We had no hesitation in placing Dad in Hickathrift's capable handsAnthony M(Son of Resident/Service User)
I cannot speak too highly of all the members of staff at Hickathrift.Jane B(Respite Resident/Service User)
We had no hesitation in placing Dad in Hickathrift's capable handsAnthony M(Son of Resident/Service User)
I cannot speak too highly of all the members of staff at Hickathrift.Jane B(Respite Resident/Service User)
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,...
Care Provided by Barchester Hickathrift House
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 54 Service Users
Dementia Care Types Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Convalescent Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Smoking not permitted
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Bar/Café
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
Barchester Hickathrift House £1,350.00 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.
Contact Barchester Hickathrift House to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
-
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Barchester Healthcare Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Paula Melerski (General Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 50+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2019
Room Information
- Single Rooms (54)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (13)
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 (120)
Barchester Hickathrift House has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.889) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Barchester Hickathrift House has 120 reviews.
We continue to be in awe at the level of care and service offered by Hickathrift. Staff go above and beyond to create family, fun and love-filled atmosphere. So grateful for everything they do!
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. Feedback is always very much appreciated and your kind words will cascade to the whole team. It is really a pleasure caring for your mum at Hickathrift.
A big thank you to all the staff for your hard work and dedication and for making my dads later years happy and comfortable.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review and for your kind words, which I will cascade to the whole team. It is our pleasure to care for your dad here at Hickathrift House.
Everyone there goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being and happiness of all residents and one aspect that truly sets the team apart is their dedication to organising regular outings and organising activities. As well as providing a change of scenery for residents they offer opportunities for social interaction and engagement. They are thoughtfully planned, take into consideration each resident's interests and needs and bring my mother-in-law immense joy.
Each Hickathrift carer deserves the utmost praise for their unwavering commitment towards the residents. The smiles on my mother-in-law’s face in the photos posted on social media show just how loving and caring they are towards her. Thank you.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review and for your lovely kind words about myself and the team. Feedback is so much appreciated and I will ensure this review is cascaded to the whole team. It is our pleasure to care for your mother-in-law at Hickathrift House.
Hickathrift House goes above and beyond with their care and nothing is too much trouble. My dad was a fisherman and although only been in the home for a short time a trip to a fishing lake was arranged by the activities lady and Dad spent an enjoyable afternoon reminiscing about his fishing. Also, he went on a trip where he had worked and told everyone all his 'stories'. Dad is happy and contented and praises the caseworkers and the care he receives and although he has dementia he enjoys a laugh and a joke with staff and other residents.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review and your kind words which I will cascade to the whole team. It is our pleasure for caring for Dad at Hickathrift.
team organise and they all enjoy their enriched times together.
I get great joy in joining in with their many themed party afternoons and seeing Dad and his friends smiling faces, all having such a happy time.
So a big heartfelt thank you to all the staff for their tireless care.
We are truly blessed to have you all.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review and for the amazing lovely comments you have made which I will cascade to the whole team. It is truly our pleasure caring for your dad at Hickathrift and having you join in so many events with us.
We needed respite for my mother and from the reviews decided on Hickathrift House. The staff were very helpful and informative so it reassured us that Mum would be in good hands. The home is very well presented, and her room was lovely and practical. All the staff are friendly and caring, making time for everyone. I enjoyed seeing their social media page for updates on the daily activities and knew Mum was having a nice time there. Definitely recommend it and would use it again if needed.
Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.
My experince with this home is very good. They are very friendly and give the best care to everyone. Could not wish for my loved one to be here; they are very welcoming. Thank you all.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for your kind words which I will cascade to the whole team. It really is our pleasure caring for your loved one here at Hickathrift
I am more than pleased we found Hickathrift, as it provides mum with a caring, clean, secure home with plenty to keep her occupied (and her brain ticking over!) I can't praise it highly enough.
Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.
Mum and Dad are so happy at Hickathrift. We are content and happy knowing that they are being given the best care and being looked after perfectly. All the family are incredibly grateful for all you do.
Thank you for your time in leaving this lovely review and kind words. It is our pleasure at Hickathrift House to support with such special celebrations and caring for your parents. I will share this review with the whole team.
