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
Happy 30th Birthday Kirkburn Court
On the 30th June 2022, Kirkburn Court celebrated its 30th birthday! Various celebrations and activities took place throughout the month to mark the occasion. Members of the local community were invited to send in birthday cards for our competition and our residents had a great time looking through them all and picking their favourite designs. Residents and staff also made a special birthday video including lots of props, singing and dancing – lots of fun and laughter was had! The home was decked out with some amazing decorations and they formed a great backdrop for the many parties that we had. We also received a lovely surprise from our local Morrisons Supermarket who made us a lovely card and poem along with donating 30 bottles of wine for our celebrations!
Dementia Care Champion of the Year - Divisional Winner
We are proud to announce that Ryan Morrison has been crowned Dementia Care Champion of the Year for the North Division in this year’s Barchester Care Awards and is through to the national round of judging.
More than 2,950 nominations were received from all Barchester homes and hospitals across the UK. All entries were a very high standard and Ryan is over the moon to have been named the winner for the division, beating hundreds of other nominees.
Our divisional winner, Ryan is through to the national finals in which the overall winner is decided. He will join winners from across the UK at a special awards event in October to celebrate their outstanding achievements and discover if they have won a national award. Huge congratulations, well deserved!
BHC Care Awards 2022 - Divisional Winner
We are proud to announce that Susan Simpson has been crowned Home Administrator of the Year for the North Division in this year’s Barchester Care Awards and is through to the national round of judging.
More than 2,950 nominations were received from all Barchester homes and hospitals across the UK. All entries were a very high standard and Susan is over the moon to have been named the winner for the division, beating hundreds of other nominees.
Our divisional winner, Susan is through to the national finals in which the overall winner is decided. She will join winners from across the UK at a special awards event in October to celebrate their outstanding achievements and discover if they have won a national award. Huge congratulations, well deserved!
Opera performance
Our homes had a fabulous time with the talented soprano Astrid Joos from Street Theatre. Astrid spoke about a selection of famous operas and our residents were treated to performances of wonderful arias from operas well-known to all, such as ‘Giuditta’, ‘Don Giovanni’ and ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’.
It was a lovely experience, truly enjoyed by all.
Virtual event with Dr Tim Howard
Residents across our homes had a lovely time joining Dr Tim Howard, 4th generation GP, whose whole life has been about patient care, for an exciting virtual event to discuss his novel ‘Let’s Kill All The Lawyers’.
The novel is a medical fiction thriller that explores the impact of life and death events, mistakes and forgiveness, and the impact of law and justice on the day- to-day lives of ordinary people doing their best in difficult circumstances.
Residents had the chance to ask their own questions once the discussion was over and a great time was had by all.
Just passing through
Our residents had a lovely time joining Daniel Snowman, for an exciting virtual event to discuss his book ‘Just Passing Through’.
Author of over a dozen books, Daniel Snowman’s long and active life has led him to interact in countless ways with the wider world and with some of its most famous inhabitants. His memoir evokes these experiences via a series of vivid literary vignettes.
Our residents found the talk very intriguing and informative, and were happy to learn more about Daniel’s experiences around the world.
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.
