June 3, 2022
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What to Bring to Senior Living So It Feels Like Home
As you or a loved one prepare to move to senior living, you know there’s a lot to look forward to, but at the same time, you may wonder if this new retirement community will ever truly feel like home. Yes, we’re sure of it! But to help, we’ve put together decorating tips and a list of what to bring to your new home. Check them out.
Decorating Tips to Make Senior Living Feel Like Home
For most, a move to senior living means you’re downsizing and while you’re working with a smaller space it can still feel spacious. Not to mention with your personal touches, it will feel very much like home. Here’s how to make it work.
- Consider your color scheme – From the walls to the furniture and décor, neutral or light colors will create a feeling of openness and space. If that’s too blah for your personal style, go bold with an accent wall or two to add color without closing the space in.
- Go for smaller pieces – Consider a love seat versus a full-size couch or a table that seats four instead of the full dining set for 12. Also, rather than clunky side tables, use nesting tables that you can takeout or store as needed. You can still create the look you want, just on as smaller scale.
- Multitask your space – If you’re looking to gain some extra space, get creative with dual-purpose items such as an ottoman or coffee table with storage inside, a wall-mounted pull-out desk, and/or a bed with storage underneath. To feel more like home, bring in your favorite décor pieces from your previous place for a nice juxtaposition between old and new.
- Make the most of mirrors – An easy way to make your space feel larger and brighter, use mirrors. They not only reflect daylight, but they can also break up the visual clutter. To make the most of their effect, place one opposite a window and/or behind a light source.
- Go vertical – People often overlook the vertical space in their homes. But maximizing this space is key when downsizing. Use shelving and/or tall pieces that go up to the ceiling so you not only get more storage but also make the ceiling look taller. And it’s a great way to display those keepsakes you thought you’d have to store away.
What to Bring to Senior Living
One of the first things you want to do is to go on the community’s website to see if they have an interactive floor planner, which many do, or contact them to request a copy of the floor plan. That will help you to evaluate how much space you or your loved one will have so you can decide what will fit (and how to decorate with the tips above). The community may also provide certain items for your new space, so check on that as well.
Your new community may recommend essentials to bring as well, but just in case plan for these items:
- Comfort items - Like a favorite blanket, throw, and/or pillow(s) along with sheets, a bedspread, and a clock.
- Personal care - Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and comb as well as a shaving kit for men or cosmetics for women. Plus, you’ll want to include any other personal grooming items in addition to several bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths.
- Clothing - Bring comfortable clothes that are easy to get on and off. Also, make sure you have rubber-soled shoes tohelp prevent falls. And don’t forget undergarments, pajamas, socks, robe, and slippers as well as light sweaters and/or a jacket.
- Favorites – Make sure to bring items that hold the most meaning to you like family photos, albums, and scrapbooks, and certainly don’t forget your favorite books and music as well.
But perhaps the best way to make senior living feel like home is to get connected. After finding friends and fun things to do, many residents tell us they wish they’d moved sooner! So, get the community’s monthly calendar right away to see what’s available that you or your loved one might enjoy. And don’t worry about being the new kid on the block, we can help introduce you to other residents who share similar interests!
For more information on a GenCare assisted care facility near me, contact a community near you, or schedule a tour today!
