Submit a Review for Barchester Hickathrift House
217 Smeeth Road, Marshland St James, Wisbech, PE14 8JB
View full details of Barchester Hickathrift HouseLatest Reviews for Barchester Hickathrift House
29 January 2026
My 90 year old mother Veronica has had a tough couple of months and now requires 24 hour care after living independently for many years. She has spent a short period of respite in Hickathrift and has now taken the decision herself to stay permanently. The care staff and management have all been
excellent in understanding her needs and the difficulties that she and we as a family, have been going through. We have all been impressed with the facilities, activities and quality of care administered by the staff; with professionalism and good humour. It is early days for her in Hickathrift but mum is a sociable person and now has the opportunity to continue to make the most of life. Thank you Paula and your team for your kindnesses to date.
23 October 2025
You have worked a miracle with Marjorie. She now goes out on outings, which was unheard of before she moved into Hickathrift - she socialises, eating her meals in the dining room with other people, a contrast to when she was at home, when she expected her son to cook a full Sunday roast every day,
and if she didn't get it would throw her food at us or onto the floor. She is sleeping well - she has a regular shower now, which was unheard of before - she dosn't swear anymore - well not much. The change is all down to your love and patience and understanding.
20 October 2025
I am so impressed with the care my father has received. The process started with a stressful need to arrange urgent, short-term care after he was being discharged from hospital following two falls, but the manager instantly made me feel listened to and supported.
The assessment was handled
immediately and efficiently. My father was then welcomed into a spotlessly clean, beautifully decorated room with an en-suite. The excellence of the management team's professionalism and efficiency shines through.
Beyond the logistics, every practitioner I've encountered during my visits has been welcoming, highly informative, and genuinely focused on the residents' wellbeing. Even my usually picky father has been very complimentary about all the meals! Thanks to this supportive environment, he is now on the way to making progress in his recovery.
29 August 2025
Visited my grandmother for her birthday and the activities lead was so great helping us organise an afternoon tea in the home with minimal cost. From my couple of days visit, every member of staff who I came across was friendly, kind and caring. The activities lead is an absolute stand out for us, a
genuinely lovely human being and a fantastic activities coordinator. My Granny seems very happy here which was a big concern for us as she really didn't want to leave her home until she realised it was too much for her to manage.
14 August 2025
My mum spent a week in restbite, she had a lovely time. She will certainly return at another time.
My mum does have dementia but she can still have a conversation with others, so I would like her to be with residents that can chat back to her?
24 April 2025
My Mum was sent to Hickerthrift to recover from a fall when she broke her hip. I found Hickerthrift to be an absolutely amazing place, very modern, clean and fresh, and the staff are amazing, they are helpful, and very good at their jobs, the residents are their top priority. . My mum settled in
well and I have never seen her looking so well kept and happy for many years. Sadly she is not able to return home and care for herself so she is able to stay at Hickerthrift and I am absolutely over the moon that she is!! It's a fabulous place!
22 April 2025
We have been met with smiles and immense kindness at Hickathrift. Every person is always willing to help and take care of all needs. The smiles and cup of coffee are abundant and greatly appreciated. We are very happy to have such high quality of care.
25 March 2025
From the 1st day my dad entered Hickathrift, the staff picked him up, got him walking, talking, and eating properly again. Their care, encouragement and love for him was exceptional.
The various events and activities provided were so varied that everybody would feel included, including the
relatives. Dad had a busier social life than I did!
We will always remember the birthday party they threw for him and the whole family, they are fond memories to us all.
We miss visiting and seeing the staff as, at first, they were strangers, but we left them as friends, and were touched when so many attended dads funeral.
We can't recommend Hickathrift House enough, and we will be forever grateful to them for giving us another year with our dad/grandad/great grandad/great great grandad, brother and uncle.
Hickathrift has a special place in our hearts, and always will
12 March 2025
Mum was welcomed into her new home environment and settled quickly. On visiting her the following day she was full of praise for the staff and commented on the lovely food served. She has now been there a week and is pleased that she will be able to attend chapel this week, all organised by
activities coordinator. A big THANK YOU
13 January 2025
It's Christmas Day, and we are unable to visit Mum, but the excellent staff made it possible for us to video call each other.
A big thank you to everyone at work who has made her Christmas Day so special from cooking her roast dinner to all the entertainment being provided.
13 January 2025
Mum has just entered her second spell of respite at Hickathrift. Every single staff member - manager, admin, care staff, cooks, maintenance has been welcoming and friendly and as a result, we have been very happy to leave Mum in their care. The indoor space is bright and feels very clean, in a
homely way; a testament to the great personal care residents receive and I should imagine, the effective laundry systems employed by the team. Well done to you all and thank you.
30 October 2024
I cannot speak highly enough of the care mum received at Barchester Hickathrift House. She was always happy and content. Nothing was too much trouble, making the last few months bearable both for her and her family.
Thank you so much.
