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
Sensory Garden Party
We had the joy of welcoming Marcello, an upbeat 1950s/60s singer to perform in our Sensory Garden. Residents loved clapping, dancing and singing along with staff to the songs.
Betty said, "He was just fabulous. So animated and always moving, dancing with everyone".
Meet Emma
Our newest Empathy Doll has been named Emma by residents in our Memory Lane Community and has been enjoyed by all. Emma's soft, fabric body is great to cuddle and sit on a lap and she can also be dressed and undressed. Residents have enjoyed combing her hair and wrapping her up in knitted blankets.
Seaside Day
While the weather is so fabulous we thought why not bring the Beach to us for an afternoon?!?
Our residents had just finished a delicious Fish and Chips dinner and headed to the Patio for some sunshine while splashing their Toes in the water.
It was so lovely to be outside listening to seaside music but we did have to quickly eat the Ice-cream before it melted!
Residents thoroughly enjoyed chatting away reminiscing about past seaside holidays and fond beach memories. It really was a fabulous afternoon together laughing and enjoying the sun.
Bank Holiday Village Yard Sale
On August Bank Holiday Monday we joined the Marshland Village Yard Sale and hosted our very own stall.
Residents of Hickathrift House, Betty, Elsie and Norman, as well as loved ones, helped man it, handing out tombola tickets, and nattered away with the locals who joined us throughout the morning.
We were well stocked with donated items from staff and loved ones of residents as well as fabulous crafted and knitted goods by the residents at Hickathrift House. Betty said, "It was a wonderful morning meeting everyone from the community".
Notting Hill Carnival Celebrations
We celebrated Notting Hill Carnival with our very own Hickathrift House Carnival, filled with vibrant colours and fabulous upbeat songs from the incredible musical entertainers, KJ & The Catt !
Residents enjoyed singing, dancing, clapping away to the beat, and fabulous singing. Betty, a resident, has always loved dancing and after the performance chatted to KJ over a cup of tea about teaching dance and shared lovely stories.
Community Book Swap
Over August our home has been swapping books with the local community. Reading had many benefits such as improving memory, reducing stress and uplifting your mood. The book swap benefits residents and the local community and we hope it continues to grow.
Barrie, the resident ambassador, said, "I'm an avid reader and enjoy discovering new books and authors. I've added a few of my favourite authors to the swap and hope others enjoy their stories. I've already found a few new books that I can’t wait to start! ".
We'd also like to say a huge thank you to the lovely ladies who donated a bunch of books and thank you to everyone who has donated or swapped also.
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.
