might think this is a silly question, but would you be interested in taking me on as a carer?” and the answer was “you are never too old!” That was where it all began! I just want to be part of something special, to help others and do something that feels rewarding, and also give me a new purpose in life.”

A team that prides itself on delivering fantastic support

“So far my time delivering care has been wonderful, the feedback has been brilliant. The office even received a call from a client that I have been visiting and caring for and she had shared with the office that she really enjoyed my visits.”

Starting any new role can be daunting, there are always little bits and pieces to get used to. Our team is always on hand to deliver support when someone has a question or needs a bit of help. 

“I have had to have some help with the Radfield visit app, as I was a bit nervous using that, but that’s all fine now. Everyone has been wonderful and so supportive. I feel the medication support is a big responsibility, but again everyone around the team, especially the office team, are so supportive and have given me the reassurances I need to deliver the best care possible.”

A flexible role to suit you

Working as a Care Professional is a very flexible role with hours that suit your lifestyle and can fit around your schedule. 

“I work two mornings a week and alternate weekends, which is just perfect for me and breaks up my week nicely. I love working for Radfield Home Care, they are lovely people and have been very welcoming and supportive. I would say to anyone thinking about a role in care at my age that if you feel well enough, fit enough and you feel you want to have a new purpose in life, take the bull by the horns and do it. Give it a try, Radfield Home Care is lovely.”

If you’re feeling inspired and you’d like to join our team, please head over to our care jobs page where you can find more information. Alternatively, if you’d like to find more information on the services we can offer you or someone you know, you can find more information on our services page.