28 August 2024
My mother had rehabilitation care. She was treated with kindness and the friendly staff were always obliging. The activities were well thought through and stimulating. The home was being refurbished to a high standard. There was a very pleasant garden area which we enjoyed sitting in. The room was
spacious and light and airy. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Meals seemed well thought out and with good choices. Tea and coffee making facilities were there for all to enjoy. There was always a warm welcome from reception staff.
14 August 2024
We recently visited my uncle for a birthday party, which the staff organised for him. It was a truly lovely gathering. Not only were we all made very welcome but I could see the care and respect my uncle and all the other the other residents were treated with.
The staff were all friendly and
accommodating, despite it being an incredibly hot day!
What a lovely place to visit.
05 August 2024
From the minute we walked into Hickathrift to have a look around for potential respite/permanent care for Mum, I knew we had found the right place. The management and team are all without a doubt exceptional. Every little detail of the service user are taken into consideration for the maximisation
of their care, independence and dignity. Staff are always smiling, happy, welcoming and caring which impacts the residents in such a positive way. We're so happy that mum is happy and settled, it's simply the best! Thank you Team Hickathrift!
25 July 2024
We visit frequently and on each occasion, the staff display such a kind and caring nature. The staff and management are superb. The facilities/activities are excellent and the catering is to a high standard. Well done to everyone.
01 July 2024
Mum wanted a way to celebrate the four generations of our family. Barchester Hickathrift House arranged for us to do a sensory art activity. We all left our handprints on canvas which were framed so we could all have a copy.
We all had a fun afternoon doing this activity and have a lovely keepsake
of the handprints. A huge thank you to Hickathrift and all the staff for organising this for us, they made this very special.
10 June 2024
A group of us called at Barchester Hickathrift House to visit a very dear friend who is now in your permanent care. We were treated like royalty with the most marvellous "afternoon tea" in the morning, which would have been a credit to any top London hotel! Your staff are absolutely wonderful,
totally dedicated and caring. We were all extremely impressed and delighted that our friend is residing in such wonderful, loving and caring surroundings.
10 June 2024
I visited a resident who has been a friend for thirty years. There were six of us who did a joint visit.
The home made us feel so welcome. They laid on tea, coffee, cakes and made up a table in a private area for us.
A lovely visit and the staff were excellent and went that extra mile to make it
so special for us.
04 June 2024
I'd like to thank you for organising my father's reward celebration for 55 years of service for an international service organization. My father really enjoyed the event as did his fellow Lions. Your compassion and the delicious cakes were very much appreciated. Thank you for the care you and the
wonderful team at the care home provide for my father. Thank you from the family.
Latest Reviews for Barchester Hickathrift House
29 January 2026
My 90 year old mother Veronica has had a tough couple of months and now requires 24 hour care after living independently for many years. She has spent a short period of respite in Hickathrift and has now taken the decision herself to stay permanently. The care staff and management have all been
excellent in understanding her needs and the difficulties that she and we as a family, have been going through. We have all been impressed with the facilities, activities and quality of care administered by the staff; with professionalism and good humour. It is early days for her in Hickathrift but mum is a sociable person and now has the opportunity to continue to make the most of life. Thank you Paula and your team for your kindnesses to date.
23 October 2025
You have worked a miracle with Marjorie. She now goes out on outings, which was unheard of before she moved into Hickathrift - she socialises, eating her meals in the dining room with other people, a contrast to when she was at home, when she expected her son to cook a full Sunday roast every day,
and if she didn't get it would throw her food at us or onto the floor. She is sleeping well - she has a regular shower now, which was unheard of before - she dosn't swear anymore - well not much. The change is all down to your love and patience and understanding.
20 October 2025
I am so impressed with the care my father has received. The process started with a stressful need to arrange urgent, short-term care after he was being discharged from hospital following two falls, but the manager instantly made me feel listened to and supported.
The assessment was handled
immediately and efficiently. My father was then welcomed into a spotlessly clean, beautifully decorated room with an en-suite. The excellence of the management team's professionalism and efficiency shines through.
Beyond the logistics, every practitioner I've encountered during my visits has been welcoming, highly informative, and genuinely focused on the residents' wellbeing. Even my usually picky father has been very complimentary about all the meals! Thanks to this supportive environment, he is now on the way to making progress in his recovery.
29 August 2025
Visited my grandmother for her birthday and the activities lead was so great helping us organise an afternoon tea in the home with minimal cost. From my couple of days visit, every member of staff who I came across was friendly, kind and caring. The activities lead is an absolute stand out for us, a
genuinely lovely human being and a fantastic activities coordinator. My Granny seems very happy here which was a big concern for us as she really didn't want to leave her home until she realised it was too much for her to manage.
14 August 2025
My mum spent a week in restbite, she had a lovely time. She will certainly return at another time.
My mum does have dementia but she can still have a conversation with others, so I would like her to be with residents that can chat back to her?
