Activities at Kirkburn Court Care Home
Here at Kirkburn Court, we aim to facilitate a personalised programme of meaningful activities, which are designed to promote independence, social stimulation and cognitive function. We strive to create a comfortable and safe environment where fun, creativity and individuality are encouraged. We feel it is important for us and residents to place value on yesterday, today and tomorrow – which is why we invest heavily in getting to know residents and learning their life history.
Our inclusive, yet respectful ethos is reflected in the wide range of activities we offer – ranging from larger structured group activities to one-to-one sessions. Our monthly activity programmes are extremely varied, but some of the activities you may expect to find include concerts, crafts, games, exercise sessions, reminiscing and outings. We also have a strong relationship with the local community and often invite external guests into the home, including performers, schools, and choirs.
Claire Burden
I began my career with Barchester in December 2017. Having worked within the teaching profession for the preceding 8 years, I feel that I bring a range of transferable skills to the activities team.
I strongly believe that the provision of activities is about so much more than just structured, planned events – capturing and celebrating the little moments in daily life, such as enjoying a chat and a cup of tea together, are equally as important.
Activities, no matter how big or small, should be at the heart of every home and that individuality should be celebrated. In addition, I feel that activities should take a person-centred approach, which is why I enjoy spending time with the residents and learning about their preferences and their history.
My own interests include football, politics, crafting and drinking tea, and I enjoy nothing better than engaging with residents on these topics! I aim to bring energy, a friendly smile and a willing ear to the home each day.
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 Kirkburn Court Care Home
Inside the Factory
We had a brilliant time across our services with Harrogate Skills 4 Living as they took us on a wonderful virtual visit to their Harrogate Chocolate Factory.
Residents were thrilled to discover details about the chocolate-making process and the fascinating journey from bean to bar, all while enjoying some delicious sweet treats.
The Factory aims to employ people with learning disabilities and autism, involving them in all parts of the process, from sorting and roasting the beans to packaging and sales. The experience was truly enjoyed by all who joined this event.
Beat the Clock
We continue to celebrate a varied life enrichment programme and across our services we linked up with other Barchester care homes and hospitals up and down the country for some interactive Beat the Clock games.
Our residents truly enjoyed solving word puzzles, conundrums and mathematical problems as part of Barchester’s very own game show series.
Everyone who joined had a fantastic time and enjoyed some friendly competition.
Bus Outing
Some of our residents have recently enjoyed a wee trip out for their afternoon fly cup. We received a warm welcome at the Mission Cafe in Peterhead and enjoyed a cuppa with some lovely fine pieces.
We also enjoyed having a look at some of their old photos of Peterhead, which allowed us to reminisce about some old places and faces of the local area.
It was great to venture out and about and we would like to say a huge thanks to Joan at the Mission Cafe for taking great care of us.
International Women's Day
During March, we have been celebrating all of our lovely ladies! We began with a wee ladies only tea party - with a few bottles of fizz for the occasion!
We have also spent some time brushing up on our knowledge of some of the world's most famous women and had good fun working our way through some quiz questions!
We have also taken the opportunity to say thank you to the ladies in our life. Staff and residents have had the opportunity to exchange hand written thank you notes - which has been lovely! Well done to all our ladies!
A fond farewell
A much loved member of staff has recently celebrated his retirement. Graeme, one of our Memory Lane carers has hung up his uniform for the final time and enjoyed a great send off from colleagues and residents. Graeme was surprised with a lovely party, where everyone gathered to say their farewells. However he will be staying on in a voluntary capacity to continue driving the Kirkburn bus for our outings. Graeme will be greatly missed at Kirkburn, but we are sure he will now enjoy some more free time to ride his bike and play his piano! A huge thanks to Graeme from all the Kirkburn team – we will miss you!
St Patrick's Day
We have had great fun in March celebrating St Patrick’s Day. As well as donning some of our fancy dress attire, we have joined in with a range of different themed activities. We have tested our knowledge with our Irish quizzes, attempted to do some seated Irish dancing, tried our hand at reading some limericks and even played a few games of gold coin toss! The greatest hilarity came when we assigned everyone their ‘Leprechaun Name’ based on their first name and birth month. A great laugh was had by all.
