Lifeways support worker still going strong at 80

An octogenarian says retirement can wait - because she’s having too much fun supporting people at a Lifeways service for people with learning disabilities in Kent. 

The super support worker, 80-year-old Bernadette Ward, officially left her full-time contract last April, but stayed on a bank shift contract because of the amazing relationships she’s built with the people we support and her teammates. 

“During my time here, I have enjoyed the company of the people we support and I hope they’ve enjoyed mine,” she said. "I want to keep doing this for as long as I can. I also enjoy the social gatherings with their family and friends and getting to know them too.” 

Bernadette works with people with learning disabilities and is enjoying her role too much to clock out for good. 

She said: “I’ve worked at a variety of residences in my time here and I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ve truly enjoyed it and have always got on well with my colleagues and the people we support.”

Wealth of knowledge

Over the course of her career, both with Lifeways and Kent County Council where she worked as a carer for 20 years, Bernadette has built up a huge wealth of knowledge and experience which she now passes on to people just embarking on a career in care. 

She said: “As I say to our newer people, it’s important to be tolerant and flexible with your colleagues on a day-to-day basis. We are one team and need to work together to meet the needs of the people we support.” 

Bernadette is one of five people over the age of 80 who are defying age to continue working for Lifeways. 

Andrea Kinkade, Chief Executive at Lifeways, said: “Bernadette’s story really encapsulates for me the DNA which drives us at Lifeways – building strong relationships with and being there for the people we support. 

“For that passion to care and support someone else to still burn brightly into your eighties is incredible and for me reflects the incredible culture at Lifeways. 

“Support work can be challenging, but my goodness it is fulfilling and rewarding and we simply couldn’t provide the exceptional support we do without people like Bernadette.” 

Find out more about careers at Lifeways.
 

About Lifeways:

Lifeways is the UK’s largest team of support professionals providing support for adults in the community.

We support adults with diverse and complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and mental health conditions.

Lifeways delivers support across three divisions: supported living, residential and mental health services.

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