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
Lifetime Achievement Award
2017 marked Barchester's 25th anniversary and, to honour the occasion, we decided to change the criteria for the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' to recognise staff members who have worked at the company for 25 years or longer. Everyone who has worked for Barchester for that length of time has contributed a huge amount to its success and we are incredibly grateful to all our long-serving staff.
The judges found it too hard to pick between the 4 Divisional Winners and therefore decided it was appropriate that they all were National Winners!
So this year's winners are:
Kanita Oakey-Kierman from Hickathrift House
Sharon Haigh from Red Oaks
June Hoggart from South View
Alison Dickson from Balclutha Court
Congratulations all!
The Flowers of Youth
Residents spent time making their own flower arrangements on Monday 20th November. They have been displayed around the home and look & smell beautiful.
Getting Creative
Residents had a lovely arts & crafts session on Tuesday 14th November, where they made bird feeders for the surrounding gardens.
Halloween
Residents, staff and visitors have enjoyed a variety of activities over the Halloween weekend. On Friday 27th, the festivities with volunteers, Joss and Cecelia, coming in for their usual afternoon singalong – and they were dressed to thrill!
They finished the fun on Tuesday 31st October with the staff attending work in fancy dress, and the residents spent the morning carving pumpkins and decorating cakes. They finished the day with a film afternoon.
2017 Barchester Care Awards
Laura Archer, Administrator at Hickathrift House, was crowned as the national winner in the Home Administration Champion category at the 2017 Barchester Care Awards on 18th October 2017; and Kanita Oakey-Kierman, Administrative Assistant, won a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for her commitment throughout her 25 years of service to the company.
Well done to both!
World War Street Party
On Thursday 28th September, residents from Hickathrift House were lucky enough to be invited back to Wisbech Grammar School to attend a World War Street Party, which was held by St Augustine's Church and was exclusively for local care homes.
The event was also attended by the Mayor, who was in his full finery. They were entertained by singers, who the residents said were wonderful. They especially enjoyed the sandwiches and cakes that were on offer and everyone came home happy with full stomachs.
We can’t wait to go again next year!
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.
