Discover How I Found a Renewed Purpose at 60 by Becoming a Dementia 'Hummingbird' - And How You Can Too!
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Embarking on a new chapter in life after 60 can be a daunting prospect for many. The idea of retirement, with its promise of leisure and relaxation, can sometimes lead to an unexpected sense of aimlessness or loss of purpose. However, for Ann Thomas-Carter, retirement became an opportunity to discover a new vocation that not only brought joy and fulfilment to her life but also made a significant difference in the lives of others. At 63, she became a 'hummingbird' for people with dementia, and her story is a testament to the fact that it's never too late to find a new calling.
Ann's journey began when she stepped into Framland care home, a place that defied her expectations of what a care home could be. With its manor house charm and intimate community of 21 residents, Framland felt more like a family than an institution. This environment resonated with Ann, who had spent most of her career as a pharmacy dispenser at Boots, where she found satisfaction in face-to-face interactions with customers, offering them support and assistance.
However, when changes at work prompted her to retire, Ann found herself missing the sense of purpose that her job had provided. It wasn't long before a friend suggested volunteering at Framland, run by the charity Pilgrims' Friend Society. Despite having no formal experience in caregiving beyond looking after her parents during their cancer battles, Ann was open to the idea. She quickly discovered that the role was a perfect fit, as she found joy and excitement in the unpredictable nature of volunteering with the elderly.
Ann's dedication to her new role led her to pursue an NVQ diploma in adult care, embracing the challenge of learning about healthcare and legislation. However, it was her work with individuals with dementia that she found most rewarding. As a 'Hummingbird', Ann specialised in providing companionship to residents with dementia, moving from person to person, offering patience, understanding, and a listening ear.
The role of a Hummingbird is not without its challenges. People with dementia can exhibit a range of behaviours, from irritability to moments of unexpected clarity. Ann learned to navigate these situations with grace, understanding that any outbursts were not a reflection of the person's true character. Instead, she focused on the beautiful moments when residents shared their life stories, providing a window into their rich pasts.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought new difficulties, with social distancing and lockdowns causing distress for both residents and staff. Yet, Ann and her colleagues adapted, using video calls to help residents stay connected with their families. Through it all, Ann's work has given her a profound appreciation for the aging process and the privilege of assisting others in their later years.
Now at 70, Ann is one of the older members of the Framland team, but she has no intention of slowing down. She sees her age as an asset, bringing wisdom and experience to the team and sharing it with younger colleagues. Her story is a powerful reminder that age is indeed just a number and that the desire to contribute and make a difference does not diminish with time.
For those over 60 who may be seeking a renewed sense of purpose, Ann's story is an inspiration. Volunteering or working with the elderly, particularly those with dementia, can be an incredibly fulfilling way to spend your later years. It's an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to give back in a way that enriches both your life and the lives of those you help.
If Ann's story has sparked an interest in you, consider exploring opportunities to volunteer or work in aged care. Many organisations and care homes are in need of compassionate individuals who can bring their life experiences to support and uplift their residents. Whether you're looking to fill your days with meaningful activity or to embark on a completely new career path, becoming a 'hummingbird' for people with dementia could be the start of an extraordinary new journey.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, what do you think? Have you found a new purpose after 60, or are you still searching? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Who knows, you might just inspire someone else to spread their wings and become a hummingbird in their own right.
Ann's journey began when she stepped into Framland care home, a place that defied her expectations of what a care home could be. With its manor house charm and intimate community of 21 residents, Framland felt more like a family than an institution. This environment resonated with Ann, who had spent most of her career as a pharmacy dispenser at Boots, where she found satisfaction in face-to-face interactions with customers, offering them support and assistance.
However, when changes at work prompted her to retire, Ann found herself missing the sense of purpose that her job had provided. It wasn't long before a friend suggested volunteering at Framland, run by the charity Pilgrims' Friend Society. Despite having no formal experience in caregiving beyond looking after her parents during their cancer battles, Ann was open to the idea. She quickly discovered that the role was a perfect fit, as she found joy and excitement in the unpredictable nature of volunteering with the elderly.
After retiring from Boots, Ann Thomas-Carter became a volunteer at Framland care home and found a new purpose in helping residents, especially those with dementia. Credit: Pixabay
Ann's dedication to her new role led her to pursue an NVQ diploma in adult care, embracing the challenge of learning about healthcare and legislation. However, it was her work with individuals with dementia that she found most rewarding. As a 'Hummingbird', Ann specialised in providing companionship to residents with dementia, moving from person to person, offering patience, understanding, and a listening ear.
The role of a Hummingbird is not without its challenges. People with dementia can exhibit a range of behaviours, from irritability to moments of unexpected clarity. Ann learned to navigate these situations with grace, understanding that any outbursts were not a reflection of the person's true character. Instead, she focused on the beautiful moments when residents shared their life stories, providing a window into their rich pasts.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought new difficulties, with social distancing and lockdowns causing distress for both residents and staff. Yet, Ann and her colleagues adapted, using video calls to help residents stay connected with their families. Through it all, Ann's work has given her a profound appreciation for the aging process and the privilege of assisting others in their later years.
Now at 70, Ann is one of the older members of the Framland team, but she has no intention of slowing down. She sees her age as an asset, bringing wisdom and experience to the team and sharing it with younger colleagues. Her story is a powerful reminder that age is indeed just a number and that the desire to contribute and make a difference does not diminish with time.
For those over 60 who may be seeking a renewed sense of purpose, Ann's story is an inspiration. Volunteering or working with the elderly, particularly those with dementia, can be an incredibly fulfilling way to spend your later years. It's an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to give back in a way that enriches both your life and the lives of those you help.
If Ann's story has sparked an interest in you, consider exploring opportunities to volunteer or work in aged care. Many organisations and care homes are in need of compassionate individuals who can bring their life experiences to support and uplift their residents. Whether you're looking to fill your days with meaningful activity or to embark on a completely new career path, becoming a 'hummingbird' for people with dementia could be the start of an extraordinary new journey.
