Alison’s Story: Fostering in Her 60s as a Single Carer

Alison began her fostering journey with Fosterplus over six years ago, and soon welcomed a teenage girl into her family.

After wondering whether her age and being a single carer might hold her back, Alison discovered that fostering later in life was not only possible, it became the most rewarding decision she has ever made. With the support of her family and Fosterplus, she has built a warm, secure home where her foster daughter has settled, grown in confidence, and found a true sense of belonging.

Fostering as a single carer later on in life

When Alison, from Paisley, welcomed her foster daughter into her home, she was stepping into something she had carried in her heart since childhood. “When I was young, a family friend fostered a wee boy,” she remembers. “It stuck with me for years. I always thought, one day, I’ll do that too.”

Life passed, she raised her own family, and the years went by. Still, the thought never left her. And then, in her early 60s, she decided it’s now or never.

Despite knowing what she wanted, Alison battled the same worries many people feel when they consider fostering later in life. “Honestly, I thought I might be too old,” she admits. “And I wasn’t sure if being a single foster parent would go against me. I thought, will they even consider me?”

But one phone call changed everything. “I looked Fosterplus up in the phone book because it was close by,” she laughs. “I didn’t know much about fostering at all. But the moment I spoke to them, I felt reassured. My age wasn’t an issue — far from it. And there were so many single foster carers. I realised I had talked myself out of something I was absolutely able to do.”

That early reassurance shaped the rest of her journey. “The process was clear and supportive from the start. It made me believe I could do it.”

The power of family, even when you’re a single carer

Some people imagine that fostering alone means doing everything alone, but Alison’s story shows a very different picture.

“I might be a single carer, but I’m never on my own,” she says. “My family and friends have been amazing. And Fosterplus are always there when I need them.”

Her supervising social worker is her first phone call whenever she needs guidance, reassurance, or just a listening ear. “I just lift the phone. And if she doesn’t answer, she calls me right back. I always feel heard. That support means everything.”

But the most beautiful part of Alison’s support network is her wider family. “My foster daughter sees them as her family. She’s included in everything, birthdays, get-togethers, wee weekends away. We’ve got caravans near each other, so she’s part of all our adventures. She’s never treated differently.”

That sense of belonging has helped her foster daughter develop confidence and security. “She knows she’s one of us. That makes such a difference.”

Creating a home where a young person can feel safe enough to grow

When Alison’s foster daughter arrived, life felt uncertain and frightening for her. She was nervous, unsure, and didn’t know who to trust. She’d survived some difficult experiences and needed time, consistency and a lot of patience.

For Alison, this meant creating routines, making daily life predictable, and showing her foster daughter that she was safe. “I treated her the same way I treated my own children. She saw her room, her space, and from day one I introduced her to my family. I wanted her to feel part of something.”

Little by little, things began to shift and her confidence grew. She smiled more and let Alison in. One of Alison’s proudest moments is seeing the secure attachment her foster daughter has formed after living with trauma. “When she came to me, relationships were overwhelming for her. Trust was scary. Now she has that attachment. That’s huge. That’s the achievement I’m most proud of.”

Everyday life and the joy of raising a teenager

Fostering isn’t one big moment, it’s hundreds of small ones that build a life together. A typical day for Alison is full and steady, from the school run, shopping and preparing dinner to clubs and activities, a chat before bed and a tablet and a wind-down routine.

“Teenagers are all different,” she explains. “You need patience. But they’re also funny, clever, and full of surprises. It’s so rewarding watching them become themselves.”

Even celebrations are meaningful, especially Christmas. Alison does all the traditions, Christmas Eve boxes, games, the whole family round. “She absolutely loves it.” These traditions have helped her foster daughter understand what family can feel like.

When asked if there was a moment that made her realise how much she’d impacted her foster daughter’s life, Alison pauses, emotional.

“When she first came, she was scared and uncertain, now, she calls this home. She’s settled. She’s happy. She knows she belongs here. That’s when I knew — I’ve made a difference.”

What fostering has taught her about herself

Through this journey, Alison has discovered strengths she didn’t realise she had and said that “fostering has taught me that I’m resilient. I’m patient. I’m kind. And I’m loving. I didn’t think I had all of that in me, but I do.” She’s proof that life experience, stability, empathy, and warmth are some of the greatest gifts a foster parent can offer and at any age.

Although her foster daughter is still with her, Alison knows that their bond will last long after adulthood. “I think when she grows up, she’ll look back and know how much she was loved. And we’ll stay close — always. That bond doesn’t go away.”

Her message to anyone wondering if they’re ‘too old’ or ‘too on their own’

Alison’s answer is simple: “Do it. Please do it. Age doesn’t matter. Being single doesn’t matter. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

Speak to our team

Ready to take your first step into fostering? We’re here to support you on your journey…

Enquiry

You are required to have a spare bedroom that’s always available to a foster child. The spare room cannot be shared, and must be big enough to fit a single bed, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.

Do you have a spare room?*

To be approved as a foster carer in the UK, you must be a British citizen or have the legal right to remain in the UK without restrictions that would prevent fostering.

Which of the following applies to you?*

How can we help you?*

The following questions are intended to help us understand your experience with children. Please note that prior experience is not required to become a foster carer, as full training will be provided.

Have you had children of your own?*

Do you have professional experience of working with children?*

Do you have professional experience of working with children?

Have you had any prior experience of fostering, such as being a foster parent or growing up in a fostering family?*

Have you ever adopted a child?*

Are you happy to receive regular fostering news from us?*

Yes

No

First Name*

Last Name*

Phone Number*

Email Address*

Postcode*