Activities at Hickathrift House Care Home
Our teams are trained to enrich the lives of residents through stimulating the mind, body and soul, and taking the time to learn about each person to ensure everyone receives support that adds enrichment to their life.
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.
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
Gentlemen’s Club
Hickathrift House in Marshland St James has opened its doors to the gentlemen of the community for an afternoon of crosswords, dominoes and discussions, on the second Sunday of every month. Taking place between 2:30pm - 4pm guests will be able to enjoy cream cakes prepared by the home’s Head Chef and will meet the team and gentlemen of the home over a refreshing drink.
The first Gentlemen’s Club of Hickathrift House started on the 9th of July. Residents and locals spent the time learning about the history of Gentlemen’s Clubs, enjoyed an array of quizzes and discussed various sports results while enjoying a game of dominoes.
Dogs Trust
Across of homes residents had a fantastic time during a special live virtual event, led by Jennifer and Emily from Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity. Jennifer and Emily took us on a journey to discover the rich history of Dogs Trust and their facilities.
Using captivating video and photo footage, our residents were able to explore rehoming centres and learn more about the highest level of welfare offered there. It was a delightful experience for everyone, especially our dog lovers.
Home celebrates 30-years service
An Administrator at Hickathrift House in Marshland St James has received a prestigious 30-Year Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare.
Tracey Hills started at Barchester in June 1993 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years. Tracey joined Hickathrift House at the age of 15 and started as a care assistant. Within the space of 6 years, Tracey quickly rose to senior carer and then Deputy Manager by 1999. For the past 16 years, Tracey has worked in the administration team with her colleague Kanita.
Happy Fathers Day
It was our genuine pleasure to celebrate all the wonderful men at Hickathrift House on Sunday. We organised several lovely video calls in the morning and evening for those further away. At lunchtime, families joined their fathers for a scrumptious Sunday Roast made by our talented Hospitality Team. In the afternoon we were joined by the fantastic KJ & The Catt who helped made our male residents feel extra special today.
Barrie said, "It's been such a great day with my daughters and wife. The whole team has made it so special".
A huge thank you to the entire team for making today incredible and to the fabulous family members for getting involved in our celebration.
Unique Animal Therapy
Residents received a very special visit from two beautiful horses, Percy, the Suffolk Punch and Major, the Shire horse. Both were from the lovely Weydike Heavy Horses. Residents thoroughly enjoyed learning about these stunning animals, feeding and stroking them. It sparked exciting memories and conversations throughout the day.
Richard said, "Oh they remind me of my lovely racing horse. He was grey, blue in colour and was a winner".
All our animal visits aim to evoke emotional connections from the residents along with love, joy and laughter. The visits also provide physical, mental and emotional healing.
World Ocean Day
World ocean day is a day to raise awareness about ending overfishing and protecting our oceans. Several residents had a spectacular time at the Sea Life Hunstanton and strolled along the Hunstanton promenade. This incredible trip helped increase our understanding and knowledge about how we can help ocean life.
Joan said, "What a beautiful place full of vibrant colour and so much information. It's truly inspired me".
We're looking forward to putting what we've learnt into practice at Hickathrift House.
Upcoming events
Scrabble Competition - 12th April
Join us at our annual 'Scrabble Competition' on National Scrabble Day, from 2.30 pm
April
Hello April! We are looking forward to a fun-filled month ahead - all welcome.
Community Events - April
Dear Community Friends, we extend a very warm welcome to join us. Come along and make new friends!
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!
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.
Don't Dine Alone - Every Wednesday
We know meal times can be lonely for seniors in our local community and we invite you to join us for lunch. *places are limited.
Dementia Cafe - 3rd Friday of the month
We understand the importance of supporting our local community in hosting regular monthly groups. All welcome!
Knit and Natter - 3rd Friday of the month
Do you enjoy knitting? Come along and make new friends at our monthly Knit and Natter group - all welcome.
Coffee Morning - 2nd Friday of the month from 10.30 am
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.
Dementia Friendly Movie Monday
Come and join us for our monthly movie matinee club, dementia friendly. All welcome 2nd Monday of the month from 2.30 pm.
