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.
I'm happy here, I've made good friends and we do lots together.
Thank you for the time to write us a review, I am pleased you are happy at Hickathrift and will cascade your feedback to the team.
Very good and carers are very good. Clean everywhere.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, we are pleased you are happy at Hickathrift and I will cascade your feedback to the whole team.
Our father was admitted to Hickathrift House following a brief but traumatic stay in hospital. His mobility and health had deteriorated, but within a few days of being cared for at Hickathrift House, he had made a dramatic improvement. Without exception, the staff work tirelessly to provide a happy and safe environment. Nothin at all is too much trouble for them. The amazing care and support that our dad has received has enabled him to return home. We will always be grateful to the Hickathrift House for the enormous part they played in his recovery.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and your kind words which I will cascade to the whole team, it was a pleasure looking after your dad here at Hickathrift House and don't hesitate to let us know if we can support him anytime in the future.
Although I was only a resident for a short period, I was extremely impressed by the staff. All those with whom I had contact were kind, caring people. Although extremely busy at all times, everyone found the time to stop and talk to other residents, many of them with problems of communication. A small event ' cowboy party' had been organized and most of the residents were able to attend this outside event. Appropriate music was provided, and staff members were suitably attired for the event encouraged the residents to join in with the dancing and singing. It was amazing how many joined in. Even many of the severely disabled were clearly enjoying the event, often with the help of members of staff. I cannot speak too highly of all the members of staff at Hickathrift. Their care and devotion were outstanding, and I thank them for the help received during my stay there. As for the Manager who has a very demanding situation and therefore must be congratulated for her efficiency.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and your kind words which I will cascade to all the team. It was our pleasure having you stay with us at Hickathrift and please do not hesitate to contact us if we can support you in the future. I am sorry to see that the food and drink wasn't completely to your liking, we appreciate any feedback on how this can be improved.
Dad has been treated with great respect and dignity. He has been enabled to settle in and be listed to and feel part of the community at the home.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review and your kind words which I will cascade to the whole team, we would be happy to support and care for Dad anytime here at Hickathrift.
If it wasn't for the manager stepping in and pretty much took charge with the hospital my mum was in, she was able to get her released to Hickathrift. I honestly don't think my mum would still be alive and that goes for all the team that have and are caring for my mum couldn't wish for a better place for my mum.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write us this review and for the kind words which I will cascade to the team. It was my pleasure to support as it also is to care for Mum here at Hickathrift.
The care that my wife receives is excellent. The staff are never less than professional, kind and are often more.
I am sorry to see that you feel our food is not to standard, we are proud of our chefs here at Hickathrift who provide a varied...
My aunty has been a resident for over a year - most of this time has been during lockdown. Under Government guidance visiting was unable to take place - now it's gradually being reintroduced the family have been very happy with how this has been managed particularly from a safety aspect. Well done. I always find my aunty to be contented. I couldn't ask for more. The staff are always helpful and I have actually recommended to others.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and for your positive feedback, which I will cascade to the team. It is our pleasure caring for your aunt here at Hickathrift House.
My husband has several health problems which now require a team to support. Nobody wants to have to move a loved one into a care home but the team at Hickathrift made the whole process so much easier. They are all extremely supportive and caring to both my husband and myself. They take the time to listen to both of us and get to know the individual. I cannot praise them highly enough for the way they are looking after him. During these difficult times, they have a very work with approach and look to bring out the best in the residents. They all have such a positive and cheerful attitude which is so uplifting for everyone. I cannot recommend this home more highly.
Thank you for your time and kind words which I will cascade to the whole team. It is our pleasure to care for your husband here at Hickathrift.
She loved the staff and nothing was too much bother for them.
My mother was tremendously well cared for and I had no worries or concerns.
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to leave us feedback and I will cascade it to the whole team. It was our pleasure caring for your mother here at Hickathrift.
My mother has been here for over 6 years and I can honestly say that they are all so caring and helpful. It is a lovely home. It has obviously been difficult over the past year for entertainment to be available but I am sure this will improve shortly.
Yes, things are certainly looking positive on the entertainment front and with minibus trips starting up again with current restrictions.
