A new job

At an age when many people decide to retire, Julie Sutton opted instead to take up a new job and now, three years on, she continues to enjoy her role at Caremark Leeds Bradford.

“I decided to retire as a hospital nurse when I was 60 but I wasn’t ready to give up work completely so I thought I’d try home support care,” said Julie.

“It is different going into someone’s home and I think the secret is to be prepared to listen a lot, understand what routine works for the customer.”

Julie remembers at school being fascinated by how medicine worked, she did well at biology and science and started working life as a dental nurse. In her late twenties she graduated from Huddersfield University as a state registered nurse and specialised in respiratory conditions.

It’s professional experience that has proved useful in her current role.

“I find I do recognise the warning signs early, I can spot if someone’s condition is deteriorating and flag it up with the doctor,” said Julie.

Now 63, Julie is a similar age to some of the customers she visits and puts her own fitness down to hard work, yoga and dance.

She’s saving up to visit Australia in the New Year to see her daughter Jennifer and grandchildren Oliver and Chloe during what will be their summer holidays.

Her elder daughter Heather lives closer at hand in Oldham and Julie enjoys visiting her and her “fur” babies  – dog logan and cat Kane.

Julie’s advice to anyone thinking of getting into the care sector is that it’s never too late.

“What matters is that you find it personally rewarding to help others and have a belief in delivering high quality care,” she said.