A WOMAN who looked after her father-in-law when he became seriously ill has turned caring into a career.

Pauline McHugh, who is 60 this month, is now encouraging other ‘older people’ to consider a new job at a time when they would traditionally be thinking about taking it easy.

Mrs McHugh, from Chester-le-Street, has been working for the Durham office of home care company Home Instead Senior Care for four years.

She was the very first caregiver they recruited and describes the role as ‘perfect for someone of my age’.

Mrs McHugh, who previous worked in hospitality at hotels, was introduced to care when her father-in-law became ill with a life-limiting illness.

She said: “Sadly he is no longer with us but I am now caregiver to a few clients and it’s such rewarding work.”

Caregivers visit elderly clients regularly and help with their shopping, cooking, and other daily routines, assisting them to remain living independently in their own homes.

Call 0191-3744041 to find out more information.