Key Takeaways
- Personalizing your apartment is encouraged to help you feel comfortable and at home.
- Bringing familiar items like photos, quilts, and a favorite chair can ease the transition.
- Safety is important, so focus on keeping pathways clear and using non-slip rugs.
- For memory care, a familiar and uncluttered environment provides comfort and security.
- It is always a good idea to talk with the community team about your decorating plans.
Moving into a new home is an exciting chapter, and you may wonder if you can bring your personal touch with you. It is natural to want your space to reflect your personality and feel comfortable from the very first day. The good news is that at our welcoming community, personalizing your new apartment is not only possible but also highly encouraged as part of our approach to assisted living services.
Most, if not all, senior living communities will allow you to decorate your apartment to make it feel like your own. Bringing your cherished belongings, photos, and favorite furniture is a wonderful way to create a space that is comfortable, familiar, and truly yours. This helps you settle in and feel at home right away.
How Can You Make Your New Senior Living Apartment Feel Like Home?
Moving into a senior living community is a new beginning. A big part of feeling comfortable is making your new space your own. Personalizing your apartment with your favorite things helps it feel familiar and welcoming from day one, whether you are looking for support in assisted living or specialized memory care.
Surrounding yourself with treasured items can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable. It is about creating a space where you feel safe, happy, and connected to your memories. We will walk through how you can bring your personal style into your new home.
What Are Tips for Personalizing Your Senior Living Space?
Decorating is all about surrounding yourself with things you love. It is a chance to display treasured memories and create a comfortable setting. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Start with Familiar Items
Bringing a few key pieces from your previous home can make a significant difference. These items carry memories and offer a sense of continuity. Consider including some of these personal touches.
- Bring your favorite chair or a small piece of furniture that has meaning to you.
- Hang familiar artwork, family photos, or wall decor.
- Use your own bedding, quilts, and pillows to make the bedroom cozy.
- Set up a small table with your most cherished keepsakes and mementos.
How to Decorate an Assisted Living Studio Apartment
A smaller space can be just as stylish and comfortable with a bit of planning. You can explore our gallery and floor plans to see how our living spaces are designed for both comfort and accessibility. The goal is to make the apartment feel open and functional.
Simple ways to maximize your new home include:
- Create zones: Use area rugs or furniture placement to define living, sleeping, and sitting areas.
- Smart storage: Use multi-functional furniture like an ottoman with storage to keep the space tidy.
- Vertical space: Take advantage of wall space with shelves or taller, narrow bookcases.
Safety and Accessibility Considerations
Your safety and comfort are top priorities. When decorating, it is helpful to keep a few practical tips in mind, as recommended by trusted resources like the National Institute on Aging. This helps ensure your new home is both beautiful and easy to navigate.
- Keep pathways clear of clutter and electrical cords.
- Choose furniture that is sturdy and easy to get in and out of.
- Make sure throw rugs have non-slip backing to keep them in place.
What Should You Bring to Your New Assisted Living Apartment?
Deciding what to pack can be a big task. Focusing on items that are both meaningful and practical is a helpful approach when moving into an assisted living apartment. Our guide on what to bring to assisted living offers a detailed list to help you prepare. This helps you create a space that is both personal and functional.
Items to Help You Settle In
Think about what makes you feel most at ease. Bringing these items can help you settle in quickly and feel right at home. They serve as daily reminders of the people and memories you hold dear.
- Family photo albums and keepsakes.
- Your favorite books, music, or hobby supplies.
- Comfortable clothing and personal care items.
- A television or tablet to stay connected and entertained.
What Items Are Best to Leave with Family?
For safety and convenience, some items are often better left with family or in storage. Communities usually have guidelines, so it’s a good idea to ask for a list. As you prepare, our downsizing checklist for seniors can simplify the process. Commonly reconsidered items may include large furniture or certain appliances.
- Large, bulky furniture that can block walkways.
- Appliances with open heating elements, like toasters or hot plates.
- Trip hazards like unsecured rugs or excessive clutter.
How to Create a Supportive Environment for Memory Care
For a person experiencing memory changes, a familiar and calm environment is very supportive. The way a room is decorated can make a positive difference in their daily routine and mood. As organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association explain, consistency can be reassuring. Thoughtful personalization can create a comforting and reassuring space.
The Importance of Routine and Familiarity
A sense of the familiar can bring great comfort and reduce feelings of uncertainty. Incorporating well-loved items into the new space is a simple yet powerful way to provide support. You can learn more about the benefits of a memory care community where these principles are a core part of daily life. It helps connect the present with positive past experiences.
- Placing a favorite recliner in the same spot it was at home can provide comfort.
- Seeing meaningful objects can serve as a bridge to positive memories.
- A predictable, uncluttered space helps reduce confusion or feeling overwhelmed.
Using Photos and Keepsakes for Comfort
Photographs and mementos are more than just decorations—they are tools for connection. They can spark conversations and provide a sense of identity and history. These personal touches honor a person’s life story.
- Label photos with names so care partners can talk about them with your loved one.
- A memory box with special items can be a soothing activity.
- These items help honor the life of your loved one and provide a sense of security.
Working with the Community on Your Plans
Before you move, it’s always helpful to connect with the team at your new senior living community. They can offer suggestions on what works well in the spaces and answer any questions you have about decorating. Open communication helps make the transition a smooth and pleasant experience for everyone.
At The McKendree, we encourage you to make your new apartment a true reflection of you. Our team is here to support you in creating a space that you will love to call home. We welcome you to reach out with any questions.
We would be happy to show you our community and discuss how you can personalize your new home. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a personal tour.
