Karen has found a career she loves – at the tender age of 63!

Nine months ago, Karen Sales decided to take a leap of faith and embark on a new career path – at the tender age of 63!

Somewhat unusually, Karen, from Stromness, has followed in her daughter’s footsteps into social care – and they now both work at Hamnavoe House!

Karen is a relief carer at the residential care home and only wishes she had had the confidence to make the move into social care much sooner.

She is encouraging others to “give it a go, what have you got to lose?”

After bringing up seven children, Karen decided in 2015 that she needed to do something for herself and worked as a relief domestic at both St Rognvald House and the then St Peter’s House. She went on to become a cook at St Rognvalds where she remained for the next three years.

“This was just not fulfilling me, and I needed to do something different. I had always wanted to work in care, but I thought people like me, without any formal training, couldn’t do that. Having worked in old people’s homes, I realised it was the times that I had contact with the residents I had enjoyed the most.

“My daughter works at Hamnavoe House, and she said, ‘why not come and give it a go’. But at 63 I thought they will never take me on.”

With a little more encouragement, Karen decided she had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Nine months ago Karen was successful in landing a job as a relief carer at Hamnavoe House – a role which she loves.

“Being a relief carer is ideal for me as it gives me the flexibility to help my daughter with childcare. What makes the job so special are the residents. I had two elderly aunts who had dementia, both have now passed away, but I was involved in their care in a small way. For me the job is about being able to deliver the best care I would want for my family if they were a resident somewhere like Hamnavoe House.

“What makes Hamnavoe House special? It is a beautiful building, and you have everything that you need to deliver that level of care; the team are so, so welcoming. I get to work with a lot of young lassies, and they have all been very supportive – it’s a great team atmosphere. We have a good management team so if you have an issue you take it to them, and they will try to sort it. It’s just a really nice place to work and I love it.

“I wish I had had the confidence to do it a long time ago, but I am making the most of it now!”

Karen would also encourage others to give care a try.

“Just give it a go. Do a bit of research first so you can show where your experience lies – you may well have a lot of transferrable skills from your life skills.”

Karen is hoping to head to college soon to undertake an SVQ2 in social care – another challenge she is looking forward to.

“I will be an old student, but it doesn’t faze me at all. You just need the confidence to take the first step. I’m following in my daughter’s footsteps, when it’s usually the other way round!”

Hamnavoe House manager, Sarah Kirkness, said: “Karen is a joy to work with and has brought her life experiences and skills to Hamnavoe House. She is able to use those skills gained, such as positivity, patience, understanding and kindness and spread this among the residents and staff. We are delighted to have her on board.”

Vice Chair of the Orkney Integration Joint Board, Councillor Rachael King, said: “Vice Chair of the Orkney Integration Joint Board, Councillor Rachael King, said: “It is personally inspiring to hear Karen’s story, that she trusted her instinct and recognised the wealth of transferable skills which she brings to this role from all walks of her life and is discovering a career that she is passionate about. I have no doubt that her new colleagues will value her as a member of the team as much as she values them.

“We are incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated and compassionate team of social care workers within our care homes and out in the community. I would encourage anyone who, like Karen, can bring their own skills and life experience to consider this important and valued profession and strengthen the care that as a community we can provide for our friends and neighbours who reach a more vulnerable time in their lives.”

If Karen’s story has made you consider a career start or change then please take a look here: www.orkney.gov.uk/wecare