Moving to a senior home is a significant change that takes a lot of guts and courage to do. So if you managed to go through with this challenging yet best decision of your life, then congratulations! You are on your way to experiencing the best chapters of your life in your new community.
After touring countless assisted living facilities, talking to a bunch of personnel, and settling documents, you have finally found the perfect home! The next order of business is to decorate your assisted living apartment to make it YOUR place.
According to senior health experts, decorating your new living quarters might not seem like a big deal, but it actually has a major bearing on your emotional health. Here are some reasons why it’s essential to put a lot of thought into decorating your new space:
- It helps ease the transition, especially because moving can be an emotionally taxing experience.
- A comfortable living space makes seniors feel safe and at home.
- A well-thought-out interior design can bring back a senior’s sense of independence and boost their confidence.
- It improves functionality and ensures physical safety.
- Over time, it can help improve your outlook on life and overall health.
Now, the key is to create a personal space that’s uniquely yours without compromising functionality. So here are seven tips on how to do just that!
1. Plan Ahead with a Loved One
Plan your home’s interior design weeks or months before your actual move-in day so you will have plenty of time to think about how to decorate the place.
You can make a rough sketch of your soon-to-be apartment or ask for a printed floor plan complete with size and dimensions. This way, you can identify which furniture will fit and which won’t make it to the cut.
It’s also essential to get the help of a friend or a loved one so you will have someone to consult with and help you with the entire process of decorating, moving, and settling in.
2. Downsize
Personal items and those with sentimental value will play a huge role in easing your transition to your new assisted living apartments. However, this doesn’t mean holding on to a wobbly chair that you had for the past decade.
You need to downsize and donate, sell, or store all furniture and things that you cannot bring with you to your new home. Choose wisely and make sure that you don’t end up with a bunch of clutter that will eventually compromise your safety.
3. Remove Fall Hazards
Even if you don’t have any mobility problems now, what about for the next 25 years? Since this is a new and unfamiliar surrounding, it is essential to inspect the place for potential fall hazards, like uneven flooring in the living room or a leaky pipe in the kitchen.
Furthermore, you should improve your unit’s safety after settling all your stuff in place. Here are some things you can check and do to make your apartment safe and fall-proof:
- Organize electrical cords and extensions and make sure they don’t block the pathways.
- Replace throw rugs with anti-slip mats.
- Place grab bars in the bathroom and hand railings in specific locations if you have trouble with balance.
- Place non-slip, brightly colored adhesive tapes on the stairs to increase visibility and safety.
4. Incorporate Personal and Sentimental Touches
You will be spending the rest of your years in your new haven, so you might as well personalize it by decorating based on your personal style and character. Add personal touches, like painting the walls with your favorite color or wallpaper of your choosing.
Incorporate personal items and things with sentimental value in decorating your home. You can frame family photos, the awards you gathered through the years, or a shelf full of your favorite paperbacks. It can also be as simple as a favorite comforter or a specific china set.
These items that hold precious value to your heart can help bring fond memories and more happiness to your life, especially during your first few days in your assisted living apartment.
5. Decorate with Convenience and Functionality in Mind
It’s great that you decorated your space with a personal touch, but make sure to prioritize convenience and functionality. Add charm and character but be practical in organizing your apartment. Some things to consider include:
- Make sure that almost everything in the apartment has a purpose. Save space by investing in multipurpose furniture or customizable storage solutions to keep the place tidy.
- Consider furniture placement and the apartment’s layout so you’ll have plenty of space to walk on or navigate.
- Organize regularly used items, so they’re easy to reach.
- Invest in comfortable yet senior-friendly pieces of furniture and appliances, like a power recliner or sturdy chairs with stain-resistant fabric.
6. Make it Homey
After prioritizing functionality and convenience, it’s time to make it homier. Besides the essential furniture, you can decorate the walls with artworks, houseplants, or a large mirror.
Invest in good lighting for safety and design purposes. Also, consider installing voice-controlled devices and electronics to make everything easier. Do a shopping spree for new linens, bedsheets, pillows, and other decors to make it more lively.
Of course, nothing will make it homier than the presence of your furry pet. So if you have one, make sure to check with your senior community first before moving in.
7. Make Room for Hobbies
Don’t forget to make room for your hobbies and favorite activities in your new assisted living apartments. Set up a space where you can indulge in your favorite hobby and work on a new project.
For instance, if you love sewing, then make sure to have a particular room or space in the unit where you can freely knit and be in the zone without distractions. Organize your tools or supplies to make them accessible. Also, you can place a shelf there so you can display your masterpiece.
Once you have styled the place to your liking, it’s time to settle in and embrace your new home!