Hickathrift House Care Home - Barchester Healthcare

14/09/2025

What's on at Hickathrift ✨

This week at Hickathrift House Care Home! We have various activities and events for residents, their loved ones and locals in the community.

⭐ We hope locals will come and enjoy our scrumptious Don't Dine Alone Initiative on Wednesday from 12:30pm, where local elderly people are able to join residents for a delicious 3-course meal. And afterwards, join us for bingo!
⭐ We also have our monthly Knit and Natter Club on Friday from 2:30pm. Why not join us for a scrumptious slice of cake and a spot of knitting.

Call us on 01945 430636 to book your FREE space for any and all of our community events.
Please note, that activities and outings may be subject to change.

For more information about life at Hickathrift House please visit: www.barchester.com/home/hickathrift-house-care-home or call: 01945 430636 to speak to a member of our friendly home team today ☺️

14/09/2025

Folk Music & Jig Dolls 🎶

What a joyful afternoon with Jason and Heather, filling our home with music, laughter, and dancing jig dolls!

Residents sang along to a number of songs they know and love from when they were little. These sparked many memories which we shared throughout the session.

Betty said, "It was just marvelous. It was such a joy to meet and swap stories together. I had a brilliant time".

A huge thank you to Jason and Heather for joining us and make the afternoon so delightful for all our residents.

For more information about life at Hickathrift House please visit: www.barchester.com/home/hickathrift-house-care-home or call: 01945 430636 to speak to a member of our friendly home team today ☺️

14/09/2025

Understanding Dementia – A person-centred approach.

We understand that a person’s journey with dementia is unique, and moments of confusion or distress can be upsetting for not only the person living with dementia but their loved ones too.

You’re invited to our complimentary and informative talk, where we’ll discuss how a person living with dementia may feel and the ways you can support them through expert help and advice.

Please call to book FREE your space at 01945 430636. For more information on life at Hickathrift House, please visit our website: www.Barchester.com/homes/hickathrift-house-care-home

12/09/2025

Stow Hall Gardens 🌿

Our new Activities Team member, John, suggested a trip to Stow Hall Gardens—and it was a wonderful choice! Residents had a delightful time exploring the gardens, soaking up the sunshine, admiring the blossoms, and spotting fruit trees and their harvests. It was a truly joyful day, filled with smiles and fresh air.

Outings like this are so important for wellbeing, and we’re proud to support our residents in visiting favourite places and discovering new ones.

A big thank you to our fantastic team and our lovely volunteer, Millie, for making special days like this possible. If you’d like to volunteer and join your loved one on our adventures, we’d love to hear from you!

For more information about life at Hickathrift House please visit: www.barchester.com/home/hickathrift-house-care-home or call: 01945 430636 to speak to a member of our friendly home team today ☺️

11/09/2025

Baking Club Joy 🥐

There’s something truly comforting about baking—it’s more than just the reward of a tasty treat. The soft feel of flour in your hands, the warm aroma of fresh cakes from the oven, and the joy of creating something to share—baking awakens the senses in such a special way.

Our Baking Club is a highlight each week, offering residents the chance to chat, reminisce, boost dexterity, and of course, enjoy the fruits of their labour. The smiles when trays of goodies come out of the oven say it all!

Tomorrow, we’re excited to share our kitchen's creations at our Macmillan Coffee Morning from 10:30am – 12pm. Join us for a warm drink, a delicious homemade treat, and the chance to support a wonderful cause. We’d love to see you there.

For more information about life at Hickathrift House please visit: www.barchester.com/home/hickathrift-house-care-home or call: 01945 430636 to speak to a member of our friendly home team today ☺️

11/09/2025

Macmillan Coffee Morning ☕

We are hosting a Macmillan Cancer Support's Coffee Morning at Hickathrift House and you're invited! We hope to see you for a scrumptious time on the 12th of September from 10:30am.

During the morning, locals, friends, families, residents and staff will enjoy some delicious refreshments, word games and quiz activities. We hope you'll be able to join us and help raise money for this wonderful cause.

Everyone is welcome, and please call to book your attendance on 01945 430636 to ensure we have enough sweet treats.

