Starting as a HCA @ 49

[Tatapie]

Hi I'm thinking of a new career as a HCA in the NHS once my current job ends ( in HR / admin ). I worked in a nursing home as a student and think I would be happy and good in this role. I'm 49 and a bit worried it's seen as a young persons job. I realise pay is usually minimum wage ish but ok with this and shift work. Do you think I'd be considered? Anyone with any experience as an employee or employer? Thanks

You certainly would be considered. My mum went back to caring for dementia patients in her early 60s and was amazing.

I would hire you if you could demonstrate you were caring, hardworking and patient centred.

It will be heavy work at times but so rewarding.

The only thing is you may have to start at Band 2 if you have no experience and no skills in bloods, ecg etc but you can get those skills. Good luck.

Thank you that's encouraging. I have zero medical experience but can demonstrate caring for children and end of life relatives as well as the vocational work I did in my youth.
I would be prepared to do the study / practice to progress tho TBH managerial responsibilities hold no interest for me right now so my motivation is very much delivery of patient care.

I think you sound like you’d be fab! Where I am, our HCAs are a mix - we have young ones doing it for a year or two to gain experience before starting a medical or nursing degree, and we have dedicated career HCAs who are all about delivering hands on patient care. Both are brilliant and neither are treated differently.

Go for it!

I'm sure you will be considered op. I used to be a registered Nurse for many years but let my registration lapse a few years ago and am applying for HCA jobs at the moment. I am 52. I do worry about the physical side of it though and need to lose some weight ! I applied for a community palliative care HCA post a few months ago and was shortlisted but did not go for the interview as my dh had still not been vaccinated and is CEV. I have currently applied for one in an out of hours/ minor injuries unit as have been there myself as a patient and have always been very impressed with the care.

@Tatapie or indeed @Babyroobs if I can be of any help please let me know.

I’m not a HCA but a domiciliary carer in the community and the youngest carer I’ve worked with is 18 and the eldest is 65- age is no issue at all! What’s more important is that you’re caring, great with people, patient, and are willing to ‘get your hands dirty’ (sometimes literally!) it sounds like you would be great, and a willingness to learn is really important. I’m doing my NVQ while doing the job- I don’t know how it would work in the nhs but it it takes about 6 months to do and it may mean more money. Good luck to you!

Thanks all for your advice, I'm up for the physical nature of the job, in fact that appeals as I don't want to sit around at work. I guess it'll be a lot of toilet duty! I've downloaded the care certificate workbook, is there anything else I can look at?

I would recommend skillsforcare.org