24 April 2025
My Mum was sent to Hickerthrift to recover from a fall when she broke her hip. I found Hickerthrift to be an absolutely amazing place, very modern, clean and fresh, and the staff are amazing, they are helpful, and very good at their jobs, the residents are their top priority. . My mum settled in
well and I have never seen her looking so well kept and happy for many years. Sadly she is not able to return home and care for herself so she is able to stay at Hickerthrift and I am absolutely over the moon that she is!! It's a fabulous place!
22 April 2025
We have been met with smiles and immense kindness at Hickathrift. Every person is always willing to help and take care of all needs. The smiles and cup of coffee are abundant and greatly appreciated. We are very happy to have such high quality of care.
25 March 2025
From the 1st day my dad entered Hickathrift, the staff picked him up, got him walking, talking, and eating properly again. Their care, encouragement and love for him was exceptional.
The various events and activities provided were so varied that everybody would feel included, including the
relatives. Dad had a busier social life than I did!
We will always remember the birthday party they threw for him and the whole family, they are fond memories to us all.
We miss visiting and seeing the staff as, at first, they were strangers, but we left them as friends, and were touched when so many attended dads funeral.
We can't recommend Hickathrift House enough, and we will be forever grateful to them for giving us another year with our dad/grandad/great grandad/great great grandad, brother and uncle.
Hickathrift has a special place in our hearts, and always will
12 March 2025
Mum was welcomed into her new home environment and settled quickly. On visiting her the following day she was full of praise for the staff and commented on the lovely food served. She has now been there a week and is pleased that she will be able to attend chapel this week, all organised by
activities coordinator. A big THANK YOU
13 January 2025
It's Christmas Day, and we are unable to visit Mum, but the excellent staff made it possible for us to video call each other.
A big thank you to everyone at work who has made her Christmas Day so special from cooking her roast dinner to all the entertainment being provided.
13 January 2025
Mum has just entered her second spell of respite at Hickathrift. Every single staff member - manager, admin, care staff, cooks, maintenance has been welcoming and friendly and as a result, we have been very happy to leave Mum in their care. The indoor space is bright and feels very clean, in a
homely way; a testament to the great personal care residents receive and I should imagine, the effective laundry systems employed by the team. Well done to you all and thank you.
30 October 2024
I cannot speak highly enough of the care mum received at Barchester Hickathrift House. She was always happy and content. Nothing was too much trouble, making the last few months bearable both for her and her family.
Thank you so much.
28 August 2024
My mother had rehabilitation care. She was treated with kindness and the friendly staff were always obliging. The activities were well thought through and stimulating. The home was being refurbished to a high standard. There was a very pleasant garden area which we enjoyed sitting in. The room was
spacious and light and airy. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Meals seemed well thought out and with good choices. Tea and coffee making facilities were there for all to enjoy. There was always a warm welcome from reception staff.
14 August 2024
We recently visited my uncle for a birthday party, which the staff organised for him. It was a truly lovely gathering. Not only were we all made very welcome but I could see the care and respect my uncle and all the other the other residents were treated with.
The staff were all friendly and
accommodating, despite it being an incredibly hot day!
What a lovely place to visit.
05 August 2024
From the minute we walked into Hickathrift to have a look around for potential respite/permanent care for Mum, I knew we had found the right place. The management and team are all without a doubt exceptional. Every little detail of the service user are taken into consideration for the maximisation
of their care, independence and dignity. Staff are always smiling, happy, welcoming and caring which impacts the residents in such a positive way. We're so happy that mum is happy and settled, it's simply the best! Thank you Team Hickathrift!
25 July 2024
We visit frequently and on each occasion, the staff display such a kind and caring nature. The staff and management are superb. The facilities/activities are excellent and the catering is to a high standard. Well done to everyone.
01 July 2024
Mum wanted a way to celebrate the four generations of our family. Barchester Hickathrift House arranged for us to do a sensory art activity. We all left our handprints on canvas which were framed so we could all have a copy.
We all had a fun afternoon doing this activity and have a lovely keepsake
of the handprints. A huge thank you to Hickathrift and all the staff for organising this for us, they made this very special.
10 June 2024
A group of us called at Barchester Hickathrift House to visit a very dear friend who is now in your permanent care. We were treated like royalty with the most marvellous "afternoon tea" in the morning, which would have been a credit to any top London hotel! Your staff are absolutely wonderful,
totally dedicated and caring. We were all extremely impressed and delighted that our friend is residing in such wonderful, loving and caring surroundings.
10 June 2024
I visited a resident who has been a friend for thirty years. There were six of us who did a joint visit.
The home made us feel so welcome. They laid on tea, coffee, cakes and made up a table in a private area for us.
A lovely visit and the staff were excellent and went that extra mile to make it
so special for us.
04 June 2024
I'd like to thank you for organising my father's reward celebration for 55 years of service for an international service organization. My father really enjoyed the event as did his fellow Lions. Your compassion and the delicious cakes were very much appreciated. Thank you for the care you and the
wonderful team at the care home provide for my father. Thank you from the family.