Activities at Hickathrift House Care Home
We have two Activities Coordinators here at Hickathrift House. We have a wide range of activities within the home, including musical entertainment, arts & crafts, clubs for like-minded people, such as flower arranging and gardening, board games, baking (where the best bit is the eating afterwards!), and we celebrate special events throughout the year. We also have trips out on a regular basis using our own minibus, where we find out places of interest each person would like to visit.
It is important to us that each individual who we support can get as much from these activities as possible, so we try our best to arrange activities that reflect their interests and capabilities, and encourage them to participate in any way they can. We also encourage relatives to join in with activities and events as often as they can.
For the less mobile residents, we unique one-to-one session, such as simple chats over a cup of tea, reading or listening to music. Activities are some of the most important aspects of a care home, so it is essential that our team are dedicated to ensuring that residents are entertained, and that life at Hickathrift House is fun and active.
Kat Colangelo
Hello, my name is Kat and I am the Activities Lead here at Hickathrift House.
Since 2017 I have been working in the field of well-being and I am passionate and enthusiastic about enriching all our of residents' quality of life.
As the Activities Lead at Hickathrift House, my focus is learning about each of our resident's likes and dislikes and supporting them to remain receptive and active in addition to supporting them to engage with our local community friends.
I organise activities to stimulate the mind, body and soul in an enjoyable, comfortable way. My aim is to diversify and increase activities ensuring that there is something for everyone - from Wine and Cheese events, excursions on our home Mini Bus as well as individual bespoke person-centered activities.
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 Hickathrift House Care Home
Happy Father's Day
It was our genuine pleasure to celebrate all the wonderful men at Hickathrift House on Father’s Day. They were truly treated like royalty and became Kings for the day with our royal-themed party.
At lunchtime, families joined their fathers for a scrumptious Sunday Roast made by the talented Hospitality Team. In the afternoon we were joined by the fantastic KJ & The Catt, who helped make our male residents feel extra special.
Barrie said, "It's been such a great day with my daughters and wife. The whole team has made it so great".
Carers Week
Residents and staff are celebrating National Carers’ Week, which takes place from June 10-16. Residents wanted to thank all the wonderful staff at the home, whose hard work and dedication make a real difference to the lives of those living in their care.
Carers’ Week is an annual event to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges carers face, and recognising the contribution they make to our residents, families and communities throughout the UK. The theme for Carers’ Week this year is ‘Putting Carers on the Map'’ - to shine a light on all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to care for vulnerable people in our communities
Gladys' Wish Comes True
This month Gladys' wish was granted by our Post a Wish initiative. Gladys is very close to her family, so we discussed several ways to celebrate the four generations of her family. After several ideas we came up with a sensory art session to represent each member.
Gladys, her daughter, two granddaughters and the newest member of the family came together to create these memorable canvases. Each family member selected their favourite colour and left their handprint on each canvas which they'll be able to keep for many years to come. This was a very beautiful, enjoyable moment that'll forever be a fond memory for everyone.
Gladys said, "Thank you so much for organising this. It’s been lovely spending such quality time together doing something different".
It's Thyme to Garden at Hickathrift
We had the pleasure of visiting Baytree Hilgay for an outstanding Sunday morning out. We loved exploring the wonderful gifts and all enjoyed the homeware sections. Julie, a carer who joined us, said, "There's so much to see here and look how beautiful it is here".
We then ventured out to the gardens and enjoyed the vibrant colours, scents and various textures of the flowers. After we explored all the garden centre had to offer, we headed back to Hickathrift for a delicious Sunday roast dinner. As we were leaving the amazing staff came and gave us an assortment of seeds to plant in our gardens. We were blown away by their generosity and kindness and planted them that afternoon!
Home honour the brave on 80th anniversary
Residents and staff commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings by sharing personal memories and participating in community events.
To honour the largest combined land, air and naval operation in history, Hickathrift House Care Home marked the 80 years since the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944 - the start of the campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied north-west Europe - with a special tribute by lighting the lamp of peace. The 'Lamp Light Of Peace' is a traditional Oil Lantern. Its ruby red colouring represents the ultimate sacrifice made by brave men and women across the globe. As the General Manager, Paula Colman, lit the flame, the residents and staff took a moment to reflect on their bravery and honour. The light represents the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war.
The home was decorated in red, white and blue and residents and staff dressed up in their 1940s-inspired landgirl outfits and enjoyed a lovely afternoon reminiscing with memorabilia while singing along to Vera Lynn.
Eyes down for bingo fundraiser!
Hickathrift House organised a community bingo night to raise money for outings, entertainment and special events.The money raised is for the home's life-enrichment programme, it includes the ‘Post a Wish’ initiative where residents write down ‘wishes’ they’d like to have granted, from visiting Fakenham Racecourse to having one-to-one time with a pony.
The bingo night took place at Walsoken Village Hall and saw the entire community attend in the hundreds. Donations were provided by residents, their families and staff from Hickathrift House as well as 16 great local businesses. A selection of independent companies donated, such as Glamping with Llamas and Sunlounger Travel to bigger companies such as Play 2 Day Wisbech Golf Adventure and Tesco Wisbech
Upcoming events
Teddy Bears Picnic
Children and grown ups alike are warmly welcome to join us at our Teddy Bears picnic.
July
Join us in July and take a peek at our upcoming life enrichment and activities schedule.
Dementia Cafe - 3rd Friday of the month
We extend a warm invitation for you to join us at our monthly dementia cafe.
Knit and Natter - Bi-monthly
Do you enjoy knitting? Come along and make new friends at our bi monthly Knit and Natter group - all welcome.
Gentleman's Club - Last Sunday of the month
Come along and enjoy a variety of activities over a beverage or two! Make new friends - all welcome.
Emergency Services - Take a break on us!
Calling all emergency personnel! Come and take a break on us - there may be a cake or two available!
Coffee Morning
We extend a warm invitation for you to join us at our monthly Coffee Morning - make new friends and enjoy a slice of homemade cake.
Volunteer Coffee Morning - every Tuesday
We recognise the special impact volunteers can have on the lives of our residents and we hope you can join us.