For more information about life at Hickathrift House please visit: www.barchester.com/home/hickathrift-house-care-home
or call: 01945 430636 to speak to a member of our friendly home team today ☺️

10/09/2025

999 Emergency Services Celebration 🚔🚒🚑🚨

Yesterday residents had a wonderful time celebrating the incredible people who keep us safe every day – the emergency services. The day included learning about services across the world, a lively quiz, and our bi-monthly Keep Safe presentation, which focused on reducing falls, boosting nutrition and hydration, and practicing fire safety.

We are always proud to honour the dedication and bravery of those who serve in the emergency services, and we warmly welcome them to take time out in our cafe area whenever they need a well-earned break, on us.

For more information about life at Hickathrift House please visit: www.barchester.com/home/hickathrift-house-care-home or call: 01945 430636 to speak to a member of our friendly home team today ☺️

09/09/2025

Sunday Funday at Hickathrift House 🎲🃏🧩

We had such a wonderful Sunday here at Hickathrift House, filled with meaningful conversations, happy reminiscence, and plenty of fun during our games afternoon.

Residents enjoyed their favourites — dominos, cards, jigsaws, Connect Four, and even some mindful colouring. These social times are such a valuable part of life in our home, helping everyone feel connected, empowered, and truly valued.

A special highlight was seeing Marjorie join in dominoes for the very first time — and she only went and won 4 games! Officially crowned our Queen of Dominoes!

For more information about life at Hickathrift House please visit: www.barchester.com/home/hickathrift-house-care-home or call: 01945 430636 to speak to a member of our friendly home team today ☺️

08/09/2025

Pete’s Wish – Thursford Museum 🚂

This month, thanks to our Post a Wish initiative, we were delighted to grant Pete’s wish. Pete has a lifelong love of history — especially trains and steam engines — so our team organised a very special trip for him and his friends to the Thursford Steam Engine Museum!

The gentlemen had a wonderful time exploring the incredible machines, listening to Robert Wolfe, and reminiscing about the rich history they hold. We then dived into a delicious picnic made by our Head Chef Nikki!

Pete said, "What an incredible place. Just full of history! Thank you so much, it’s been so great."

Moments like these remind us how important it is to celebrate passions, create memories, and make wishes come true. A huge thank you to all the staff at Hickathrift and Thursford for making this possible ❤️

For more information about life at Hickathrift House please visit: www.barchester.com/home/hickathrift-house-care-home or call: 01945 430636 to speak to a member of our friendly home team today ☺️

08/09/2025

Our Tell Barchester Annual Survey is LIVE!

For the 5th consecutive year, our annual customer satisfaction survey Tell Barchester is OPEN!

The survey gives our residents, patients, their friends and family the opportunity to tell us how they feel about their experience, helping us learn, improve and celebrate what people love about life at Barchester.

Residents and patients are able to complete the survey with our teams, invitations to take part are emailed to all friends & family members we have contact details for – have you received yours? It’s also possible to take part in our homes and hospitals using the QR posters on display.

Tell Barchester is quick and simple to complete, your time is much appreciated and this feedback shapes the care and service received across Barchester.

In the meantime, if you have feedback you would like to share you can talk to us at any point, our door is always open.

07/09/2025

Knit & Natter Community Group 🧶

Come and share your newest craft projects with residents at Hickathrift House and others at our Community Knit and Natter on the 19th of September at 2:30pm. Enjoy a selection of lovely light refreshments provided by our talented hospitality team. We will also be continuing our Poppy Project and appreciate any help!

Any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us on 01945 430636 or email HickathriftHouse.Activities@Barchester.com

07/09/2025

What's on at Hickathrift ✨

This week at Hickathrift House Care Home! We have various activities and events for residents, their loved ones and locals in the community.

⭐ Join us on Monday at 2pm for our Dementia Friendly Film Screening of Casablanca with a delicious wine and cheese tasting.
⭐ We hope locals will come and enjoy our scrumptious Don't Dine Alone Initiative on Wednesday from 12:30pm, where local elderly people are able to join residents for a delicious 3-course meal. And afterwards, join us for the Barchester Goes Gaming Music Quiz!
⭐ We also have our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday from 10:30am. Why not join us for a scrumptious slice of cake and raise money and awareness for this fantastic cause.

