Making a senior community feel like a home
Choosing to move into a senior community or residence can be a difficult or uncomfortable decision to make, and making that transition will require sensitivity and a positive mindset.
Life may already be physically challenging, and by making drastic changes at this later stage in life, there runs a risk of creating emotional challenges as well. It will be important to first make a collaborative, informed and well-researched decision on the facility in which you plan to move. Involving your family in the decision can ease some of their worries and concerns.
There is an endless list of blogs and social forums online discussing the topic of assisted living and how to transition into a retirement facility. On the specific subject of what someone can do to make the move easier and as comfortable as possible, there are several common themes among the blogosphere.
The first and most notable suggestion from websites such as Philips Lifeline, Aging Care and Senior Living, is to bring memorable and sentimental objects from home into the new residence. Items from family photographs to small mementos to favorite pieces of furniture can help in making your new space feel more like home. Having familiar surroundings can make the move a more comfortable transition. Even something such as storing away holiday decorations for later use can make things feel more normal by their own standards. As a family member of someone entering into a facility, it might even be helpful in offering to store special items at your house if they are unable to take them into their new residence.
In addition to bringing personal belongings from home into the new living space, making the room or apartment your own will also be helpful. Decorating and adding inviting elements such as art, picture frames, lamps and bedding can change the feeling of a space. Some residences may even allow for repainting or more significant personal changes to a room, so it would be important to ask ahead of choosing a facility if this is something you wish to do.
As a family member or friend helping someone move into a home, it’s important to be mindful of helping them decorate.
Never throw anything out or replace something even as small as curtains or bed sheets without asking or being told to do so. It can also be a nice touch to place items like a photo album out in the open so they can be reminded of loved ones.
Because sometimes space is limited and easy access and mobility is crucial for the senior demographic, when arranging items and storage it would be beneficial for everything to have its own space that is easy to find and remember. Having a home for every item also eliminates any rummaging or stress when looking for something in particular, anything to make day-to-day life easier will be helpful in the long run as well.
Oftentimes it can be the family members who are able to make the most meaningful impact on making the transition into a senior community.
Remaining present and willing to help, as well as a positive influence on the person will help in keeping a positive outlook. It is also beneficial to refer to the new living space as their home. Some residents will need to grieve the loss of their old way of life or their old home and it will be important to focus on the positive aspect in their new space.
One of the most important things to do, as a family member of a senior making the move or anyone else involved, is to encourage socialization. A benefit of living in a senior community is the social interaction with others of a similar lifestyle. Although bringing mementos and personal furniture and items from home can create and more comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, it will be the socializing and bonds they form with others that keeps a quality of life.
– Katie Ho
