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.
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
Pets at the Palaces with Jon Sleigh
Residents across our services had a delightful time during a special virtual sensory storytelling event, led by Art Historian Jon Sleigh from the Historic Royal Palaces.
Jon took us on a journey to discover some of the more unusual and unexpected inhabitants of the palaces and the Tower of London, sharing fascinating stories about the pets at the palaces.
Whilst enjoying the virtual experience, our residents were treated to hot beverages, delicious biscuits, berries and cakes. It was a truly lovely time for all.
Boogie in the Bar
Some of our residents enjoyed a trip to this month's Boogie in the Bar event today. We loaded up on the bus and headed round to the Buchanhaven Hearts for an afternoon of boogieing! A great time was had by all and we can definitely say that Kirkburn was dancing up a storm all afternoon! We even won a sweetie hamper in the raffle! Well done everyone! We can't wait to attend again next month!
Celebrating the King's Coronation
Our residents and staff have had a great time joining in with various activities. We enjoyed a lovely tea party whereby we all came together to share our stories and memories about the Royal family, along with playing some royal themed games. We were very lucky that King Charles was also able to pop in by for an appearance too! We also had the crowning of our very own Kirkburn King and Queen! Everyone enjoyed watching the Coronation itself and we had a running commentary on who had the best outfits!
We rounded off our celebrations with a special visit to Buchanhaven School nursery, who had very kindly invited us along to join in with their celebrations. We were treated to a lovely afternoon fly and the residents and children had a great time together. A huge thank you to them for inviting us along.
The Puppet Gang
We have recently been delighted to welcome back The Puppet Gang.
It was absolutely brilliant seeing our resident’s faces as they were introduced to some very famous characters - including Elton John and Elvis Presley! The residents loved getting to meet all the different characters and having a chance to interact with them.
All of our photos are natural reactions and we think the facial expressions say it all!
What a great afternoon and we would like to say a huge thank you to The Puppet Gang for putting on a great show!
Magic Moments
As part of our 'Magic Moments' series, we like to create individual experiences for our residents. Cathy has recently enjoyed a trip out to the Waulkmill Menagerie. Cathy had lived on a farm with lots of different animals and had one special pal - a donkey named Toyah. Cathy has always loved when animals come to Kirkburn to visit us so we thought it was about time that Cathy went to visit some of them!
Cathy had the opportunity to interact with various different animals - including goats, turkeys, horses, sheep and dogs. Of course, there was also time with two donkeys called Winston and May. Cathy was in her element and spent some time brushing them. The smile and affection was radiating from Cathy and it was so lovely to see.
Cathy also met a tortoise and was told that he could live until he is 150 years old - Cathy joked "I don't think I'll live as long as that!" Another heart-warming experience.
Jo Jingles
We have recently began a brand new partnership and have hosted our first ever intergenerational music and movement class with Jo Jingles!
The sheer joy on our residents faces as they saw the children arrive was magical enough and then to see them interacting with each other was so heart-warming. Everyone joined in with lots of singing and also having a go at playing a few musical instruments too. It was amazing to watch our residents sing their hearts out and remember every word - as well as the actions to some songs too! It has been brilliant so far and we continue to greatly look forward to our weekly classes.
Upcoming events
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.