I have no hesitation in recommending Hickathrift House to anyone looking for a place for an elderly relative or for themselves. My mother is extremely happy there and the love and care the staff show her is wonderful. She has even made friends despite being almost 103 years old and thoroughly enjoys the activities arranged for the residents by the staff. Everyone involved in the home is welcoming, kind, considerate, thoughtful and helpful.
Thank you for your time and for leaving us a review, your kind words I will cascade to all the staff. It truly is our pleasure caring for your mum at Hickathrfit and she certainly does enjoy the activities.
Being able to visit my mum again was wonderful. The process was well organised in keeping with current Covid-19 regulations. The staff as always were friendly and helpful. They look after my mum so well. We are very lucky she is there.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for your kind words which I will cascade to the team and I am so pleased that your visit went well. It is our pleasure caring for your mum here at Hickathrfit House.
Given the challenges around COVID security, meaningful solutions were made available and I was enabled to set her room up with familiar belongings to personalise it, ready for her arrival the next day. On the day I was able to again be part of that and help her settle in while following current guidelines.
I know from talking, that my friend is feeling safe, secure and looked after. Little touches that are so important to her are being provided and my friend is consistently very complimentary of those who are supporting her.
I have a 35+ year career in Health & Social Care and am truly impressed with how they have supported us.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and your kind words, I am so pleased it was a positive experience and I will cascade to all the team. It is our pleasure caring for your friend at Hickathrift.
Mum is very happy and content at Hickathrift and most importantly she feels very safe especially at this difficult time. The staff are very caring and approachable nothing seems too much trouble for them. The home is run by an excellent manager and team. The new visitor's suite is such a bonus at this time and is completely covid safe for family members and residents.
Thank you so much for taking the time for your review, all of which I will cascade to the team - I agree the visiting suite has had such a positive impact on residents these past months. It is our pleasure to care for your mum here at Hickathrift
The care and love my Mum is shown by the staff at Hickathrift is amazing. Sadly my Mum has dementia and although she doesn't always know who I am when I visit, the connection she has with her carers is very comforting. The indoor visiting room which has been constructed has given all the residents and their families a lifeline to connect with one another again, it's fantastic. This is a truly wonderful home, made even better with a dedicated manageress and her very caring team. Thank you for all you do.
In this difficult year, the visiting suite has been just as you've described as you say maintaining connection is so important. It is our pleasure caring for your mum within our home.
Since being at Hickathrift, Mum has blossomed and is happy and settled for which we as a family are so grateful. Communication is brilliant and all of the staff are so helpful and caring. A fantastic care home. Thank you so much.
It is a pleasure looking after your mum here at Hickathrift House.
The lovely care home came up with a brilliant idea of having a room to enter from outside after having my temperature taken, so no entering the home to risk contamination and my auntie on the other side of a clear screen. The rooms are beautifully decorated and the visitors have access to tea and coffee also sealed biscuits. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to hear her or she can’t hear me but there is an intercom system which is brilliant. It has been made so easy to book a visiting slot on their website. I’m so pleased that I can visit and it puts neither of us at any risk.
If anyone is thinking of a care home this one is fantastic and puts the residents first their care and happiness are second to none the staff are all like family and their rooms are so comfortable.
The staff are always happy and cheerful in their jobs and very accommodating.
I am so pleased that your visit in our new visiting suite was such a positive experience.
Everyone has worked so hard to facilitate visiting during these recent difficult times and now have a lovely dedicated meeting room which is very comfortable for all concerned.
All of the staff are willing to listen to any comments or concerns and will do anything required to sort any issues out on the few occasions I have needed anything.
Thank you so much for your kind comments which I will cascade to the team. It is a pleasure caring for your mum here at Hickathrift and we are so pleased you are enjoying our new facility for visiting.
I was able to visit my mum this week in the new covid safe room. This facility has made a vast difference to the home and is a complete new visiting experience. As well as being able to see mum, our two-way conversation was extremely clear on both sides. The staff gave me precise instructions which made me feel very safe. I shall look forward to my next visit with confidence.
Thank you so much for the feedback, all the staff and I are happy your visit, in our new visiting suite, was a positive experience.
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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