AS the demand for elderly care at home increases with the rapidly ageing society, good caregivers are in high demand and many care providers are finding that active seniors – sometimes nearly the same age as their clients – feature among their best employees.

MD Alastair Shanks from Right at Home Guildford & Farnham, a home care company, said: “Older caregivers know the frustrations of ageing and have a lot of patience and understanding. They tend to relate really well to their clients and can talk about the ‘old days’ with shared recollection.

“Right at Home is a leader in hiring older caregivers to provide home care for other seniors and disabled adults. Last year, a 90-year-old American colleague was named CareGiver of the Year. We are really keen to hear from active retirees in the Farnham area. Older caregivers offer years of experience and a compassionate awareness of what it means to age.

“They already have the Right at Home work ethic, having grown up learning the value of making commitments and holding to them. The benefit of older people caring for their peers really is a win-win situation for all of us.”

The UK Government recognises the value of recruiting older people. Department for Work and Pensions [DWP] Minister, Steve Webb MP, said: “Older workers have a huge amount to bring to any workforce and are a vast, untapped talent in the UK labour market.”

The number of older people remaining in work is also increasing, with economic uncertainties and people living longer on fixed incomes, many are drawn to elderly care to supplement their retirement incomes.

“Care giving is a natural choice for those wanting to give something back to their local community and who enjoy building meaningful relationships.