Fostering in Your 60s: Dale’s Journey from Empty Nest to Full House

On the Sofa with Sal

At Apex Fostering, we know there’s no single path to becoming a foster carer, and no age limit on when that journey can begin. In Episode 4 of On the Sofa with Sal, we meet Dale, a foster carer who's fostering in his 60s. Since he and his partner began, he’s transformed not only the lives of young people, but also his own sense of purpose.

This is a story about second chapters and the joy that can come from saying yes. 

From Empty Nest to Full House

Like many prospective foster carers, Dale and his wife Linda found themselves at a crossroads once their own children had left home. The house felt quiet and empty. 

“We had an empty house. Spare rooms. And we knew there were kids who needed homes. So we said, ‘Let’s give it a go.’”

At the time, Dale was just turning 60 – a stage in life when many are winding down. Instead, he and Linda chose to start something brand new.

Starting Fostering in Your 60s: Challenges and Rewards

Dale doesn’t sugar-coat the experience. There were early doubts about connecting with young people, managing behaviours, and facing the unknowns.

“There’s a difference between raising your own children and fostering someone else’s. But it’s so rewarding.”

Their first placement was tough. But they learned, adapted, and eventually welcomed a teenage girl who has since flourished under their care.

“She’s been with us for three years now. She’s studying, she wants to be a mental health nurse. We’re so proud of her.”

Saying Yes Again — With Support That Matters

Dale is quick to credit the wraparound support he’s received from Apex.

“There’s always someone at Apex who understands what you’re going through. That makes all the difference.”

From their dedicated social worker to training, local support groups, and even a dads’ night out every six weeks, Dale and Linda never felt alone. That support gave them the confidence to say yes again, and now they care for two young people.

What’s It Like Fostering Later in Life?

“It doesn’t have to change your life completely. We still play golf, go for walks, meet friends. The children come into our life, and that balance is possible.”

Dale’s message for anyone in their 50s or 60s who’s considering fostering is simple:

“Knowing what we know now, we wish we’d started earlier. But we’re here now, and it’s one of the best things we’ve ever done.”

3 Words to Describe Fostering?

Rewarding. Challenging. Lovely.

“You look back and realise: we made a difference.”

Thinking About Fostering in Your 60s?

It's never too late to change a life, or be changed by one. Dale’s story is living proof that fostering in your 60s isn’t just possible – it’s powerful.

If you’re based in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Greater London or nearby, we’d love to talk.

Watch Episode 4 of On the Sofa with Sal featuring Dale.

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