How a Lifetime of Caring Led to a New Career in Home Care at 60: Nannw’s Story

When Nannw moved to a new area in her 60s, she wasn’t sure what would come next. Care hadn’t been her profession, but it had always been part of her life. Now it’s part of her future too.

A Life Spent Caring

Caring for others has always come naturally to Nannw. Her father had a stroke when she was just 16, and she became part of his care at home, helping him manage as his health and mobility changed. Years later, she supported her mother through cancer.

“It wasn’t something I trained in, but I’d done a lot of it,” she explains. “Friends and family trusted me, and I found I had an affinity for it.”

Though she didn’t see it as formal experience, those years shaped how she approached care. After moving to a new part of the country, she started looking for a role with purpose. That’s when she found Unique.

A Supportive Start

At her interview, something felt right. The team, the welcome, the way things were explained — it was a good first impression.

“You can tell when a place is right. I walked into the office and thought, this is a nice place.”

Although she hadn’t worked in care before, Nannw brought years of experience. She joined with a week of training, then spent time shadowing other Caregivers until she and the people she visited felt confident.

That hands-on support helped her build trust and confidence. While she was used to helping others, she gained new skills too, especially around personal care.

“The training gave me the bits I hadn’t done before. But everything else I’d already done through life. When you’ve supported someone through illness or helped them stay at home, that’s care.”

Making a Difference

Now working in the community, Nannw focuses on the small but important moments. Helping someone dress in a way that feels comfortable. Preparing breakfast at their pace. Sharing a conversation and a cup of tea. Listening if they’ve had a restless night.

“You’re helping them face the day. It might be their only visit, or they might be tired or anxious. But you’re giving them the best start you can.”

She takes pride in making every visit count.

“You go home and you know you’ve made someone more comfortable. That’s very pleasing. You feel you’ve given something back.”

Finding Purpose Later in Life

Nannw believes care is a great fit for people with life experience. She’s seen how many older adults have already been supporting others in their own families without thinking of it as care.

“If you’re 60, like me, and thinking about doing something that gives back, this really does. It’s a career. And you’ve already got the experience to start it.”

After stepping into the role, she realised how much she’d missed it.

“It fills a gap. And it feels good.”

Be Part of a Team That Really Cares

One of the things that stood out for Nannw was how well supported she felt. She was new to the job and the area, but never felt on her own.

“We all work together. You’re never thrown in, and there’s always someone there if you need help.”

We make a point of fitting the work around people’s lives and recognising the value of the role. As Nannw says, it’s about feeling part of something important.

“You hear it on the news all the time, how vital care is. But here, you actually feel it.”

If you’ve spent time supporting others and wonder whether care could be right for you, take a look at our careers page. You might be more ready than you think.