Barchester Hickathrift House

217 Smeeth Road, Marshland St James, Wisbech PE14 8JB
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9.9 110 Reviews
  • Barchester Hickathrift House, Wisbech
Hickathrift House is a purpose-built Care Home set in the village of Marshland St James - situated between Wisbech and Kings Lynn. It is approximately 30 minutes from Sandringham, 40 minutes from Hunstanton and the home specialises in providing Residential Care, Dementia Care and Pre-bookable respite stays for older individuals.

Communities at Hickathrift House are smaller with a family feel so residents' feel safe and comfortable. Care is focused on independence, dignity and choice. Dedication and high standards can be seen across the board at Hickathrift House: care, hospitality, house-keeping, administration and life enrichment for the home's residents and visitors alike.

Dementia Care is provided in Memory Lane at Hickathrift House and utilises a careful blend of skills and techniques developed by leading experts in the field of Dementia Care. Memory Lane incorporates bespoke design in its use of colour and cues to help individuals navigate through the home, whilst thoughtful interior design features, such us adapted crockery and tableware assists with reminiscence. Individuals living with Dementia are offered a range of activities to help preserve life skills, support interactions and retain a sense of purpose and selfhood.

The team would be delighted to welcome you at Hickathrift House anytime for a cup of tea and a chat - you are assured of a friendly and warm reception from all who live and work at this delightful home.

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Care Provided by Barchester Hickathrift House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 54 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Speech Impairment
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Paula Melerski (General Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • An individual care needs assessment is always completed by our clinical team prior to any admission to Hickathrift House
    • Ages 50+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (54)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (13)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2019

Funding & Fees Guide for Barchester Hickathrift House

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,616

  • This Weekly Fee rate is an indication only of a typical standard fee rate for a resident living in a standard, comfortable room. A final Weekly Fee rate will be confirmed once we have carried out a pre-admission needs assessment.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Barchester Hickathrift House to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Please feel free to visit Hickathrift House anytime - the door is always open!


    Visitors are more than welcome to come along to the life enrichment programme of activities and join their loved ones as they participate too!


    Please do talk to the Activities Coordinators if wishing to join in on excursions on the home's Mini Bus and they will be happy to discuss this further.


  • Parking

  • When pulling into the home driveway - please follow the drive round to the right to find the standard parking spaces.


    Disabled parking is also available - please follow the drive round to the left into the Courtyard where visitors can park closer to the home entrance.


Barchester Hickathrift House Reviews (110)

Total of 110, showing 101-110
9.9

Barchester Hickathrift House has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.885) out of 10, based on 35 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barchester Hickathrift House has 110 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 84
  • 26
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Date Published

110
5
15
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75

Review from Sue L (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident at Hickathrift House for over 5 years having been diagnosed with vascular dementia. The care she receives from the dedicated team of staff is exemplary. The attention to detail of the personal 'little things' in life makes Hickatrift a home rather than an institution
and the building of the new lounge will enable the residents to relax in a communal area with all the comforts of home. With an emphasis on individual care and attention, Hickatrift offers a happy, safe, caring environment for dementia sufferers or those no longer able to remain independent. The valuable support showed to family members having to witness the decline of a loved one cannot be measured in words. I will be eternally grateful to the staff at Hickathrift for making my Mum's twilight years as happy and comfortable as possible. I would welcome an increase in the entertainment budget but am fully aware of the economic constraints this poses, however, we can live in hope.

Reply from Jackalynne Shields, General Manager at Barchester Hickathrift House

Thank you so much for taking the time to write us such a lovely compliment and expressing your appreciation for the team here at Hickathrift House. I have shared your comments with everyone that is involved in Mum's care. I can tell you it means a great deal to each and every one of them and makes me incredibly proud as their manager. We consistently strive to provide top quality care and so to hear from those using our services that they feel happy and satisfied is always satisfying. It is always a great pleasure for me to share this feedback with the whole team here.


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Review from Bob K (Son of Resident) published on 27 January 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very pleased with the facilities at the care home and the level of care that my mother receives. The care staff are very friendly and extremely helpful. I am sure that the new extension to the building in Memory Lane that has just started to be constructed, will prove to be very beneficial to the
residents.

Reply from Jackalynne Shields, General Manager at Barchester Hickathrift House

Thank you so much for taking the time to write us such a lovely compliment and expressing your appreciation for the team here at Hickathrift House. I have shared your comments with everyone that is involved in Mum's care. I can tell you it means a great deal to each and every one of them and makes me incredibly proud as their manager. We consistently strive to provide top quality care and so to hear from those using our services that they feel happy and satisfied is always satisfying. It is always a great pleasure for me to share this feedback with the whole team here.


