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
International Country Music Day
We have recently hosted our own hoedown to celebrate International Country Music Day. Aswell as listening to and reminiscing about some of our favourite country music artists, we also took part in a few themed games.
Firstly we tried our hand at cowboy boot bean bag toss and it turns out that we have a few expert bean bag throwers in our midst! Next up was our cactus ring toss, but we definitely needed a bit of cheating with that one! We also had a great laugh discovering what our cowboy names would be and some were so good that some people are considering a change in occupation!
We rounded off with some staff ‘horse races’! A wee bit of imagination was required here but our residents had great fun cheering on the staff!
Beautiful bouquets
Our homes had a fantastic time joining members of the Wallace Collection for an amazing sensory session.
During the live virtual experience, our residents explored one of the museum’s most beautiful Dutch flower paintings and learnt new drawing techniques.
We cannot wait to put our creative skills to a test and produce beautiful paintings of our own.
Everyone enjoyed the lovely talk, we all had lots of fun and it’s given us plenty of ideas.
Housekeeping Week
Our residents have recently marked National Housekeeping Week by engaging in a range of themed activities. Our staff were invited along to our 'resident run' cafe. Our residents ran the cafe including serving the tea and cakes, aswell as doing all the washing up afterwards! The ladies did a fantastic job and certainly gave us service with a smile! They have all five star reviews on Trip Adviser!
We also took the opportunity to catch up with some of our spring cleaning, including cleaning some of our activity supplies. Our bingo boards and bowling pins have never looked so good! Our residents also did a great job in organising our knitting supplies. Some muscle was required to give the Kirkburn silver a good polish too!
Bus trips
Some of our residents have recently enjoyed trips out to Happy Plant in Mintlaw. We are delighted that we have been able to resume trips to indoor venues again.
We all fair enjoyed our tea and scones before spending some time browsing the plants and garden ornaments. Many a gardening story was told as we reminisced on our way round.
It was great to have so many people come over to us to chat and say how lovely it was to see us out and about. On our way back, we also had a wee tour around some of the local villages that our residents lived - with one resident even showing us the house he lived in as a young boy!
It really has been great to be out and about in our community once again and we are already planning our next trips!
Music through the ages
Our homes had a brilliant time with curator Sarah Deters as she took us on a virtual ‘Music Through the Ages’ tour of St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum.
Our residents were thrilled to discover weird and wonderful musical instruments, hear their unusual sounds, and find out how instruments have changed over the last 500 years.
The virtual live event explored the world-renown collection of musical instruments on display at St Cecilia’s Hall, Scotland’s oldest concert hall.
Farewell Janet
In August, we have said goodbye to one of our longest serving team members. Janet, Head Housekeeper, is hanging up her mop after 22 years! Throughout her time at Kirkburn, Janet has helped to maintain our high standards and has been a great friend to staff, residents and their families. Her homemade fudge was legendary and we will all miss the never ending supply! Janet has some great plans to look forward to and we wish her a long and happy retirement.
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.
