Finding purpose at any age: Vimalathev Thyagarajah's career at Anchor

Vimalathev (Vimala) Thyagarajah, age 85, is Wellness Assistant and Carer at Greenacres care home in Surrey and this is her experience of working at Anchor. 

When Vimala first joined Anchor at Greenacres care home in Surrey, she quickly realised she’d found what she felt she’d been missing in her life. She had recently retired from the civil service and was seeking something fulfilling to do with her time. A suggestion from a friend led her to apply for a role at Anchor, alongside three of her colleagues from the civil service. To her delight, they all got the job. She explained that the decision to join Anchor stemmed from a simple yet heartfelt desire to work with people. She found herself drawn to the idea of caring for others, making meaningful connections, and being part of a community.

Her days are filled with a mix of providing personal care, social interaction, and enjoying a shared sense of connection with the residents. “I love making tea for them, listening to their wonderful stories, and providing care in any way I can,” Vimala says. Her genuine love for helping others is evident in everything she does, and both her colleagues and residents at Anchor are equally fond of her. 

Enjoying the accommodating and supportive work culture at Anchor

Vimala works three days a week from 9-5, and she is grateful for the flexibility Anchor provides, making it easy for her to attend appointments or take care of personal matters. Now 85 years old, the support from her colleagues and the accommodating work culture have been the key reasons she’s enjoyed such a long and fulfilling career at Anchor, with this year marking her 23rd anniversary with the organisation.

Outside of work, Vimala enjoys a fulfilling life surrounded by family. She takes regular holidays and enjoys spending time with her large family. Her career at Anchor may have started to fill her time post-retirement, but it has grown into something much more— an opportunity to positively impact the lives of others, learn from their stories, and make a lasting impression. “It’s a marvellous place to work,” she says. “They appreciate what I do, and I really enjoy making a difference to the lives of the residents.”

Looking back on her life, Vimala feels immense pride in all she has accomplished. From graduating from a prestigious university to being the first member of her family to run the London Marathon, Vimala’s personal and professional success is built on hard work and dedication. Her advice is clear: “Work hard in your life, and you will achieve what you want.”

Vimala is a valued member of Greenacres care home, and with a long-term goal of building a 25+ year career at Anchor, her commitment to her role is truly remarkable. Her journey is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to start something new, find purpose, and make a positive impact — whether in the workplace, in the community, or both, as Vimala has found at Anchor. 

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