Fostering – A Retirement Choice
It’s becoming increasingly common that more people are either considering a change of career alongside semi-retirement or continuing to work well beyond the state pension age. Some are choosing to do something that is both rewarding and meaningful…Some are choosing to foster!
The national average age of people starting their fostering journey is 54 however here at Park Foster Care we’re proud to support foster carers from various age groups right up to their mid-70’s, proving that fostering is an all-inclusive career, where age is nothing but a number.
You might ask yourself “What is the best age to foster?” With no upper age limit, it’s when it’s right for you. As long as you feel fit and well and have the belief that all children deserve to feel safe, secure and loved then it’s when you feel ready to take that step.
Here’s a few reasons why we think older people make great foster carers:
There’s your life experience to draw from
Life is a rollercoaster and the older we get the more life experience we gain, navigating those highs and lows and gaining invaluable life skills along the way such as resilience, empathy, ability to reflect and an appreciation of life. It’s these core skills, life knowledge and desire to help others that we look for in our foster carers.
Some children and young people in care may have experienced some trauma but with the right foster parent in their life there is a brighter future.
You’ve learned the ‘blessing of patience’
You’ve heard the saying ‘patience is a virtue’ well it’s certainly a great human quality to have if you are thinking of becoming a foster carer. Some children may feel let down by the adults in their lives and so it’s going to take them time to trust an adult again but when they do…Amazing things happen for both the child and their foster carer/s. With your patience and care the smallest of achievements will bring the largest of reward for both you and the child.
You now have space in your home and time in your life
You may be wondering what to do with your time and with that spare bedroom? Yes it’s true you could turn it into a hobby or ironing room but have you thought about the difference that bedroom could make to a child. When you foster ‘Your home becomes their home’ and your spare bedroom/s becomes a child’s safe place to sleep. Whether you’re thinking of offering short or long term fostering there will be no two days alike and you can expect your home to be filled with fun, laughter and occasionally tears.
You want to give something back
Being a positive role model in a child’s life is a conscious decision and generally the starting point in every foster carer’s journey. There’s a common thread within the fostering community of wanting to make a difference and being that person/ family who helped change a child’s life for the better.
So if you’re still wondering ‘Am I too old to Foster’ we ask that you put that thought aside and find out more… Enquire Today
Types of Fostering
There are various types of fostering you could consider as a semi or fully retired person here’s a few examples:
- Sleepover Care (Respite)
- Parent & Child
- Short Term
- Emergency Care
- Brothers & Sister
- Long Term
For more information of the various types of fostering click HERE.
Here’s one of our foster families to tell you about their experience of fostering:
Fostering Fee’s & Tax Allowance
In the UK you can work beyond the state pension age. Park Foster Care provides a competitive fostering fee, bespoke training and outstanding support to our foster carers who are looking after children. The fostering fee is dependent on the age and need of the child and recognises the superb care that foster carers provide. In terms of tax there is very little or no tax to pay on your fostering earnings as the government continue to encourage more people to foster.
If you’re interested and would like to find out more you can download our free fostering information guide HERE or complete our enquiry form and one of our friendly team will be in touch.
