7 Ways to Make Your Senior Living Community Unit Feel Like Home
Transitioning to a senior living community is a significant move. While reputable senior living communities are convenient, comfortable, and secure, settling in can still be a challenge.
The good news is that there are many ways to make your new dwelling a home rather than merely a place where you live. A little effort can turn your unit into a welcoming and warm space that’s all your own as you enjoy a new chapter in your life.
Consider these seven ways to turn your senior living community residence into home sweet home.
1. Add Your Own Furniture and Decor
Surrounding yourself with furniture you already love is one of the easiest ways to make a place feel like home. Your new place won’t feel strange if you have familiar furniture and decor.
Bring that comfortable chair or recliner you enjoy sitting in while tucking into a good book, watching your favorite television programs, or simply kicking back and relaxing. You can also bring some artwork, family photos, or souvenirs from places you’ve traveled to over the years.
Small things, like a beloved throw blanket or table lamp, can also go a long way toward making the space warm and cozy. A new space will start to feel like home sooner rather than later.
2. Infuse Each Room with Personality
Don’t think that just because your new apartment is smaller than your old house, there isn’t room for personality. Your personal belongings can help make an empty apartment begin to feel like your own little haven.
So, display favorite books on a small bookcase, add bold bedspreads or colorful pillows to make a statement, and bring personal mementos or family heirlooms.
Balance is the key when focusing on function and coziness — too much can make the space too stuffy, but one or two special items can make the room feel lived in.
3. Create a Cozy Functional Space
The way you set up your furniture can make or break the aesthetics and functionality of your room. You’ll want to set up your furniture in a way that allows you to navigate the space safely.
Create intentional gaps when setting up furniture to reduce the risks of falling, and set up chairs and tables in areas where you can access things comfortably.
If you’re not sure how to arrange the area, most senior living communities have move-in coordinators or personnel who’ll help with installation.
4. Utilize Scents to Create Comfort and a Feeling of Belonging
Smell has a direct connection to memory, and pleasant smells will make the area more comforting immediately.
Utilize plug-in diffusers or battery-operated candles in soothing scents such as lavender or vanilla. Doing so can be especially if it’s been a habit that you wish to continue.
You can also bake cookies or make coffee when you have visitors to make the house feel more homey. Just ensure that anything fragrant is safe and allowed where you’re living — open flames might be prohibited.
- Make Your Space Work for Favorite Things
Your house should be suitable for pursuing hobbies and daily activities that you enjoy.
Have a cozy reading area with good lighting and a comfortable chair, store craft supplies in a small drawer or a pail, and keep puzzles, board games, or card games available for visiting grandchildren.
6. Stay in Contact with Family and Friends
Staying connected with family, friends, and even acquaintances is another way to make your house feel like a home. You can consider doing the following things:
- Hang a board of recent mail and family photos.
- Have a phone or tablet for video calling.
- Have friends and family members over for meals and visits.
Each call, card, and visit is a reminder that love and care can make any place feel like home.
7. Get to Know Your New Neighborhood
Participate in neighborhood activities and say “hello” to your neighbors — it’ll help build a sense of community. While so doing, hold on to familiar routines. Whether it’s tea at the same time every afternoon, your TV favourite show in the evening, or diary writing before bed, these routines will help to provide a sense of continuity and stability.
Consider these seven points if you’re moving to a seniors living community and wish to settle in seamlessly. It’ll take time, but the right approach will ensure you feel at home eventually.