Call us on 01945 430636 to book your FREE space for any and all of our community events.
Please note, that activities and outings may be subject to change.

For more information about life at Hickathrift House please visit: www.barchester.com/home/hickathrift-house-care-home or call: 01945 430636 to speak to a member of our friendly home team today ☺️

04/09/2025

⭐ LaingBuisson 2025 Award Finalist ⭐

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for the ‘Care Home Group of the Year’ category at the prestigious LaingBuisson Awards.

Now in their 20th year, the awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in the UK health and social care industry.

With more than 400 entries submitted across each category, being named a finalist is a real honour.

This recognition is a true reflection of the dedication, hard work and compassion of all our teams and colleagues across Barchester – a big thank you for everything they do each day! 👏

The winners will be announced on the 20th November 2025 at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

LaingBuisson LaingBuisson News

03/09/2025

✨🎭 Bringing the Fringe to Strachan House ✨🎵

Residents, families and visitors at Strachan House Care Home in enjoyed an afternoon of fantastic performances as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Care Fest.

Now in its third year, the Fringe Care Fest brings the magic of the Fringe directly to care home residents who can no longer visit the festival venues.

Talented singer and pianist Jacqui Randa warmed up the crowd with her excellent keyboard skills and cheeky anecdotes. After a short break for more prosecco in the sun, everyone relaxed to the wonderful voice of Duane Forrest.

It was an amazing experience, complete with a special party menu from the home’s kitchen team, plenty of drinks – and of course, lots of dancing.

A big thank you to all involved in making this event such a success. 👏

02/09/2025

⭐ A Perfect 10! ⭐

We’re thrilled to share that Iverley View Care Home in has received a 10 out of 10 score on the independent care home reviews site, carehome.co.uk, after a series of glowing reviews.

This fantastic achievement places Iverley View 7th out of 7,238 care homes across England and 1st in their county.

A big thank you to the team who work incredibly hard to provide the highest standard of care and support to residents and their families. Truly well deserved. 👏

.co.uk

29/08/2025

🐾 Residents Welcome Furry Friends 🐾

Our care homes and hospitals recently marked National Dog Day in style by hosting a range of activities for all to enjoy, including dog shows, pet therapy sessions and community events.

From four-legged companions to wagging tails and friendly competitions, it was a wonderful day that brought joy and smiles to everyone.

Take a look at some of our favourite moments. ✨

27/08/2025

⭐ Champions of Care: The Care Quality Leaders Network ⭐

We’re delighted to share that Sue Sheath, our Director of Regulation and Quality Improvement, has been featured in this month’s Caring Times magazine for her work founding the Care Quality Leaders Network.

In June, the network held its first face-to-face conference entitled ‘Innovating Care Quality: Leadership in Action’ in London, bringing together colleagues from across the adult social care sector.

What began as a small group of providers meeting informally before the pandemic has grown under Sue’s leadership into a thriving network of over 90 organisations – from large operators to mid-sized and smaller providers nationwide – all united by a shared commitment to champion high-quality care.

Sue commented: “I am so proud of how this group has grown over the last five years into an incredible supportive network with real influence. I was keen to create an opportunity for the group to meet face to face to hear from some of the biggest names in the sector about the challenges and opportunities we face and share ideas and best practice. I would like to thank all our generous partners such as Radar Healthcare, Care Launch and Nourish Care, who made this event possible.”

We’re so proud of Sue for her hard work in creating this fantastic network and for running such a successful event that brought together so many excellent minds! 👏

26/08/2025

📸 World Photography Day 🌟

Recently, residents and patients up and down the country celebrated World Photography Day with flair and creativity.

Throughout the day, everyone enjoyed a range of themed activities and art sessions, from crafting photo books and collages to participating in professional photoshoots and capturing images of their favourite objects and subjects.

It was also a wonderful opportunity for all to reflect on past experiences by looking at treasured photographs and sharing happy memories.

Take a look at some of our favourite moments.

