Oadby Care Home Resident with Dementia Returns to Work

A resident at Oadby Manor in Leicester, has swapped the care home for the counter of a local newsagent after staff helped her fulfil her wish to experience working again.

76-year-old, Jenny Wheetman who lives with dementia, returned to work from her retirement after carers arranged for her to work a shift at Holbrook News – down the road from the care home.

Jenny had expressed her desire to work again to regain some of the independence she had enjoyed throughout her working life.

A former cleaner at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Jenny moved into Oadby Manor as its very-first resident when the home opened in April 2026.

Rather than allowing her diagnosis or move into the home to stand in the way, the team worked with their local newsagent to create an opportunity for her to experience being back in the workplace.

For Jenny, working at the newsagent gave her a renewed sense of purpose, allowed her to meet new people and brought back memories of a working life spent caring for others.

Commenting on the experience, Jenny said, “I was extremely excited. I am always nervous when trying something new, but you soon calm down.

Her return to work at the newsagent gave Jenny the chance to try something completely different and prove that life doesn’t end when you move into a care home.

During her shift, Jenny served customers, cleaned the shop and stocked shelves, enjoying the opportunity to interact with members of the local community.

She said. “I enjoyed serving customers because I like meeting new people and being able to give back to the local community. Being friendly and welcoming and making a difference to their day.”

Home manager at Oadby Manor, Tamara Crosswell said, “We reached out to our local newsagent because it provided a familiar, community-based environment where Jenny could interact with customers without becoming overwhelmed by a busy or high-pressure workplace.

“The team at Holbrook News were extremely supportive of the idea and helped ensure Jenny had a positive experience.”

The impact was immediately clear when Jenny returned to the care home.

Tamara added, “On her return she had the biggest smile on her face, she hugged me tight and said, ‘thank you for believing in me’. Jenny was incredibly proud to have been able to try something new.”

Tamara continued, “People often assume that when you live in a care home you aren’t capable of certain things. Working is one of those areas that people cannot usually continue.

“By supporting Jenny with this experience allowed her to feel that her diagnosis has not and will not define her.

“It allows her to feel that she is not being restricted due to living with dementia and gives back an element of control and independence.”