Caring for someone you love is a very rewarding experience, but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding. Everyone deserves a little time to rest and recharge, yet for those in an unsupported caring role, taking a break often feels out of reach. Alongside the practical challenges and logistics, many caregivers carry feelings of guilt or worry when considering time away — especially when supporting someone living with dementia. That’s where respite care for dementia can make a real difference. It offers not only peace of mind for carers but also quality, compassionate support for their loved ones. In this blog, we’ll explore the key considerations to help you choose the right respite care option — one that takes the needs of your loved one into account and supports your own wellbeing too.
Living Well with Dementia at Wytham House
At Wytham House, we believe dementia care is about so much more than meeting medical needs — it’s about understanding the person and supporting them to live the best life possible. Guided by Aria Care’s “Living with Heart, Loving with Care” strategy, our team places residents and their families at the centre of everything we do.
Our team receives specialist dementia training to deliver compassionate, personalised care. With the support of our dedicated Dementia Ambassadors, we focus on creating a warm, homely environment where residents feel safe and understood.
We also believe meaningful relationships are vital. From reminiscence activities and music therapy to gardening and social events, we encourage residents to stay active, engaged, and connected to the things they love. Families are an important part of this experience too, and we work closely with loved ones to offer guidance, reassurance, and support. You only need to visit our Wytham House Facebook page to see how active and fulfilling our community is to ensure our dementia residents feel truly at home.
The Oaken Holt Estate Advantage — A Home for Life
Choosing the right care home isn’t just about meeting today’s needs — it’s about planning for the future too. At the Oaken Holt Estate, we offer something unique: a complete pathway of care on one beautiful, countryside setting.
Wytham House forms part of our welcoming estate, alongside Oaken Holt Main House and the Coach House. The Coach House, which is linked to the Main House, has recently undergone an exciting transformation, unveiling 12 beautifully refurbished bedrooms that opened in July 2025.
Together, the estate brings together a range of care options — residential living, specialist dementia support at Wytham House, and nursing care — meaning residents can stay in a place they know and love as their needs change. This continuity provides families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one won’t face the stress of moving to a new home if their care needs evolve.
Set within a stunning, tranquil location, the Oaken Holt Estate provides a sense of calm and comfort for residents and their families alike. Whether enjoying landscaped gardens, relaxing in welcoming communal spaces, or taking part in engaging activities, our residents are supported to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.
Supporting Families Through Life With Dementia
At Wytham House, we’ve seen firsthand how dementia touches the whole family, so we’ve extended our support beyond the care we provide to residents; we’re here for families, too.
Making care decisions can feel overwhelming, which is why we are committed to listening, guiding, and reassuring at every stage. Our experienced team works closely with loved ones, offering open chats, regular updates, and opportunities to stay as involved as they wish, whether it be joining in activities or helping shape personalised care plans.
Through partnerships with local dementia cafés, community groups, and support networks, we also connect families with valuable resources and like-minded people who understand what they’re going through. These activities help ease feelings of loneliness for everyone involved.
September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month — Help Us Break the Stigma
September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and highlight the support available to those affected by dementia. At Wytham House, we’re proud to be part of this important conversation, working every day to create a safe, inclusive, and empathetic environment for residents and their families.
Through Aria Care’s “Living with Heart, Loving with Care” dementia strategy, we focus on seeing the person, not the diagnosis. By providing personalised care, meaningful activities, and emotional support, we aim to help residents live with dignity and purpose at every stage of their life with dementia.
Michele Saunders, Dementia Wellbeing Manager at Aria Care, offers this advice for anyone with a friend or relative living with dementia:
Discover our full interview with Michele Saunders, where she shares her invaluable dementia insights, explains our dementia care strategy, and offers practical tips for supporting loved ones. Read it here: Dementia Care Insights with Michele Saunders
We’re proud to be continually involved in lots of activity and discussion around dementia, from memory workshops, caregiver training sessions, community talks and answering specific questions for families.
The more we talk, the more we can educate others and create a supportive, truly valuable network that benefits everyone. Throughout Alzheimer’s Month in September and beyond, we’ve got lots of exciting activities planned.
Keep up with all the celebrations and initiatives by following the Aria news page and our Facebook channel, so you won’t miss a moment of what’s happening across all our homes this September and year-round.
Top 5 Tips for Supporting a Loved One Living with Dementia
In honour of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, here are five simple ways to offer comfort, connection, and support if you are caring for someone navigating dementia…
Spot Early Signs
Look out for memory loss, confusion, difficulty following conversations, or changes in mood and behaviour.
Tip: Early diagnosis helps families plan and access support sooner.
Communicate with Care
Speak calmly, use short sentences, and allow extra time for responses. Focus on feelings, not facts.
Tip: Connection matters more than correction.
Create a Dementia-Friendly Space
Use clear signs, reduce clutter, add contrasting colours, and ensure plenty of natural light.
Tip: A calm, familiar environment helps boost confidence.
Support Emotional Wellbeing
Engage in activities like music, reminiscence, gardening, or simple crafts to spark joy and connection.
Tip: People may forget details, but they remember how you make them feel.
Look After Yourself Too
Join local support groups, ask for help when needed, and prioritise your own wellbeing.
Tip: Caring for yourself helps you care better for your loved one.
Find Out More — We’re Here to Help
We know that choosing the right care home is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and we’re here to support, always.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore dementia care or looking for an Oxfordshire home where your loved one can receive long-term support in a familiar environment, our friendly team at Wytham House is here to help. We can talk you through our approach, answer your questions, and arrange a visit so you can see our welcoming community for yourself.
Don’t just take our word for it:
“The care team at Wytham House are so caring and wonderful with my dad. They take time to listen and understand what he needs and treat me with love, care and respect which is really appreciated. Thank you to everyone from the nurses to the cares and activity team. You are amazing!”
Review of Wytham House from daughter of a resident, published on Carehome.co.uk 29th August 2025
“On my first visit to Wytham, I was impressed with the premises, layout, cleanliness and suitability for my husband to walk around freely and safely. The staff are friendly and well trained, with understanding of the needs of dementia sufferers. After 2 ½ years I am still happy with my husband’s care and the way he is made to feel part of the Wytham family. Activities staff are kind and helpful even though my husband is unable to participate in anything.”
Review of Wytham House from wife of a resident, published on Carehome.co.uk 29th May 2025
If you’d like to learn more about our care options or arrange a personal tour of Wytham House and the wider Oaken Holt Estate, please get in touch — we’d be delighted to meet you and your family.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Related respite care articles you may also find useful:
