Meet the 71-year-old care worker who says 'it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done'

When most people are thinking of retirement, sixty-five-year-old Harry Seward decided to change career to become a care worker, saying it is “hands down the most rewarding thing I have ever done”.

Harry Seward’s journey into the care sector began after he took voluntary redundancy as an engineering stores inspector for Britannia Airways in Luton as he wanted to be closer to his home in Nottingham.

After relocating, Mr Seward worked in the logistics department for two different mobile mast companies before deciding he wanted to embark on a new career as a care worker.

Mr Seward told homecare.co.uk. “I decided to take redundancy at the age of 65 after working for a mobile phone mast company for 18 months as the travel was too much for me. The job was based in Derby and that was too far from Bingham.

“I then started working for a home care company part-time but they couldn’t give me the hours I wanted.”

Mr Seward worked for two other home care agencies before working for Respectful Care Nottingham South at the age of 68.

Three years on he says: "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. I enjoy meeting and helping people and I have a good rapport with all my clients. I take them for rides out to places and I have a good chat with them.”

Mr Seward has made strong friendships with many of his clients and holds fond memories of singing Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ and ‘Strangers in the Night’ with a man who developed Alzheimer’s, and even attended his funeral when he passed away.

“He was a lovely chap, and when I met his son at the funeral, he really appreciated all the help I gave his dad. I miss him terribly.”

'It is about person-centred care and you have to have an open mind'

To encourage other people into the care sector, Mr Seward says: "It’s not everybody’s cup of tea but it’s a wonderful way to help people. You have to have an open mind and, ultimately, be a nice person. You have to be inclined to genuinely help people. It is about being at one with the moment. It is about person-centred care and not seeing the person as a sick 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."

Mr Seward is 72 next month and says working for Respectful Care is “brilliant. I can’t say enough about all of them. They are all amazing and all of them are just so nice.”

Mr Seward also believes in mindfulness and advises everyone to “live in the present moment and not in the past, 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.”

'Harry is just like an angel to me'

Mr Seward is a much-loved and highly regarded team member at the Respectful Care Nottingham South branch.

Sarah Peach, director of Respectful Care told homecare.co.uk “Harry is just like an angel to me and is a lovely chap who I can speak to for hours. He is really spirited and into his mindfulness. He sees life as living in the present and not the past.

“He is an inspiration to the clients as he doesn’t worry about anything. I have been so inspired by the way he has continued to work during the pandemic and going out to see the clients.

“Even though it was considered older people were more likely to catch Covid, Harry kept going throughout and always went to see his clients."

Ms Peach is frustrated that society “writes off the over 50s, but I would not hesitate in employing anyone over that age to do this job. Older people are more relatable with the clients and as long as they are fit and healthy, I would not have any hesitation in employing them.”

Mr Seward adds: “Anyone working in the care industry will tell you it is not an easy job, but 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."

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