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.
Jenny’s Experience
Commenting on the experience, Jenny said, “I was extremely excited. I am always nervous when trying something new, but you soon calm down.
“I have always enjoyed working. It was lovely and enjoyable, and it gave me a sense of purpose.
“I loved caring for people and making a difference. To care for someone has and will always be one of the best things you can do in life.
“When I worked in the hospital, my favourite part was visiting the maternity ward as I love newborn babies.”
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.
She added, “I wanted to try something new. I have not worked in a newsagent before. I really enjoyed learning something new at this time in my life.”
During her shift, Jenny served customers, cleaned the shop and stocked shelves, enjoying the opportunity to interact with members of the local community.
She continued. “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.”
Supporting Jenny to Live Well with Dementia
The experience was particularly meaningful due to Jenny’s dementia diagnosis. The team at Oadby Manor knew the experience of working would take Jenny back to aspects of her former working life – a positive form of reminiscence therapy.
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.”
“Thank You for Believing in Me”
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.”
A Little Independence Goes a Long Way
While Jenny enjoyed every part of her shift, she said there is one thing she misses most about working.
“We all like to get a good wage, but most of all my independence,” she joked.
When asked what her ideal job would be, Jenny said, “I would return to work with children and babies.”
What’s Next for Jenny?
The team at Oadby Manor are now looking at ways for Jenny to return to Leicester Royal Infirmary as a volunteer.
