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
Kirkburn Kitchen
Our residents have been busy cooking up a storm as they tried their hand at jam muffins. Everyone pitched in to weigh, measure and mix all the ingredients before carefully spooning into paper cases. We decided that we needed some extra muscle so Nelson, Bob and Neil were drafted in. Turns out they are a dab hand at baking so hopefully we will be able to call on their expertise in the future! Our trusty table top oven did a great job of cooking our muffins and they were then enjoyed with a lovely cup of tea.
Care Assistant celebrates long service
A Care Assistant at Kirkburn Court in Peterhead has received a prestigious 20 Year Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for 20 years. Barbara Gravells, Care Assistant, started at Barchester in August 2002 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years.
David Garland, General Manager of Kirkburn Court said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating 20 years of loyal service with Barbara. She has demonstrated her dedication and loyalty to this home and its residents year after year. I speak for all of us here at Kirkburn Court when I say that I’m looking forward to many more years of working with Barbara”
Royal Botanic Garden
Our homes enjoyed a wonderful virtual tour of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with Community Engagement Manager, Charlotte Walker, and Botanic Cottage Operations Co-ordinator, Laura Gallagher.
The residents were thrilled to learn more about the history of the beautiful Garden, which is now a home to an impressive plant collection from around the world.
Charlotte and Laura also gave a demonstration of making fresh herbal tea and were happy to answer our questions. The virtual experience was truly enjoyed by all who joined.
Kitchen Assistant celebrates 20-years at home
A Kitchen Assistant at Kirkburn Court in Peterhead has received a prestigious 20 Year Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for 20 years. Sheila Low, Kitchen Assistant, started at Barchester in September 2002 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years.
Jane McFarlane, Employee Services Director at Barchester said: “I’m always pleased to hear stories about the long service of Barchester staff and am delighted Sheila has achieved this milestone. It is dedication like this that ensures our residents are provided with a happy place to live.”
David Garland, General Manager of Kirkburn Court said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating 20 years of loyal service with Sheila. She has demonstrated her dedication and loyalty to this home and its residents year after year. I speak for all of us here at Kirkburn Court when I say that I’m looking forward to many more years of working with Sheila”
International Country Music Day
We have recently hosted our own hoedown to celebrate International Country Music Day. Aswell as listening to and reminiscing about some of our favourite country music artists, we also took part in a few themed games.
Firstly we tried our hand at cowboy boot bean bag toss and it turns out that we have a few expert bean bag throwers in our midst! Next up was our cactus ring toss, but we definitely needed a bit of cheating with that one! We also had a great laugh discovering what our cowboy names would be and some were so good that some people are considering a change in occupation!
We rounded off with some staff ‘horse races’! A wee bit of imagination was required here but our residents had great fun cheering on the staff!
Beautiful bouquets
Our homes had a fantastic time joining members of the Wallace Collection for an amazing sensory session.
During the live virtual experience, our residents explored one of the museum’s most beautiful Dutch flower paintings and learnt new drawing techniques.
We cannot wait to put our creative skills to a test and produce beautiful paintings of our own.
Everyone enjoyed the lovely talk, we all had lots of fun and it’s given us plenty of ideas.