My husband enjoyed his first respite for one week. The staff were really friendly and caring. His room was a lovely, light and sunny one with plenty of space to move around. There were lots of activities going on throughout the week, and he won't be hesitant to have another respite to give me, (my husband's full-time carer) a break.
Thank you so much for your amazing review about our team, the care your husband received and the activities that he experienced during his stay with us at Hickathrift House. It really does mean so much to all of us, and I will be sure to share this with the team. Thank you once again for your lovely feedback and kind words.
Just like to say a big thank you to all the staff, for making Mum's first birthday at Hickathrift House, so special. She had a fabulous day with cake, cards and presents from staff. Mum has settled really well into the home and that's all down to the care from the staff that she has received. The entertainment that is provided for residents is amazing, with something going on mornings and afternoons. Mum really enjoys the sing-alongside, but has really embraced everything that's on offer. The food is amazing and the home is always clean and tidy. The staff are in regular contact and are always available should you need them. I was really apprehensive about the decision to place Mum in a home, but now I have peace of mind that she is well cared for in a safe environment. Thanks to you all.
Thank you so much for your exceptionally kind words about our home and the team and the care that your mum receives here at Hickathrift House. Absolutely delighted to hear that she thoroughly enjoyed her birthday and your feedback really does mean so much! I will be sure to share it with all of the team.
My mother appreciates the activities run by the staff and appreciates the effort in organising these for her. She has talked about simple craft activities. She especially enjoys trips out and the company of the other residents.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us here at Hickathrift House. We are delighted to hear that your Mum enjoys our activities and the excursions on our home Mini Bus too! If there is anything that we can do to make your Mother's stay even better please do not hesitate to let the team and myself know - my door is always open and it is always lovely to speak on the phone.
Seeing our photo on the front of the July newsletter reminds us of the happy barbecue afternoon we spent at Barchester Hickathrift House in July. We chatted with residents, other relatives and staff, enjoying the hospitality, the games and the fun. We have come to expect a warm welcome at all times at Hickathrift House and are always reassured by the caring and cheerful environment.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review and your kind words which I will cascade to the whole team. I am pleased you enjoyed the family and friends event; we are looking into arranging more such events at Hickathrift in the future.
My father has settled into his new home now, having lived in his previous house for 70 years. Both he and the family are happy with the friendly and caring staff. His surroundings are pleasant and comfortable. The entertainment team try hard to make things interesting and fun, and my father's recent birthday was made very special for him.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review and your very kind words, which I will cascade to the whole team. It is our pleasure to care for your father here at Hickathrift, and I am so pleased he enjoyed his birthday celebrations.
After a not-so-great experience at a different home, I was really apprehensive about dad having another respite week but I need not have worried. The time invested in finding out dad's needs, likes and dislikes meant he had a very enjoyable stay and even joined in activities. The communication is great. "Dad's First day” email, with pictures, was lovely and prior to his next visit the activities coordinator has made contact to see if he wants to book on to any arranged excursions. Dad received excellent care during his stay at Hickathrift.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and for your kind words which I will feedback to the team. It is our pleasure to care for your dad here at Hickathrift during his respite stays.
Our Mum is always getting involved in the lovely activities and most recently enjoyed her 90th Birthday celebrations. The team made it a really special weekend for her and us as a family. The staff are so kind to Mum and she is well looked after.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and for your kind words which I will cascade to the whole team. It was our pleasure to support mum's special birthday celebrations.
When Dad came to live with us in 2019, I knew I was fulfilling his wishes, but as his social interaction diminished, we became concerned that whilst we worked, his life consisted of a chair, newspaper and TV. Then I found Hickathrift. Not a care home to him; it’s a club with hotel rooms, where he’s delighted to go for respite breaks, social interaction, stimulation, engagement and more independence than I allow him at home. There are such noticeable differences in his behaviours. At home, it’s shut-eye most of the time at Hickathrift, he’s the life and soul, laughing, singing, flirting with the ladies and a totally happy chappy! So, I wonder, is home the best place for him to be? Hickathrift is an establishment, the same as the next along the road, but the staff under amazing leadership, truly bring out the best in people. When I see Dad there, I see the man I guess he was behind his daughters’ eyes; Hickathrift allows him to be the man he was and I, to be his daughter.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review, and thank you so much for your kind words which I will cascade to the team. It is our pleasure to care for your dad during his visits to Hickathrift 'his hotel'.
