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
Elf Day
On the 2nd of December we were visited by several incredible elves and the Grinch who helped spread festive cheer and raise awareness for the Alzheimer's Society. In the evening we obviously had to watch Elf & Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas with scrumptious treats and Christmas cake.
Giving season
On the 1st of December our Activities Team visited Wisbech Ambulance Station to donate an array of cupcakes on behalf of everyone at Hickathrift House.
General Manager, Paula said, "We are so grateful for the service this wonderful team provides and these treats are just a small way of us showing our appreciation. We feel it's important to spread some holiday cheer this Christmas and hope they all enjoy the treats!".
Home celebrate 30 years of Barchester
To celebrate residents enjoyed singing along with the terrific KJ & The Catt to a variety of wonderful songs and several hits from 1992!
We also looked through our board filled with photos of residents from 30 years ago and at the age of 30! We loved discussing the photos and sharing past experiences together. Thank you to all the family members that sent in photographs they were a joy to share with everyone.
At the end of the party, staff, residents and others, placed stones that represented each resident who is no longer here with us and shared their fondest memories. These stones will be moved outside for people to view when they wish.
Resident Ambassador, Barrie said, "Even though our friends, neighbors and family cannot be here with us, we want them to know they've made an impact in our lives and we will forever remember them. I'm glad to say we'll make this an annual event and welcome all to join".
Decoupage craft with Gratitude 43
Our residents at Hickathrift House welcomed the wonderful Debbie from Gratitude 43 for a decoupage craft afternoon and all enjoyed learning all about how Debbie started her business as they got creative together. To celebrate Barchester's 30-year anniversary we designed a 'Hickathrift House' sign that will be displayed for many years to come.
Poppy Craft and Remembrance Day
Our residents at Hickathrift House had a busy week making Poppies during Art & Craft Club. And on Armistice Day we joined the Wisbech War Memorial Service to pay our respects and lay our home wreath in honour of those brave men and women who gave their lives for us. Lest we forget!
Samaritan's Purse Shoebox appeal
Residents and staff at Hickathrift House have been busy knitting items, colouring and writing notes for our home Shoeboxes ready to donate towards Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan's Purse. The appeal helps those less fortunate children around the world and you can still get involved and pack one online! Please visit: www.samaritans-purse.org.uk to play your part today in this amazing project this Christmas!
Upcoming events
November
The leaves are falling, November is calling and we hope you can join us - all welcome.
Newsletter
We are delighted to share our latest newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading.
Professionals Open Evening - 19th December from 5.00 pm
Calling all local professionals, come and join us for an evening and take a tour of our newly refurbished home and meet our General Manager, from 5.00 - 7.00 pm.
Countdown to Christmas
Counting down the days to Christmas with a fun filled month ahead and we extend a warm invitation for you to join us - all welcome.
Merry Christmas!
Speakers Corner - 10th January with guest speaker, June Massey
Join us for our monthly 'Speakers Corner' with January's guest speaker, June Massey - local fused glass artist from 11.00 am. All welcome.
Professionals Coffee Morning - 04th February
We extend a warm invitation to our local professional community to join us for a coffee and chat with our General Manager.
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.
