Prince Charles has launched a new report which reveals that over a million people aged over 50 are out of work.

The research by the Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) states that as many as 1.5 million people aged over 50 have left work involuntarily for a variety of reasons over the last eight years.

PRIME says that 1.1 million of these people still want to work.

Home Instead Senior Care, an at-home care company in Tunbridge Wells, reports that over 50% of their caregivers are over 50, and Sue Hayward, a quality training manager, is proud to be one of Prince Charles’ missing millions.

As a caregiver, Sue visits her elderly clients regularly and helps them with their shopping, cooking, and other daily routines, assisting them to remain living independently in their own homes. She also provides them with the companionship that elderly people so often need.

Sue, 70, from Withyham, is a former nurse and matron at Edenbridge Hospital, and at 65, she had to retire from the NHS.

Although she was of retirement age, she knew she still had a lot to give, her training and life skills were still useful and, she wanted to continue working.

So when she saw a Home Instead leaflet in a local flower shop, she thought working as a caregiver sounded interesting. She began working for the company a few days a week just over 2 years ago, and has since added more hours and responsibilities to her schedule.

“I love caregiving as it is about companionship. I have become ‘part of the family’ with my clients and it is great to be able to spend time with them and help them with their day-to-day needs" - Sue Hayward...

Sue who is also a trustee of Age UK East Sussex said: “I love caregiving as it is about companionship. I have become ‘part of the family’ with my clients and it is great to be able to spend time with them and help them with their day-to-day needs.

"I believe that caregiving can suit many people, as it’s all about using your life skills, which are then combined with all the necessary training you need. Everyone can bring something unique and special to the job.”

Symone Salwan, owner of Home Instead in Tunbridge Wells added: “We have long believed that the over 50s offer a largely untapped and highly effective care resource so I was interested to read about the huge numbers that are out of work.

“We match our caregivers to clients and many of our clients often like to be cared for by someone closer to their own age plus they have the life skills to understand the issues faced by those in need of care.

"It’s why we already employ many people who are over 50. Sue has become a fantastic advocate for Home Instead, encouraging others who may be apprehensive to “give it a go”’.

“Much of the work in the sector is part-time so is ideal for anyone looking to do a few hours to a couple of days’ work each week. We are always looking for caring and compassionate people to join our team.”

For more information contact the office on 01732 759854 or visit: http://www.homeinstead.co.uk/tunbridge-wells-sevenoaks-and-edenbridge.