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
Burns Day Celebrations
We have had a lovely time celebrating Burns Day this year. Our preparations began early with the residents making some lovely table decorations - including napkin rings and flower arrangements. On the day, our haggis was expertly piped in by great local young piper Josh and then the address to the haggis was performed by our carer Graeme – who even donned his kilt for the occasion! After enjoying a lovely lunch we were then entertained by the ever popular Raymond – we had a great sing along to all the classic Scottish tunes! There may have even been some dance moves on show too!
Special Visitor
We have recently been delighted to welcome a new visitor to Kirkburn - Jaxon the dog!
Jaxon is a specially trained therapet who is registered through the Canine Concern Scotland Trust.
Our residents absolutely loved meeting him and he was showered with cuddles and compliments! We think Jaxon enjoyed his first visit too as his tail never stopped wagging!
He really brought so much joy to our residents and allowed many of them to reminisce about their own family pets.
We are delighted that Jaxon will be coming to visit us on a regular basis! Thank you so much to Jaxon's lovely Mum, Sharon, for bringing Jaxon in to meet us all.
Kirkburn Goes Gaming
January saw the debut of Kirkburn's Wheel of Fun..........and what fun we had!
Staff, residents and their families took a turn at spinning the wheel and waited to see what they might be doing - options ranged from answering a quiz question, doing an exercise to telling a joke or singing a song. We had a brilliant afternoon of light hearted fun - and that's what it's all about!
Medical Detection Dogs
Across our services residents had a fantastic time during a special live virtual event, led by Emilia from Medical Detection Dogs. Emilia took us on a journey to discover how the organisation began training dogs to support people with complex health conditions, saving their lives on a daily basis.
Using their amazing sense of smell, these dogs can identify odour changes emitted prior an episode and alert the person to take preventative action.
We were introduced to the wonderful dogs and the science behind the sniff. It was a delightful experience for everyone, especially our canine-loving residents.
Big Quiz of the Year
All over the country our care homes and hospitals linked up for Barchester’s Big Quiz of the year!
Residents tested their knowledge with a variety of questions, from historical humdingers and musical musings to pictorial puzzlers and connective conundrums.
Everyone who participated had a fantastic time and enjoyed some friendly competition.
Meeting the Reindeers
Across our homes we got into the Christmas spirit of things by joining a festive live virtual experience, led by Des and Kelly from Performing Pets.
Our residents were thrilled to meet the charming furry friends and get up close and personal with the reindeers.
We certainly learnt some interesting facts about the animals and had a fantastic time.
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.
