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
Slipper Soccer
Residents recently enjoyed a fun filled sporting afternoon playing a game of ‘slipper soccer’. Each team were sporting their scarves and a great competitive spirit ensued as each team tried to score the most goals! Several of the residents used to play football for local teams so this was a great opportunity to re-live those days and to reminisce about past achievements. There were some interesting goal celebrations with lots of arm waving and cheering amongst residents and staff! Claire Burden, Activities Coordinator said “It was really lovely to see the residents laughing and cheering and it is amazing to see how instincts still kick in when a ball comes to your feet.”
Praise for Kirkburn
We have continued to receive lovely cards, emails and gifts from our residents’ families and friends. As a home, we have been overwhelmed by the positive support we have received and we are so looking forward to welcoming everyone back in to the home when it is safe to do so. We recently took delivery of the most amazing cake from one of our resident’s family and it was greatly enjoyed by all the staff at break time. Also our Activities Coordinator, Claire, has made a display of extracts of emails that she had received and hung it outside the lounge for all the staff and residents to have a read. This gave the staff a positive boost and has helped to keep staff morale up. Claire said “Some of the comments we have received have been heart-warming and it is a lovely feeling to know that the families are proud of our efforts.”
Home receives gift
We have been very lucky to accept the donation of a brilliant hand sanitizer machine from the Provincial Grand Lodge and Daughter Lodges of Aberdeenshire East. The machine has been placed at the main entrance and will prove to be of particular benefit once we start to welcome external visitors back into the home. General Manager, David Garland said “Once again, the generosity of the local community is amazing. We really have been so lucky with the support we have received. This hand sanitizer machine will be a great asset to the home and it is certainly going to get a lot of use!”
Hair raising fun!
The staff at Kirkburn Court decided that they would like to make a memorial garden to commemorate everyone connected to the home who have been affected by the Covid19 pandemic. Two staff members, Rosetta and Nicola decided to get the fundraising underway by shaving their heads and asking for sponsors. Although the final total is not in yet, the ladies look set to raise a fantastic amount – they were brilliant sports and took it all in their stride! Nurse Rosetta said “I really just wanted to do something to acknowledge the difficult time that so many people have been through and so that they had somewhere special to visit to share their remembrances.”
Sending Happy Thoughts
Our residents have been greatly enjoying sending handmade cards, photos and postcards to their family and friends as a means of keeping in touch. One resident recently had the idea of sending some postcards to other residents in other care homes as a means of sending ‘happy thoughts’ as they put it. In our first batch we decided to send postcards to our nearest Barchester homes in Aberdeen, Portlethen and Inverness. The residents took time to consider what they would like to write and decided to focus on the recent events we have celebrated. Our administrator, Susan, then organised the posting of the cards. Susan said “this is a great way to keep residents in touch with others and I am happy to help in any way I can”
Birthday Celebrations for the Queen
Our residents recently enjoyed a party to celebrate the official birthday of the Queen and donned their crowns and tiara’s especially for the occasion. The residents enjoyed watching some of the parade live on the TV before indulging in some birthday cake and special fizz. We even had a sing a long of Happy Birthday to wish her well. The residents greatly enjoyed the party atmosphere and some decided to keep their crowns on for the rest of the day! One resident, Sheila, said “The Queen is beautiful, I hope she has a lovely birthday”.
