“Older people often prefer to have older people look after them,” the 82-year-old, who works part-time as an independent home care worker, told HelloCare.
Hamilton, who lives in Victoria, says the job gives her something to get up for, and she knows she is helping older people to remain living in their own homes for longer, potentially delaying the move into residential aged care.
Furthermore, her clients are not the only ones to benefit. Hamilton says she receives as much as she gives her clients.
“You give companionship and you have companionship,” she explained.
Hamilton uses an online platform to find work and invoice clients, and says she only accepts the work she wants. The platform gives her the flexibility to work the hours she chooses, two or three days per week.
She tends to gravitate towards the less physically demanding jobs, such as taking clients on social outings or to appointments, or helping with light household chores.
“I help give [clients] a better quality of life and some independence,” she said.
Hamilton says contracting as a home care worker is suitable for older people who are healthy enough to do the work.
“It’s very satisfying, I recommend it for anyone who is still fit and healthy and wants to work,” she said.
Her clients are satisfied with her service, and some have continued to employ her for over two years.
Long hours: Aged care facilities
Hamilton embarked on her aged care career in her late 70s, when she enrolled in a Certificate III in Aged Care training course.
It was the first time she had studied since high school, but she still managed to do “very well”.
Hamilton did her practical work in an aged care facility, and it was here she experienced ageism.
The aged care provider asked her about her suitability to work in aged care, considering the physical nature of the work and the long hours.
“They questioned me a lot,” she said.
However, Hamilton’s answer was always the same: she didn’t wish to work in residential aged care, she planned to provide care in people’s homes, and that is exactly what she’s done – first in the disability sector, and more recently in aged care.
“I’ve never looked back, it is fantastic,” she said. “I’m never short of work.”
Ageism means missed opportunities
A recent survey by Australian Seniors found many older people want to participate in the workforce, but they are not being given opportunities.
In a survey of 5,000 people over the age of 50, 89% said ageism is prevalent in the workforce.
Nearly one-quarter said they were turned down for a job based solely on their age, and more than two in five revealed they didn’t bother applying for jobs because they didn’t think they stood a chance.
Amanda Mackean, director of recruitment agency Seeking Seniors, told the ABC employers should not overlook older candidates, particularly as the economy emerges from the pandemic.
“Our economy is not going to get out of this ravaged state unless we alter our standards and employ Australians over 50s,” she said.
“Having come up against age discrimination first-hand during my career, I’m hopeful that a wider understanding of the positive contributions over 50s bring to the workforce will help thousands of seniors facing ageism,” she said.
Other research by the Australian Human Rights Commission conducted in 2020 and 2021 found that 90% of Australians agree ageism exists and 83% agree it’s a problem.
Interestingly, 65% said it affects people of all ages, not just seniors.
Older people (62 years and over) are regarded as nice, if frail, onlookers to life, the study found.
However, the research also revealed that increased longevity, changing social mores, cultural factors, and economic shifts mean people are kicking goals later in life, such as completing an education, buying a home or having children.
Age Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson said it is important to talk about ageism in our everyday lives.
“Every Australian must do what they can to challenge ageist attitudes in themselves and others, so together, we can reduce ageism for Australians of all ages. Age is not the problem. Ageism is.”
Older home care workers a source of support
Hamilton says working in home care as an older person is incredibly satisfying. It gives her a sense of purpose, knowing she is helping people stay at home for longer.
Older people should be encouraged to work in home care, she believes, and have much to offer their elderly clients.
“It’s fantastic to have people come to your home,” she said.
She hopes that one day, when she needs a little extra help, someone close to her own age will come to her home and care for her.
