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
National Trust talk
Our homes had a fantastic time joining National Trust Talks Service team at Cliveden House for an inspirational talk on Nancy Astor – the first woman to take a seat in the House of Commons.
Our residents had the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating life of Nancy and her political career. As the first women MP, she experienced both attention and scandal throughout her life, which led to many triumphs and numerous disasters. The talk was truly enjoyed by all.
Celebrating carers week
Happy Carers Week! We would like to take this great opportunity to recognise and thank our wonderful carers here at the home.
We are proud of each and every one of our care team for the outstanding care that they provide to our residents every single day. They always go above and beyond their role and for this we are truly grateful.
Floral decorations with Ferndown
Our homes had a lovely time joining Sue and Nicole from Ferndown Florist for an intriguing flower arrangement workshop in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Our residents enjoyed a wonderful virtual demonstration and got inspired to create their own flower posies for our Jubilee displays. Our home will be specially decorated for the upcoming festivities. Stay tuned.
Star of Nimrod
We had a lovely time joining Graham Whitlock for an exciting virtual event to discuss his book ‘The Crystal Palace Chronicles: Star of Nimrod’.
Our residents were thrilled to find out more about the book and the fictional character Joe, who went on a rollercoaster adventure travelling back in time to the heyday of Victorian Crystal Palace.
Everyone had lots of fun during the virtual talk, as Graham took them on a clever and hilarious adventure. A great time was had by all.
Pen Pals
We have recently teamed up with another care home which is in Northern Ireland and we have agreed to start exchanging letters. We thought it would be interesting to find out about life in another home and in another country. Our first letter was constructed by residents Diane, Helen and Chris and they are pictured here handing over the letter to our administrator, Susan, for posting. The ladies spent some time thinking about the content of our first letter and decided that it should be all about our local area and also general facts about life at Kirkburn. We also spent some time discussing how lovely it is to receive a letter in the post and we are very much looking forward to receiving a letter in return.
World Cocktail Day
What better way to celebrate World Cocktail Day than to make and sample some cocktails! We made a Kirkburn version of a Pina Colada, Peach Melba and a Cranberry & Orange Spritz. We had great fun throwing all the ingredients into our blender and then sampling the produce! The Pina Colada was voted as the favourite! It was a lovely sunny afternoon that day so we all enjoyed the refreshing cold drink!
