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
National Cream Tea Day
We have recently celebrated National Cream Tea Day.
We thought the best way to do that was to enjoy some lovely scones with cream and jam - all washed down with a lovely cup of tea!
Everyone said it was a lovely treat and we also got into some interesting discussions about what should go on your scone first - the cream or the jam?!? How do you eat yours????
We also had a go at an afternoon tea themed quiz.
Donkey Visit
During the month of June, we have had some special visitors at Kirkburn and they were of the big eared variety!
Our residents, staff and visitors had great fun meeting Pugh and Barney the donkeys!
The sun came out just in time for us to gather outside and greet our guests! We learned some fun facts about the donkeys and all their likes and dislikes. They were able to do some window visits too and got lots of waves!
A huge thank you to Jenny's Donkeys from Inverurie for coming to visit us!
A fond farewell after 16-years
Our lovely carer, Phyllis, has retired after 16 years of working at Kirkburn. Phyllis was surprised by staff and residents with decorations and a party - on what proved to be an emotional occasion!
Phyllis was presented with gifts and cards as well as being serenaded with her own version of the song 'My Way.' It was a great celebration for someone who has been a very valued member of the Kirkburn team for many years.
We wish you all the best in your retirement Phyllis (not that we believe for a second that you will slow down!)
National Biscuit Day
We are a huge fan of a fine piece here at Kirkburn, so we thought National Biscuit Day would be a good occasion for us to celebrate!
We tried our hand at a wee biscuit challenge – to see if we could identify the UK’s top ten biscuits by taste only. We had great fun sampling a range of biscuits and it turned out to be quite a tough challenge – and a few were surprised to find out that the number one biscuit is a chocolate digestive!
We also had a go at the age old favourite ‘Guess how many in the Jar.’ We really put our biscuit knowledge to the test as we worked our way through some biscuit themed quizzes too. A ‘crunch-tastic’ time was had by all.
Kirkburn Wellbeing Week
To coincide with this year's Grampian Wellbeing Festival during the month of May, Kirkburn Court has recently held its own wellbeing week. We included a range of activities on our schedule - with something for the mind, body and soul! Ranging from exercise classes and therapet visits to brain boosters, dancing and church services.
We have also toured with our very own pamper basket - allowing residents, staff and visitors to select items to help them to relax and unwind. The 'Kirkburn Drummers' had its first practice session - watch out for our first performance coming to a stage near you!
During the whole week, we also took on the big Kirkburn Cycle Challenge - whereby we aimed to 'cycle' from Peterhead to Aberdeen. The whole Kirkburn family joined in as we tallied up our rotations on our pedal machines. We are pleased to report that we smashed our target! It was a great team effort!
World Cocktail Day
During May, we have been celebrating World Cocktail Day by sampling a wee tipple ourselves! We tried our hand at making a few different recipes - but the overall favourite was definitely the 'Kirkburn Kolada!'
We also assigned everyone a cocktail based on their birth month - which lead to some great discussions and reminiscing about our favourite drinks.
A lovely time was had by all.
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.
