Making Your Assisted Living Suite Feel Like Home

We all know that life changes can be fraught with anxiety and fear and moving into assisted living is certainly a major change for many seniors.  However, experts say there are several things families can do to help ease the transition period.   

One of those things is to help your loved one make a comfortable home in their new suite.  Julia Bailey, a senior associate and interior design project manager with Denver-based OZ Architecture, explains that, "Moving into assisted living often can feel like a loss of independence and privacy for your loved one, but thoughtful interior design can go a long way toward improving happiness and well-being for the resident, as well as improving overall functionality of the new living space."  

Ms. Bailey cautions that you need to remember to let your loved one have a say in how their new home will be decorated including the personal mementos and photos they want to bring with them and which ones they want to display.  Triggering happy memories with sentimental items is a big step toward making their new place a real home.  Also, accent pillows and pictures are an easy way to add a lot of color and attractiveness to their place.  

Please keep in mind safety concerns when placing furniture and avoid using area rugs that can become trip hazards or overcrowding a room and not leaving enough space to easily navigate.  Install hand rails where needed and make sure there is easily accessible lighting in the bathrooms and hallways if the person is getting up at night.    

Helping your loved one stay organized can improve the home’s safety as well as the aesthetic.  Consider any mobility issues the person may have and make sure frequently used items are within easy reach on a shelf.  Chairs and sofas should be firm and stable.  

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are committed to provide the best senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers and invite you to set up a tour to see our beautiful community.  We have 51 private suites for assisted living and another 26 secure suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  The stylish floor plans of our spacious suites are well-appointed and all that is missing are your own furnishings and personal items.  Also, you will not need to leave behind your furry friend – yes, we are pet friendly!   

MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho has to offer.

Source: 

health.usnews.com/health-care/best-assisted-living/slideshows/decorating-tips-for-assisted-living