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
Love is All Around
We've been amazed at the generosity of our local community in recent months. Our latest delivery has been a huge boxful of lovely handmade hearts, which have been donated by an organisation called Silk Elephant. The hearts are made by an army of volunteers and many have been knitted or crocheted – they are beautiful. The residents enjoyed having a look through them when they arrived – especially our keen knitters who enjoyed checking out the handiwork! They have been distributed amongst the residents and have helped to brighten up the rooms. Claire Burden, our Activities Coordinator said “The generosity of the local community and even organisations further afield has been amazing – we have been very lucky. These hearts are just beautiful and the residents have greatly enjoyed admiring them – they certainly add a homely touch to their rooms.”
Thanking our Royal Mail
Here at Kirkburn Court, we have been trying to keep in touch with our families and friends in as many different ways as possible. This has involved posting out lots of mail including home-made cards, photographs and postcards. The residents decided that they would like to say thank you to our local postal workers for the increased workload they have caused! Many of them signed a thank you letter and coloured in posters which were then delivered to our local sorting office.
Activities Coordinator, Claire Burden, said “Trying to keep our residents in touch with their loved ones has been the central focus of many of our recent activities. The residents have really enjoyed making items to send and we are receiving daily phone calls and emails from family members who are just delighted to be receiving surprises in the post!”
Flower Spotters
In honour of the Chelsea Flower Show, the Residents of Kirkburn Court have been out and about in the garden completing a scavenger hunt challenge. They were given pictures of various flowers and other garden items which they had to find in order to complete the challenge. The residents had great fun working their way around the gardens looking for all the different items and lots of reminiscing and chat about their own gardens ensued. After completing the challenge, the residents enjoyed a flask of tea and some cake as a reward!
Activities Coordinator, Claire Burden, said “The residents have greatly enjoyed having some time outdoors, and it definitely helps to lift the spirits – although trying to organise outdoor activities can be difficult with the weather we have here!”
Gardening Fun
Kirkburn Court’s Gardener, Shona, recently decided to add some fun and cheer to the resident’s day by dressing up as a Highland Cow while she was tending to the gardens. It was a great topic of discussion as resident’s spotted her outside the window, and Shona went round all the resident’s rooms to wave and have a chat through the window. It really gave the whole home a boost and was the source of great hilarity throughout the day. Shona said “I had the outfit at home and just thought it would bring a bit of fun and laughter to everyone – although I must admit it is very warm wearing it whilst cutting the grass!”
Virtual Afternoon Tea
Here at Kirkburn Court, we have decided to add an extra dimension to our video calls. Recently we hosted a week of virtual afternoon teas whereby we arranged that during our video calls, both parties would have a cup of tea/coffee and a piece of cake ready so that it could be enjoyed together. We sent out invitations to our relatives/friends and then dusted off the antique tea set! Our chef produced a special selection of home-bakes and many of our relatives were even inspired to bake too! Great fun was had by all involved.
Activities Coordinator, Claire Burden, said “Many of our residents and families were missing the act of simply having their tea together – so we tried to recreate that feeling. It really was a brilliant week filled with chat, laughter, reminiscing and even some virtual singing in the form of duets!
One resident has even nicknamed our iPad the ‘magic slate’ as she says it looks like the slates she did her school work on – but that it is magic as you can talk to people on it!
Music and Movement
Residents had great fun using the parachute to keep a ball up and to give their arms some exercise. This was followed by some singing to well- known Scottish tunes and trying to play the maracas in time to the music. The group decided they needed more practice to improve their rhythm but that they would have great fun trying!
Claire Burden, Activities Coordinator said “The residents really enjoy these sessions and we try to vary our types of movement and props to keep things interesting!”
