Activities at Hickathrift House Care Home
We have two Activities Coordinators here at Hickathrift House. We have a wide range of activities within the home, including musical entertainment, arts & crafts, clubs for like-minded people, such as flower arranging and gardening, board games, baking (where the best bit is the eating afterwards!), and we celebrate special events throughout the year. We also have trips out on a regular basis using our own minibus, where we find out places of interest each person would like to visit.
It is important to us that each individual who we support can get as much from these activities as possible, so we try our best to arrange activities that reflect their interests and capabilities, and encourage them to participate in any way they can. We also encourage relatives to join in with activities and events as often as they can.
For the less mobile residents, we unique one-to-one session, such as simple chats over a cup of tea, reading or listening to music. Activities are some of the most important aspects of a care home, so it is essential that our team are dedicated to ensuring that residents are entertained, and that life at Hickathrift House is fun and active.
Kat Colangelo
Hello, my name is Kat and I am the Activities Lead here at Hickathrift House.
Since 2017 I have been working in the field of well-being and I am passionate and enthusiastic about enriching all our of residents' quality of life.
As the Activities Lead at Hickathrift House, my focus is learning about each of our resident's likes and dislikes and supporting them to remain receptive and active in addition to supporting them to engage with our local community friends.
I organise activities to stimulate the mind, body and soul in an enjoyable, comfortable way. My aim is to diversify and increase activities ensuring that there is something for everyone - from Wine and Cheese events, excursions on our home Mini Bus as well as individual bespoke person-centered activities.
Read our brochure 'Life-enriching activities' for more information about life in our care homes.
Read our brochure
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at Hickathrift House Care Home
Alzheimer's Awareness Month
As part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month which takes place throughout September, staff and residents created stunning Forget Me Not crafts and other creative activities that help spark memories. The forget me not flower is long associated with dementia. Everyone enjoyed sharing their anecdotes when they took part in a range of crafts including knitting, wreath making, aqua painting and designing sensory collages. The beautiful pieces of artwork is on display at the entrance of our Memory Lane unit for all to see.
Being creative gives a lovely balance of expressing yourself, a sense of achievement and pure joy for people with dementia. It not only helps with cognitive functions but reduces stress and sparks beautiful memories of pets, nature and an array of other topics.
102nd Birthday Celebration
Norah was joined by her family to celebrate her 102nd Birthday. It was an incredibly special day. It started with opening presents and cards, reminiscing about past birthdays and looking through photographs of Norah's life. In the afternoon, we hosted a special cake and coffee treat with Norah's family in our Snug. All the staff came to sing Happy Birthday and deliver her favourite flavoured cake, Victoria Sponge.
Happy Birthday, Norah from everyone at Hickathrift House Care Home.
BBC Proms Celebrations
To celebrate the BBC Proms residents and their loved ones sampled some delicious snacks and mocktails in the sunshine while listening to the wonderful Singing Gardener's Proms & Musical performance. It was a lovely show sparking memories and conversations while also testing our knowledge on which song is from which musical.
At 7 pm residents and staff gathered around the TVs in communal areas, ready for the BBC Proms. We spent the following morning discussing our favourite parts over a cup of tea and cake.
Rosie, a resident said, "My husband and I always watched the BBC Proms together which was very special to me. I've loved continuing this tradition with my friends at Hickathrift House and it was made even better with a live singer to launch the night."
Emily does charity chop
Activities Coordinator, Emily Jackson from Hickathrift House Care Home in Marshland St James has taken part in becoming a ‘super-hair-o’ for The Little Princess Trust
On Thursday 7th September at Hickathrift House Care Home, Emily had an incredible 22 inches of hair cut off for The Little Princess Trust charity. The Little Princess Trust provides real hair wigs to young people and children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments or other conditions such as alopecia.
Home hosts Summer Fair
Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together at Hickathrift House Care Home to enjoy a wonderful Summer Fete held in the home’s grounds on 26th August. Hickathrift House care home hosted a variety of activities throughout the day, including a book sale, games, a tombola, BBQ, local businesses and craft stalls as well as a local entertainment company KJ Entertainments who did face painting, balloon modelling and singing, which were enjoyed by everyone who came to the event, including the Mayor of Wisbech, Peter Human.
Staff and residents at Hickathrift House made everyone feel welcome and were delighted to see different generations having fun together. Visitors enjoyed plenty of refreshments; a delicious BBQ, and mouth-watering salads all washed down with plenty of tea and coffee prepared by the Head Chef and General Manager, who were hard at work making sure that a great time was had by all – it really was a team effort!
Jean's wish
The trip all started when Jean was considering her wish for our 'Post A Wish' initiative. Staff suggested an array of places and ideas around animals as Jean adores all types. When we heard about the baby tigers it confirmed her choice of Banham Zoo! Residents and staff got up close and cuddly with a number of animals including meerkats, zebras, giraffes and baby tigers when they took a trip to Banham Zoo.
The residents particularly liked tigers and thanks to the persistence of Julie, carer, we didn't leave without getting front-row seats to these beautiful animals and the new baby tiger. Jean said with joyful tears, "They're so beautiful." In between seeing the animals, everyone enjoyed a scrumptious meal of whatever they wanted on the menu from jacket potatoes to handmade sausage rolls.
Jean said, "I had such an amazing day. The best day I could have ever wished for."
Upcoming events
Spring Fair
Come and join us at our annual Spring Fair - there is lots for everyone!
Newsletter - March
We are delighted to share our newsletter - March / Easter edition.
May
May is the gateway to summer and we have lots of fun filled activities planned - all welcome.
Dementia Cafe - 3rd Friday of the month
We extend a warm invitation for you to join us at our monthly dementia cafe.
Knit and Natter - Bi-monthly
Do you enjoy knitting? Come along and make new friends at our bi monthly Knit and Natter group - all welcome.
Gentleman's Club - Last Sunday of the month
Come along and enjoy a variety of activities over a beverage or two! Make new friends - all welcome.
Emergency Services - Take a break on us!
Calling all emergency personnel! Come and take a break on us - there may be a cake or two available!
Coffee Morning
We extend a warm invitation for you to join us at our monthly Coffee Morning - make new friends and enjoy a slice of homemade cake.
Volunteer Coffee Morning - every Tuesday
We recognise the special impact volunteers can have on the lives of our residents and we hope you can join us.
