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
Virtual coffee experience
We had a fabulous time joining NESCAFÉ’s virtual coffee experience.
We were able to look into how they sustainably farm their coffee beans, as well as, to have a virtual tour of one of their factories all from the comfort of our home.
To make things even more interesting, our residents had the chance to test their knowledge with an interactive quiz, and to the delight of all to taste the signature Sweet Cinnamon Shaken Iced Coffee cocktail.
Valentine's treats with Veg for Life
We had a lovely time joining Chef Alex Connell from Vegetarian for Life for a Valentine’s-inspired virtual cookery demonstration. Chef Alex created some delicious Valentine’s Day-inspired vegetarian desserts, which our residents had the opportunity to try too.
First, our residents sampled a wonderful sticky toffee pudding, which was absolutely heavenly. Then they tried hazelnut truffles which were a huge hit and finally they were treated to a chocolate orange cake which everyone adored.
International Flower Day
We have marked International Flower Day this year by planting a range of different seeds in pots which will go out into our garden once the weather is a little milder. Our residents did a great job filling the pots with soil and then selected their favourite seeds to plant. All the pots were watered afterwards and we will keep a close eye on them. We also tried our hand at various flower themed puzzles and quizzes and engaged in some lovely reminiscing and chat about our favourite flowers and gardening tips!
Burns preparations
We have been hard at work this month preparing for Robbie Burns Day. Our residents have created some lovely table decorations – including napkin rings and decorated tartan jars for flowers. We have also tried our hand at making badges to wear and have been brushing up on our Burns poetry too! Our resident, Fred, even treated us to a version of Auld Lang Syne on his harmonica!
Music and movement
This month we have enjoyed some movement sessions to get the blood pumping! Great fun was had by all as we worked or way through balloon tennis, the parachute and some stretching sessions using scarves. All our residents agreed that it felt good to get moving and one of our aims for this year is to move more! A well-deserved fly was enjoyed afterwards!
Christmas carols
We would like to say a huge thank you to all the boys and girls from Primary 3 at Buchanhaven Primary School who came along to visit us today.
The class treated us to wonderful enthusiastic singing of some well knows Christmas tunes. They even handed in some song sheets so that our residents could join in too! It was lovely hearing everyone sing together and it certainly helped us to feel very festive!
