Vimala Thyagarajah. Credit: Anchor
Vimala lost her sense of purpose after retiring
Vimala Thyagarajah aged 85, began working at Greenacres care home in Surrey, 23 years ago.
She had retired from her civil service job but didn’t feel ready to put her feet up and potter around the garden.
She says she “quickly found” what she was missing in her life. Vimala, who works as a wellness assistant and care worker, decided to join Anchor as she wanted to care for others and had a “heartfelt desire” to work with people.
Anchor was one of the first organisations in the country to sign the Age-friendly employer pledge run by the Centre for Ageing Better to further boost its recruitment, retention, and development processes, in supporting people aged 50 and over.
Working in a care home enabled Vimala to make meaningful connections with people and be part of a community.
She works three days a week 9am till 5pm. Her days are a mix of providing personal care, social interaction, and enjoying a shared sense of connection with the residents.
“I love making tea for them, listening to their wonderful stories, and providing care in any way I can,” Vimala says.
Her career at Anchor may have started as a way to fill her time post-retirement, but it has grown into something much more— an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others, learn from their stories, and make a lasting impression.
‘It’s a marvellous place to work’
“It’s a marvellous place to work,” she says. “They appreciate what I do, and I really enjoy making a difference to the lives of the residents.”
Her advice to others is – “Work hard in your life, and you will achieve what you want.”
Her fulfilling career at Greenacres care home clearly shows it is never too late in life to start something new and make a positive impact on other people’s lives.
