Activities at Hickathrift House Care Home

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". 

On the 20th of June, Barchester’s Hickathrift House Care Home in Marshland St James, Wisbech hosted an exciting community talk from Ryston Rachel’s Hedgehog Hotel. Ryston Rachel’s Hedgehog Hotel helps to rescue, rehabilitate and release hedgehogs from all over Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

Residents, staff, and 26 pupils from the local Marshland St James Primary and Nursery School were thrilled to learn all about hedgehogs from Jan, a volunteer from Ryston Rachel’s Hedgehog Hotel. The talk included the life cycle of a hedgehog, the exceptional actions taken by the charity and how to help these spiky creatures in the garden. With host Jan leading the way, the residents and pupils examined the various photographs and items provided which led to fascinating conversations within our care home.

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

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".

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! 

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.