The transition to an assisted living situation can be a difficult one for all parties involved. It is not just the individual moving out of their home that will suffer, but also the family members that very likely had some say in this decision. With the stress and tension involved, it is essential to remember that making an assisted living facility feel more like home is vital to the physical and mental well-being of the patient. We have compiled some tips for creating an assisted living space that feels more like home.
Bring Items From Home
Bringing items from home to an assisted living facility can help make people feel instantly comfortable. If it is a dresser, a favorite chair, or even a lamp, these items will bring memories and a feeling of comfort that is often lost when this transition occurs. If the assisted living facility allows it bringing a plant from home is also a great idea. Since a plant is a living thing that needs tending to, and it can make a real difference in the mindset of a person.
Art And Wall Décor
The walls of the assisted living room may be quite bare when you move in. Try and bring some artwork or photographs from home to hang on the walls. Take time to place these photos and artwork in locations where they can be seen often. For instance, sit in the bed and decide what you would like your view to be. Sit down at the table and think about what you want in front of you. Place the artwork and photos in a way to give you feelings of comfort and home. Although it is not technology artwork, looking into a digital photo frame that your family can send pictures to is a beautiful idea. The images will change often, and you can watch your loved ones grow and prosper. This is an excellent way for families to stay connected.
Furniture Placement
Think carefully about furniture placement. Sometimes you can simply turn the bed a different way, and it can create an entirely new sitting area. Having a small reading nook or crafting corner is a great way to make a room feel more like home.
Hobbies
There is no reason that hobbies can’t be continued after the transition to an assisted living facility. Do you love puzzles? Make sure that you have sufficient table space or a fold-out puzzle board to do the puzzle somewhere in the room. Do you enjoy nature? Leave space around the windows to bring a chair over and watch for birds. Is reading a favorite pastime? Make sure you have ample storage space for books and create a small library for yourself.
These tips will help make not only the transition but continued life in an assisted living facility that much more enjoyable. It’s the little things in a person’s day that can make this new way of life just that much more bearable. Sometimes something as simple as a favorite coffee mug or dish towel will bring back the feelings of security and home.
