Activities at Kirkburn Court Care Home
Here at Kirkburn Court, we aim to facilitate a personalised programme of meaningful activities, which are designed to promote independence, social stimulation and cognitive function. We strive to create a comfortable and safe environment where fun, creativity and individuality are encouraged. We feel it is important for us and residents to place value on yesterday, today and tomorrow – which is why we invest heavily in getting to know residents and learning their life history.
Our inclusive, yet respectful ethos is reflected in the wide range of activities we offer – ranging from larger structured group activities to one-to-one sessions. Our monthly activity programmes are extremely varied, but some of the activities you may expect to find include concerts, crafts, games, exercise sessions, reminiscing and outings. We also have a strong relationship with the local community and often invite external guests into the home, including performers, schools, and choirs.
Claire Burden
I began my career with Barchester in December 2017. Having worked within the teaching profession for the preceding 8 years, I feel that I bring a range of transferable skills to the activities team.
I strongly believe that the provision of activities is about so much more than just structured, planned events – capturing and celebrating the little moments in daily life, such as enjoying a chat and a cup of tea together, are equally as important.
Activities, no matter how big or small, should be at the heart of every home and that individuality should be celebrated. In addition, I feel that activities should take a person-centred approach, which is why I enjoy spending time with the residents and learning about their preferences and their history.
My own interests include football, politics, crafting and drinking tea, and I enjoy nothing better than engaging with residents on these topics! I aim to bring energy, a friendly smile and a willing ear to the home each day.
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 Kirkburn Court Care Home
Special Visitors
Here at Kirkburn Court, we recently had a lovely time welcoming some of the children from Buchanhaven School Nursery.
Our residents had a great time joining in with various arts and crafts, including colouring, gluing and modelling.
It was so heart-warming watching young and old interact and work together using their imaginations. Our resident, Neil, was delighted to see one of his wee pals again and he was even gifted a special picture to hang on his wall!
Everyone had a lovely time.
Animal Therapy
Here at Kirkburn Court, we have recently welcomed some four legged visitors – 4 pygmy goats!
Our residents absolutely loved seeing the goats and got the opportunity for lots of claps and cuddles.
We even got the chance to feed them some vegetables, which was amazing!
Annie, Laurie, Ewan and Charlie made themselves quite at home – even cuddling down on their knees and beds!
It was lovely to see the positive and calming effect that the goats had on our residents. They proved to be very popular visitors indeed!
Virtual afternoon at the theatre
Residents across our services had a fantastic time enjoying the virtual screening of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Frank Spencer’s comical misadventures had everyone laughing and it was wonderful to see so many happy faces.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and a special thanks to The Barn Theatre in the Cotswolds for bringing this stage adaptation of the beloved sitcom to our screens.
International Country Music Day
We have recently had our very own hoedown here at Kirkburn! In honour of International Country Music Day, we have donned our cowboy hats and taken part in a few different themed games.
Firstly we tried our hand at Wild West beanbag toss and we concluded that we have a pretty good aim - although there was definitely some cheating going on! This was followed by Cactus Ring Toss and a few staff horse races!
Of course, our soundtrack for the day was a range of classic country music. We had a great fun filled time, with lots of laughs.
National Dog Day
We have recently celebrated National Dog Day! What better way to do that than to have a visit from our regular therapet dog, Jaxson.
Our residents absolutely love to see him and give him lots of clappies and cuddles. There were big smiles all round. We have also spent time working on some dog themed puzzles and quizzes.
Our mascot dog was also on tour around the building!
A 'woof-tastic' time was had by all.
National Radio Day
We have recently marked National Radio Day by celebrating all things music.
We have had a great time reminiscing about all our favourite artists and songs - and we have even had a few impromptu sing alongs break out!
It was a great excuse to dust off our old record player and delve into our record collection. We enjoyed listening to a great mix from traditional Scottish and rock n' roll to country and western and disco!
It has been lovely to share in our love of music.
Upcoming events
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!
Community Cafe - Last Tuesday of the month
Do you fancy some company and a good blether? Come and join us at our monthly community cafe.
Carer's Support Group - 4th Wednesday of the month
Hosted by Dementia Advisors from Alzheimer's Scotland, come along for advice, support and guidance on local services. All welcome.
