How Do You Make Assisted Living Feel Like Home?

You can make assisted living feel like home by decorating, planning regular visits and engaging in social activities. Moving to assisted living is a big change, and it can feel intimidating for all parties involved. You likely miss the familiarity of home, along with the daily routines you’ve gotten used to. Thankfully, you can take some easy steps to make assisted living feel more like home for yourself or your loved one.

The majority of assisted living communities allow residents to bring their own furniture and decor and arrange the room however they like. Before moving, take pictures of the bedroom and living room in your former home, noting how the decor is arranged.

Once you start moving belongings in, you’ll have an easy reference point and can arrange them to resemble your previous home. This fosters familiarity, easing feelings of anxiety and stress as you acclimate to assisted living. Likewise, bring favorite blankets, pillows, knickknacks and family photos from home to make the space more inviting. With a careful touch, you’ll feel right at home all over again.

Maintaining close relationships with loved ones has a plethora of benefits, from fostering feelings of happiness to improving overall health. Many older adults fear that once they’re in assisted living, they’ll be left behind and forgotten about. The truth, however, is that many seniors enjoy a rewarding life in assisted living with frequent visits from family and friends.

Before you make the move, find out when the visiting hours are and how often a loved one can stop by. Then work out a visiting schedule that accommodates everyone involved. This might mean daily visits for one resident and weekly visits for another; schedule visits as often or as infrequently as you like based on your preferences and your loved ones’ schedules. This helps you acclimate to assisted living while maintaining ties with family and friends.

One major benefit of residing in an assisted living community is the number of social opportunities it provides. These communities feature full schedules of engaging activity options, which are often tailored to what the residents love to do. Activities may include fitness classes, art and music programs, crafts, woodworking, gardening, walking clubs and many more.

Each of these opportunities lets you explore new hobbies and interests while meeting new people. The senior years don’t have to be lonely. Fill your schedule with stimulating activity options, meet new friends and live a fulfilling life well into your golden years.