
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,...
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.
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
- 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
Contact Barchester Hickathrift House to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
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.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Barchester Hickathrift House for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Tours
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 (126)
Barchester Hickathrift House has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.926) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Barchester Hickathrift House has 126 reviews.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 21 May 2019Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
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 (60) & Events (8)
- 24 Aug 2026
A Housekeeper at Hickathrift House in Marshland St James has received a prestigious 10 Year Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare. Chelsea Manning now Housekeeper, started at...
- 30 Jul 2026
Two carers at Hickathrift House Care Home in Marshland St James, Wisbech have received their prestigious 10 Year Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for 10 years....
- 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....
- 23 Oct 2026Organiser: Barchester Hickathrift House
- 31 Oct 2026Organiser: Barchester Hickathrift House
- 08 Nov 2026Organiser: Barchester Hickathrift House
Awards / Recognitions (31)
- 15 Oct 2026Recipient: Barchester Healthcare Ltd
- 09 Jun 2026Recipient: Barchester Healthcare Ltd
- 09 Jun 2026Recipient: Barchester Healthcare Ltd
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Barchester Hickathrift House.
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...
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...
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, after 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...
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...
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!

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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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!

Myfanwy has been a much-cherished member of the Hickathrift family since 2021, when she joined the home initially as a hostess, general assistant,...
Myfanwy has been a much-cherished member of the Hickathrift family since 2021, when she joined the home initially as a hostess, general assistant, and then kitchen assistant before becoming part of the home life enrichment team.
She speaks warmly about how much she loves to see and spend time with the residents, having the opportunity to gift them a great quality of life and being part of a home where everyone is happy.
Away from the home. Myfanwy loves animals, reading, knitting and baking.
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