Over 800,000 Americans live in assisted living communities, which explains the need to curate a cozy living space.
Creating a comfortable environment protects residents' well-being and gives them a sense of belonging. But if you've never experienced this transition and are struggling to create a homey environment for your loved one, it can be difficult knowing which items to bring along.
Sounds like your situation? Luckily, we have the answers you're searching for. Here's how to create a comfortable environment in an assisted living community in Findlay, OH.
Allowing seniors to curate their own space gives them a sense of ownership and independence.
A great way to do this is by decorating the room in the assisted living community with sentimental belongings. Not only will it keep your loved one's most prized possessions safe, but they can reminisce on their positive memories. The beauty is that sentimental items come in all forms, whether it's a small ornament or art created by a relative.
A well-lit room can do wonders for residents' moods, so welcome in as much natural light as possible. Make sure that curtains let in natural light during the day and, if you can, choose dimmable lights for the evening. This creates a cozy atmosphere while ensuring that residents can easily navigate the room.
But to promote senior safety, check there are no dark areas as it increases the risk of injury.
Senior living communities are inviting spaces, which is why residents are encouraged to include splashes of color in their decor.
Colors have the power to impact your mood, so be mindful of which shades to choose. For instance, to create a calming atmosphere, add soft blues or calming greens. Most importantly, let your loved one choose which hues they want so they feel comfortable in the retirement community.
If space allows, carve out a corner where you can socialize with visitors and loved ones. Set up a couch or chairs with a table to invite conversation and unwind with a good book. You could also position the seating area by a window where your loved one can watch the world go by.
A bonus is that family and friends visiting will be comfortable when they visit too. As a result, relatives will be elated with regular visits as it boosts their self-esteem and strengthens their bond.
You likely have quality assisted living amenities, but it isn't complete without adding plants to your loved one's room. Aside from creating a comfortable environment, studies show that indoor plants help to relieve stress and promote fast recovery after an illness, making them a no-brainer.
If your loved one wants low-maintenance greenery, gift them a ZZ plant, succulents for the windowsill, or a peace lily to brighten the room.
Regardless of the space, you can make the room homey by hanging your loved one's cherished photos and favorite art. This simple act will make the space more personal and engaging for your loved one, so they feel at home.
It's also a great way for your relative to share stories and memories, promoting good brain health.
At the assisted living community, you likely won't be able to paint the walls or install a new carpet, but that doesn't mean you can't personalize the space. Like you would at home, invest in soft furnishings for your loved one's room.
Bring along throw pillows and colorful blankets for your relative's bed and couch. Aside from creating a homey atmosphere, the fact that they are brought from home means they are packed with emotional value, making the transition easier.
Smart tech goes a long way in keeping seniors comfortable in their rooms.
You could, for example, treat your loved one to a smart thermostat for easy temperature control and a voice-activated device like Alexa, especially if your loved one struggles with mobility. Before moving in, it's wise to contact the assisted living community and ask whether any are in place so you both know what to expect.
Your relative's room should tell you everything about their personality including their hobbies. Make sure that your relative can easily access their favorite forms of entertainment, such as books, puzzles, and movies. You could also encourage your loved one to play word games or try a new hobby like knitting to make them feel comfortable.
Sure, creating a comfortable environment is crucial, but you don't want it to impact the room's accessibility. Entryways musnt't be obstructed by items and the environment should be clutter-free to avoid trips. If you have any concerns, chat with staff at the assisted living community to ensure that the room aligns with the community's guidelines.
An effortless way to make the space engaging is to regularly update the decor. You don't need to change furniture, simply hanging Holiday or Halloween decorations helps residents feel connected to the outside world and acknowledge the passing of time. Families of residents can also make it a special occasion by decorating the room together and turning it into an event.
Now that you know how to make residents comfortable in an assisted living community in Findlay, OH, it's time to decorate. Simple additions like hanging your relative's favorite photos and soft furnishings can transform the space, making it a personal haven.
At Taylor Place Assisted Living in Findlay, OH, we understand what seniors want and work hard to enrich their living experience in our community. Thanks to our incredible staff, we are committed to providing quality care, and giving families peace of mind.
If you're interested in our assisted living community, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us here to chat with a member of our team.