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
Bus run
We have reached another milestone here at Kirkburn, we have been given permission to take our bus out for a wee run around the local area – so we jumped at the chance to go for a tour! We headed down to the Lido and enjoyed an icicle whilst soaking up the lovely view – followed by a tour around the town and some parts of the local countryside. The residents were absolutely delighted and thoroughly enjoyed themselves! One resident, Ann, summed it up by saying “that was spectacular!”
Wimbledon comes to Kirkburn Court
To coincide with this year’s Wimbledon Tennis Tournament, we have been engaging in a few tennis themed activities here at Kirkburn. Our competitive side definitely came out as we played a few games of tennis and we were even able to get a few good rallies going! We were also very thankful for the soft tennis balls due to the wild nature of some of the shots being played! Aswell as exercising our bodies, we also exercised our minds with some tennis themed quizzes and puzzles. Of course, all this was finished off with some lovely strawberries and cream, delicious!
Independence Day
We have recently enjoyed some USA themed celebrations at Kirkburn to mark the 4th of July – Independence Day. Aswell as trying our hand at Beer Pong, we have also tested our knowledge with a USA themed team quiz. The residents enjoyed some USA inspired party food – including milkshakes, mini hot dogs and cupcakes adorned with American flags. We love any excuse for a party hat, so of course they were brought out for the occasion. Great fun was had by all.
Virtual introduction to Robots
We enjoyed a wonderful virtual introduction to the world of robots with V&A Dundee Curator, Kirsty Hassard.
Kirsty talked us through the history of robots and their early beginnings, the presentation traced the fascination of all things wired and wonderful and considered what the future might hold for our relationship with a multitude of mechanical machines.
It was absolutely thrilling to learn what robots can do now and what they might be able to do in the future.
Inside Blenheim Palace gardens
We had a lovely time exploring the amazing gardens of Blenheim Palace through a virtual talk, hosted by the Historian - Antonia Keaney.
We enjoyed a virtual look at how the gardens at Blenheim have developed over the past 300 years - from the formality of Henry Wise through to the ‘natural’ landscape created by Capability Brown and beyond.
Everyone was very impressed by the many jewels hidden within the 150 acres of beautiful gardens.
Dartmoor Zoological Park Adventure
We were able to virtually dive into the impressive wildlife of Dartmoor Zoo.
We explored its grounds and learnt about the unique history of the park from the zoo’s educational team. The culmination of the tour was the live tiger training demonstration, which was wonderful to see and enjoyed by all.
Our residents were delighted to see amazing photos and short videos of the animals and take a peek inside their home.