22/08/2025

✨🏍️ Speedway Wish Granted 🏍️✨

This week, the team at Hickathrift House Care Home in was delighted to grant another special wish through their ‘Post a Wish’ initiative – a visit to the King's Lynn Speedway - the Home of the Stars.

It was a fantastic experience, with riders kindly taking time to chat and reminisce with a resident about past races and bikes. The Speedway team ensured the evening was special, welcoming everyone on arrival and making the visit unforgettable.

Residents truly enjoyed sitting in the front row, cheering on the riders and sharing stories of speedway events gone by.

A big thank you to all involved in making this trip possible. 👏

King's Lynn Stars

21/08/2025

🤩 Adventure Day Out for Mortain Place Residents 🤩

Residents at Mortain Place Care Home in enjoyed an unforgettable day at Knockhatch Adventure Park.

From speeding around the go-kart track and meeting extraordinary animals to splashing down the water slides, it was a day full of fun.

To make the trip even more special, residents and colleagues were joined by Malcolm from ITV News Meridian, who captured the excitement on camera and spoke to the residents about their experiences.

The team at Mortain Place believe days like this are an important way to enrich the lives of residents, creating lasting memories for all involved.

Take a look at the fantastic broadcast coverage below! 👇

Watch the latest from ITV News - Barchester Mortain Place in Eastbourne takes its residents on day trips to an adventure park with activities such as go-karting and water slides

19/08/2025

🦆📚 A Quacking Good Story from Atfield House 📚🦆

We’re excited to share that Atfield House Care Home in , London has launched their very own children’s storybook, inspired by a much-loved tradition and their nature-loving residents.

Each year, a duck named Hope visits the home’s garden to lay her eggs – a heart-warming event that has been taking place for many years. The experience sparks engagement, evokes memories and offers meaningful comfort to residents, supporting emotional and cognitive wellbeing with every quiet waddle.

After speaking with residents, families and colleagues, the team decided to capture the tale in a beautifully illustrated book.
The home looks forward to sharing the storybook with visitors and children from local schools – a great opportunity to spread the joy of this charming tradition.

You can explore their delightful storybook here 👇https://online.flippingbook.com/view/503801204/

18/08/2025

🏃‍♂️🏅 Great North Run - Marathon Effort for Charity 🏃‍♀️🏅

On Sunday, 7th September, five brave Barchester colleagues will take on the gruelling Great North Run to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

The Foundation supports older people and adults living with a disability by helping them connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.

Our amazing runners are:
• Becky Dearing, Health and Safety Coordinator
• Kirsty Taylor, Activities Lead at Chalfont Lodge Care Centre - Barchester Healthcare
• Zsuszanna Bodog, Care Assistant from Red Oaks Care Home - Barchester Healthcare
• Tom Hodges, Dementia Nurse Specialist for the North West and Midlands
• Yvonne Hand, General Manager at Glenroyd Care Home - Barchester Healthcare

They will lace-up their trainers and use grit and determination to complete the 13-mile half marathon course that starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and takes thousands of runners over the iconic Tyne Bridge in order to raise funds for Barchester's Charitable Foundation.

Wishing the very best of luck to the runners! 👏

13/08/2025

🎤🎵 Come Sing! To Feel Good 🎤🎵

Residents and patients across the country had a fantastic time joining Dan Cooper, Vocal Coach from Biiah, for a lively summer virtual sing-along.

With the uplifting ‘Que Sera Sera’ by Doris Day and ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ by The Beach Boys, there was plenty of singing and dancing all around.

The session was a great success, bringing benefits for the mind, body and soul, and leaving everyone with a dose of summer cheer.

A big thank you to Dan Cooper for the wonderful experience. 👏

Take a look at some of our favourite moments in the photos below.

🔗 www.barchester.com

11/08/2025

✨A Roaring 1920s Summer Fête at Ashlar House ✨

Ashlar House Care Home in turned back the clock for a spectacular Summer Fete inspired by the glamour of the 1920s.

Residents, families, colleagues and guests dressed to impress, bringing the glamour and spirit of the Jazz Age to life.

From Charleston dancing and live entertainment to delicious food, sweet treats and a much-loved raffle. There was something for everyone to enjoy.

It was a fantastic experience for all involved. 👏