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Review from Malcolm C (Son of Resident) published on 19 January 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Care is excellent and the interaction between staff and residents is a joy to see.


The ambience in the facility is very good and appears to be well structured.


My wife and I are well satisfied with the care and attention that my father receives.


Reply from Jackalynne Shields, General Manager at Barchester Hickathrift House

Thank you so much for taking the time to write us such a lovely compliment and expressing your appreciation for the team here at Hickathrift House. I have shared your comments with everyone that is involved in Dad's's care.
I can tell you it means a great deal to each and every one of them and makes me incredibly proud as their manager. We consistently strive to provide top quality care and so to hear from those using our services that they feel happy is always satisfying. It is always a great pleasure for me to share this feedback with the whole team here.


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Review from Karen S (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 January 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum now has midterm vascular dementia and I am her full-time carer. Occasionally I feel that I need a break so that I can carry on caring. I tried another respite home and it was a disaster - lasted all of one afternoon and Mum demanded to come home. At Hickathrift House I know that all of the staff
are fully dementia aware and treat Mum with kindness and dignity.
There are various activities listed but I must admit I haven't actually witnessed any.
Mum has now been three times and is very calm and happy when I collect her. Not yet at the stage where she is happy to go but she doesn't argue about going.
With dementia, it is very important to find somewhere where you know your special person will be looked after but is also going to be happy.
I think Hickathrift House fits the bill.

Reply from Jackalynne Shields, General Manager at Barchester Hickathrift House

Thank you so much for taking the time to write us such a lovely compliment and expressing your appreciation for the team here at Hickathrift House. I have shared your comments with everyone that is involved in Mum's care. I can tell you it means a great deal to each and every one of them and makes me incredibly proud as their manager. We consistently strive to provide top quality care and so to hear from those using our services that they feel happy and satisfied is always satisfying. It is always a great pleasure for me to share this feedback with the whole team here.


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Review from Sally G (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 December 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The home is very pleasant and the carers are very nice, however, it does sometimes appear that there aren't enough carers to deal with things. My mother often requires 2 people to move her and there often aren't 2 people available. This means that my mother, who is extremely independent then either
wets or dirties her pads, which she hates doing. This then makes her miserable. She also feels she is treated as someone with dementia.

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Review from X (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 September 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

This is a good home but it very much depends on the resident. Some will speak up if there is a problem some do not, despite being told continuously, just ask. I feel for this type of resident they need to be asked specific questions. Are they feeling well or have they any pains or worries. When being
washed to look out for any sore patches, ie bottoms and ask does your bottom feel sore and act accordingly. Also, ears are another issue. I understand that you are not allowed to poke the inner ear but you can ask the resident to take a cloth and clean their inner ear. Another question would be can you hear ok and replace batteries and wipe the earpiece and if necessary requesting any maintenance especially replacement of the tube which gets clogged with wax. Having eaten there myself I was not at all impressed with the food, I am well aware of difficulties with heat, again residents differ and having a meal spoilt this way is unnecessary. Common sense should be applied. They are individuals.

Reply from Ceri Mills, Deputy Manager at Barchester Hickathrift House

Thank you for taking the time to complete your review of Hickathrift House. It was lovely to hear that you would be extremely likely to recommend us to other people that may be looking for a long-term home for their loved one.


I was saddened to hear you have been experiencing some issues and I am pleased that during our phone conversation today that I was able to resolve these. Since our conversation, I have discussed your concerns with the Senior staff that look after Mum and I hope, going forward you will see an improvement. We are in the process of implementing the Keyworker scheme, so you will receive more communication regarding Mum and her care. At Barchester Healthcare we encourage people (residents, their family/relatives or representatives) to express their views about the quality of care and services we provide and to raise any concerns or complaints with us freely. If you have any more questions or queries please pop and see me.


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Review from Margery G (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 15 June 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I stayed at Hickathrift for two and a half weeks whilst my daughter went on holiday. When I asked for different food that was not on the menu staff were happy to oblige, eg Egg sandwiches unfortunately I was on the first floor which needed a lift, which was really tiny and claustrophobic. It also broke
down for two days and I had to have my meals in my room. I would have liked a bath and some of my laundry was difficult to find. I liked the chatty staff who were good company.

