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81-year-old care home worker: ‘I love my job – I’m scared to retire’

Care home staff Jen Aitchison (left) and Liz Thomson winning a national award at a glittering ceremony.
Care home staff Jen Aitchison (left) and Liz Thomson winning a national award at a glittering ceremony.

A care home worker – believed to be the oldest in the country – insists she has no plans to give up her job anytime soon.

Liz Thomson has worked in many roles at Balhousie Huntly – in the laundry, kitchen and domestic teams, but she loves doing activities with residents the most.

She’s built up many great friendships with residents over the years and some of them are even younger than her.

In fact, age has proved no barrier for Liz who still manages to work full-time hours clocking in for her shift at 9.30am each weekday and finishing up at 4pm.

And despite now being in her 80s, the award-winning care worker is still not ready to retire.

‘I’m never tired’

Liz, of Huntly, started leading the events calendar in the Aberdeenshire residential home for dozens of residents six years ago.

She organises daily activities, from afternoon teas and coffee mornings to knitting clubs and card games – and all with a spring in her step.

Liz Thomson with care home resident Jean Strachan.
Liz Thomson with care home resident Jean Strachan.

“I thoroughly enjoy it,” she said. “I get on very well with the residents and get lots of good laughs.

“Everyone asks me if I’m tired but I’m never tired – I don’t go home exhausted.”

So why is Liz not ready to retire?

Born in Portsoy, Liz worked in hospitality for many years and even ran her own hotel, the Richmond Arms, in the rural village of Rhynie.

Unfortunately, her husband James died unexpectedly and she moved on after 10 years taking up work in a shoe shop in Huntly.

She then spent six years running Glenburn Bed & Breakfast in the town before moving into the care sector.

Liz works at Balhousie Huntly in Aberdeenshire and is not yet ready to retire.
Liz works at Balhousie Huntly in Aberdeenshire and is not yet ready to retire.

Liz says she tried to retire but ended up taking up work in a nursing home kitchen because she was bored.

When she took up her first role at Balhousie Huntly there were only six residents to cater for – now there are 60.

“I never sit and do nothing,” she says. “I don’t watch television and get so bored if I’ve nothing to do.

“I’m scared to retire in case I go downhill. As long as I’m fit I’ll carry on.”

Care home residents now ask for her autograph

Her secret for still working at the age of 81? Stay healthy and keep your mind active.

“I’m quite rigid with what I eat,” Liz said. “I don’t eat a lot of rubbish like sweeties, I eat bananas and grapes. I suppose it keeps me going.

“I do a lot of walking, crosswords and quizzes.

“I’ve had two hip replacements – I wouldn’t be working at all without them.”

The octogenarian recently won a national award.

The award recognised people who “go above and beyond their call of duty, offer excellent service and take pride in their work.”

Liz with colleague Jen Aitchison, a care manager commended in the same award category.
Liz with colleague Jen Aitchison, a care manager commended in the same award category.

Comedian Jo Brand presented the award at the s1Jobs Recruitment Awards ceremony.

Liz says she was surprised by her win in the Shona McKenzie Shine category and is still not ready to retire.

“The residents were all fair chuffed and asked how I got on,” she said. “They’ve been teasing me, some of them have been asking for my autograph.

“I just love working here and that’s it I enjoy it.”

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Every Friday lunchtime we highlight an incredible story about recovery, overcoming illness and bravery.

Have you overcome a health challenge, lost weight or got fit and are now in a position to help others by talking about your journey?

We’d love to hear from you as we look to offer information, insight and inspiration through our content.

You can get in touch by emailing me at charlotte.thomson@ajl.co.uk

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