Living in Australia and having a father with limited communication and mobility skills I found it difficult to keep connected to my dad. I received newsletters but not personal updates unless requested. However, I found the activities coordinator on the Facebook messenger who helped me supply details of dad's life photos and in return they have helped me deliver birthday gifts photos of special days and a much more personal connection. I can message anytime to send my father a message and this has meant so much to me. As far as care the staff understand my father's preferences and adapted care to suit him. He was heartbroken after losing my mother but the care at Hickathrift has been amazing. Thank you all, especially the activities coordinator from a grateful daughter.
Thank you for your time in leaving us a review; we really appreciate it. It is a pleasure creating an activities program for your dad here at Hickathrift. I really value your input and enjoy sending you and other families photographs of their respective loved ones. I will cascade your review to the whole team. It is our pleasure caring for your dad here at Hickathrift House.
After many years living alone, it took Dad a couple of days to adapt, but after that, he found the company and help at hand more than friendly. He's asked to go back for respite again as he enjoyed the food! Not having dementia means he was able to interact with the staff and enjoy the chats. He certainly looked very well after his week in respite. His only criticism as he always wanted another cup of tea! But he loves his cuppas!
Thank you for your time in leaving us a review; it is a pleasure caring for your dad here at Hickathrift and will cascade this to the whole team. We will ensure during his next stay there will be plentiful cups of tea!
Very good. Food is good.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, I am pleased you are happy here at Hickathrfit and will cascade your feedback to the team.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 21 May 2019Good
- Caring Good
- Effective Good
- Responsive Good
- Safe Good
- Well-led Good
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (63) & Events (3)
- 22 Jun 2026
Residents at Hickathrift House Care Home in Marshland St James, Wisbech enjoyed a spectacular party where the men were treated as Kings in celebration of Father’s Day on June 21st....
- 29 May 2026
Staff at Hickathrift House Care Home in Marshland St. James, Wisbech are being joined by PC Nigel – Fraud & Cyber Security Advisor on Wednesday 17th June at 10.30am. The...
- 15 May 2026
After a lifetime of working in care before finishing her career at Hickathrift House in Marshland St James, Wisbech, much-loved Senior Care Assistant, Marilyn Oliver has decided to retire. Staff...
- 29 Jul 2026Organiser: Barchester Hickathrift House
- 30 Jul 2026Organiser: Barchester Hickathrift House
- 21 Aug 2026Organiser: Barchester Hickathrift House
Awards / Recognitions (30)
- 09 Jun 2026Recipient: Barchester Healthcare Ltd
- 09 Jun 2026Recipient: Barchester Healthcare Ltd
- 15 Apr 2026Recipient: Barchester Healthcare Ltd
Meet the Team (13)
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!
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 positively impact the residents' 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.
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!
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!
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.
Charley has been a much-valued member of the Hickathrift family since joining the home in 2024.
She loves to make our residents smile and takes so much enjoyment in helping them to share and enjoy new experiences.
Away from home, Charley loves to spend time with her friends and family and play Sudoku.
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.
Kelly has been a part of the Hickathrift community since 2023 and is proud to be our homes' Head of Unit on Memory Lane.
She speaks warmly about how much she loves to make a difference to those living with dementia and their loved ones, how much she adores her role and how the home is like a family.
When Kelly is away from home, she loves to explore the great outdoors, going travelling, making precious memories with her family and watching horror films.
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.
Julie is a long-standing and much-valued member of the team, having been a part of the Hickathrift family since 2014.
She is incredibly passionate about making a positive difference in our residents' lives and often volunteers to join trips out.
Away from home, Julie loves to knit; this is a hobby and a passion she has transferred into the home, often joining in with the knitting activities taking place.
Lindsey joined the Hickathrift family in Spring 2026 as a Care Assistant. She considers it a privilege to work with seniors and believes that care is her true calling.
For Lindsey, making a difference means engaging in meaningful conversations and providing support to those who need it most. When she isn't at work, she cherishes spending precious time with her family.
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?
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!
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