Reply from Susan Scarlett, General Manager at Barchester Hickathrift House

We would like to thank you for taking the time to give us feedback. Unfortunately, at the time of your visit we were having ongoing issues with the lift to the first floor, however, a new lift is being installed week commencing 27th June which will ensure that all residents are able to access the ground floor. In addition, usually individuals who come to the home for a holiday, stay in our designated ground floor room but on this occasion that room was already in use meaning that we were unable to accommodate you in this room. It is also very nice to hear such lovely compliments and expressing your appreciation for the staff here at Hickathrift House. I have shared your comments with everyone that was involved in your care. I can tell you it means a great deal too each and every one of them and makes me incredibly proud as their manager. We consistently strive to provide top quality care and so to hear from those using our services that they feel happy and satisfied is always satisfying. It is always a great pleasure for me to share this feedback with the whole team here. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.


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Review from Jean S (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 May 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Whilst nowhere is perfect, having looked at many homes we are confident that Hickathrift offers a safe, friendly and caring environment.


Any concerns are listened to by the Care Manager and addressed.


Overall, we would recommend the home.


Reply from Susan Scarlett, General Manager at Barchester Hickathrift House

Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a lovely review and expressing your appreciation for the team here at Hickathrift House.


I have shared your comments with everyone that is involved in Dad's care. I can tell you it means a great deal to each and every one of them and makes me incredibly proud as their manager.


We consistently strive to provide top quality care and so to hear from those using our services that they feel happy and satisfied is always satisfying. It is always a great pleasure for me to share this feedback with the whole team here.


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Review from Jane F (Niece of Resident) published on 31 March 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are kind to residents and give them time. Only concerns - clothes can get muddled, but resolved ok. Sometimes unable to find staff when required, especially bank holidays, possibly working on minimum staff (understandably) but would prefer to see more staff at these times. Elderly very vulnerable
and falls etc could happen without anyone being around to assist. Most residents seem to be happy. Food seems ok but again bank holidays not so good.

Reply from Susan Scarlett, General Manager at Barchester Hickathrift House

Thank you for your recent review of Hickathrift House. The home is staffed to the correct levels at all times; including bank holidays and weekends but there are occasions when staff may be assisting a resident and therefore are not always immediately visable. Staffing levels are reveiwed monthly and reflect the needs of the residents that are in the home. If you would like to discuss this further please do not hesitate to pop in and see me at any time.


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Review from Jacky P (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 July 2015
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum's condition has deteriorated quite quickly and during the last four years previous to her going into Hickathrift House she had been very agitated and angry. I believe that she has found a sense of peace there, the staff are very attentive and caring. It is a well run home and you are made to
feel like you are still part of the caring team. They always have time for you and any concerns that you may have. It came recommended to me and I would recommend it you.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.885)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.885) out of 10 for Barchester Hickathrift House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 35 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 35 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.885 for Barchester Hickathrift House is calculated as follows: ( (371 Excellents x 5) + (44 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 417 Ratings = 4.885

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Barchester Hickathrift House is based on 35 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 54 registered maximum number of service users is 10.8, which has been reached with 35 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 21 May 2019

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (26)

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Meet the Team (10)

Paula

Paula Colman

Job Title: General Manager

Joined: 2015

Hello, my name is Paula and I am proud to be General Manager at Hickathrift House. I joined Barchester in 2015 and my background is actually in Nursing.


As an experienced home manager, I fully understand how difficult the transition into new surroundings can be. My highly qualified team and I are committed to fully supporting you and your family throughout this journey and always.


I am passionate about our residents being safe, making them happy and enabling them to lead fully enriched lives whilst constantly receiving the highest quality of care.


One thing that I feel is really important is offering residents a lot of personal choices and as Hickathrift House is their home they have the right to choose what goes on here!


I am hands-on in my role, I like to spend as much time as possible with the people that we care for and I also really enjoy getting to know our residents' families and providing them with support when they need it.


Our team here at Hickathrift House are dedicated to guaranteeing that all of our residents are treated with dignity, respect and attention - thus in turn enabling them to celebrate life in their new Barchester home which I feel exceptionally privileged to be a part of.


I look forward to welcoming you to Hickathrift House very soon!


Barrie

Barrie

Job Title: Resident Ambassador

Joined: 2021

Hello, my name is Barrie, I moved into Hickathrift House in 2021 and have a great relationship with the staff and residents here. I became the resident advocate for Hickathrift House in March 2022.


