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
V&A Dundee - Ocean Liners
Staff and residents at Barchester’s Kirkburn Court were treated to a photographic tour and talk about the era of ocean travel by V&A Dundee Curator, Charlotte Hale. The presentation forms part of a series of six talks and virtual tours that V&A Dundee is hosting for Barchester Healthcare’s care homes and private hospitals across the UK.
V&A Dundee is Scotland’s design museum, it showcases Scotland’s outstanding design achievements and features world-class exhibitions alongside the permanent Scottish Design Galleries, and a changing programme of commissions, events and activities.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Staff and residents at Barchester’s Kirkburn Court were treated to an armchair work out courtesy of the Green Goddess, Diana Moran, and Shackleton’s furniture company, followed by a mindfulness session led by Shackleton’s Emma Raybould.
Diana rose to fame as a glamorous fitness guru on BBC’s Breakfast Time in the 1980’s and has made an outstanding contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of people in the UK. She now brings that experience to Shackletons as their Health and Wellness Adviser.
National Tea Day
During April, we have also celebrated National Tea Day. As a beverage we consume a lot of here at Kirkburn, we felt it was important to celebrate this day! We began by having a tea tasting session and working our way through a few different varieties of tea – with residents displaying a thumbs up or thumbs down to give us their verdict – although, often it was the facial expressions that gave it away! We also had a few games of tea bag toss and tea bingo to continue our tea themed activities. We of course, rounded things off with a good cup of Tetley and a piece of cake! One resident, Margaret, said “this is the best day I’ve had!”
Horse racing comes to Kirkburn
In honour of this year’s Grand National, we held our own ‘Kirkburn National’ this month. Our finest hats and jewels were adorned, before taking part in our own DIY horse races. We had several winners throughout the day but it was King Sandy who won the coveted ‘Kirkburn Cup’ with the most victories – “I must be afa lucky” he exclaimed. There was even some fierce competition between staff members too!
Easter fun
April began with a series of Easter festivities. Great hilarity ensued as we decided to relive our youth and decorate some hard boiled eggs for rolling – some interesting face designs emerged! We also completed an Easter egg hunt with some chocolate bunnies as prizes – they did not last long! Our residents also coloured in some lovely Easter pictures which we displayed throughout the home. Activities Coordinator, Claire Burden, said “the egg decorating was the real favourite this Easter, there was so much laughter which was lovely to hear.”
Reunion time
March has brought great excitement here to Kirkburn as we have been permitted to begin welcoming back visitors. The first day of visiting was an emotional day for our families, residents and staff and we were delighted that after lots of hard work and behind the scenes preparation, the day ran very smoothly. Pictured alongside our deputy manager Heather is Jim, who was absolutely delighted to come in and visit his lovely wife Kathleen. Jim summed up the experience by simply saying “that was magic!”
