Working retirement for career-loving carer

​A carer with more than 30 years’ experience in the industry has put retirement on hold to continue in the job she loves.

​Sue Barnard, who works at family run Norfolk care provider Extra Hands, was previously employed by Age Concern, and has also worked at a variety of residential care homes over the past three decades.

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Although she officially retired last year, the carer elected to continue at Extra Hands, as she enjoys the work so much.

“I’ve been retired for nearly a year,” she said. “I retired but stayed on, as I wanted to keep in touch with everyone and to keep doing the work. I didn’t want to lose the rapport you have with people, so I now do one set day a week plus other hours when they need me.”

Mrs Barnard, who lives in Lyng and is attached to the Broadland office of Extra Hands in Horsham St Faith, continued: “The thing I enjoy most about it is having quality time with people. It’s far different from in a care home, where bells are ringing all the time and you can’t spend that much time with people. 

“When you spend any length of time with someone, you build up a rapport. Sometimes just sitting and chatting can make all the difference to someone.”

She celebrated five years at the company in May and has no plans to step down from the role.

“I could easily have hung up my boots, but I like knowing I’ve done a good day’s work,” she added. “It’s just a rewarding job, and you go home with job satisfaction at the end of the day, knowing that you’ve helped someone.”

Extra Hands provide bespoke, home-care packages across Norfolk and also has an office in Heacham.
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