I like to help residents express their views and be a friendly ear when they need it. Should there be any areas of our life here that anyone would like to discuss or suggest, such as nutrition, activities or cleanliness, please contact me and I shall bring it to your attention at the next Residents' Meeting?


Sarag

Sarag Sage

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2012

Hello, my name is Sarah and I am Deputy Manager at Hickathrift House.


I started my role at Hickathrift as a night carer in 2011, and have worked my way up through the roles since this time such as senior carer, Night Manager and now Deputy Manager at the end of November 2022.


I am very passionate about my job and love to know that every day I come into work I try my best to impact positively the resident's well-being. Knowing that even the smallest of things such as a quick hello or a smile can improve their day greatly as well as mine. I am enjoying getting to know the families and friends which working 11 years on nights you can miss.


I am extremely dedicated to ensuring the best for all of our residents in all aspects of their care, and with the excellent support from all of the staff here at Hickathrift, it doesn’t feel like a job at all.


Tracey

Tracey Hills

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 1996

Hello, my name is Tracey Hills and I have been part of the Administration team here at Hickathrift House for 12 years. I enjoy helping people and advising them where I can.


I have been part of the team at Hickathrift House for 26 years covering different job roles including Deputy Manager. I would like to think that I am a friendly and approachable person and look forward to meeting you when you visit our home very soon!


Kanita

Kanita Oakey-Kierman

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 1995

Hello, my name is Kanita Oakey-Kierman and I have been part of the Administration Team here at Hickathrift House for the past 12 years.


I have worked at Hickathrift for over 27 years. During this time, I have been a Care Assistant and Senior Care Assistant - once I had my children, I changed to the Administration role which I really do enjoy.


I am here to ensure that our residents and their families are fully supported and it is a real pleasure to meet and greet all of the visitors and guests to our lovely home.


Having been at Hickathrift House for such a long time, I feel very attached to it and all of the home's community friends that have been made over the years too!


Kat

Kat Colangelo

Job Title: Activities Lead

Joined: 2021

Hello, my name is Kat and I am the Activities Lead at Hickathrift House.


Since 2017, I have been working in the field of well-being and I am passionate and enthusiastic about enriching all of our residents' quality of life.


As the Activities Lead at Hickathrift House, my focus is learning about each of our resident's likes and dislikes and supporting them to remain receptive and active in addition to supporting them to engage with our local community friends.


I organise activities to stimulate the mind, body and soul in an enjoyable, comfortable way. My aim is to diversify and increase activities ensuring that there is something for everyone - from Wine and Cheese events, excursions on our home Mini Bus as well as individual bespoke person-centred activities.


Chantelle

Chantelle Codona

Job Title: Head Housekeeper

Joined: 2015

Hello, my name is Chantelle and I am the Head Housekeeper here at Hickathrfift House.


The Housekeeping team and I strive to deliver and maintain the highest level of cleanliness and standards throughout our home each and every day.


I love getting to know our residents, and their families and enjoy listening to all their amazing stories too! This is their home and it is an absolute pleasure to work in it.


Gerry

Gerry Horobin

Job Title: Head of Maintenance

Joined: 2012

Hello, my name is Gerry and I joined the team here at Hickathrift House in 2012.


I started as the Gardener and have always assisted with maintaining the home - becoming the Head of Maintenance here in 2022.


I am responsible for all aspects of our home maintenance and Health and Safety at Hickathrift House whilst ensuring our residents' home is just how they want them.


Kerry

Kerry Ann

Job Title: Head of Residential Community

Joined: 2018

Hello, my name is Kerry Ann and I am I the Head of our Residential Community here at Hickathrift House.


I joined Hickathrift House in 2018 as a Senior Care Assistant and then became the Head of the community in 2020.


During my career, I have gained my NVQ 2 and 3 in Health and Social care for adults and firmly believe the care I give to our residents should be the same as if they were my own family.


I like to make myself approachable to all our staff, residents, and their families. There really is no place I would rather be and I love working alongside the team here at Hickathrift House.


Ann

Ann Johnson

Job Title: Home Hairdresser

Joined: 2015

Hello, my name is Ann and I am the home Hairdresser here at Hickathrift House.


I am a fully qualified local hairdresser with years of experience in salon and mobile hairdressing.


I fully understand the varied needs of individual residents and know the importance of how the trip to the salon can make someone feel. Whether it is a Trim, Perm or Blow-Dry, I am in the home salon every Thursday and look very much forward to meeting you!