Transitioning to assisted living is never easy, even if you or your elderly loved one have been anticipating this move for some time. After all, leaving the home that you have known and loved for many years is a big change. Or your loved one may not be that open to moving into an assisted living community in the first place.
Thankfully, there are many ways to make your retirement housing in Roanoke, VA feel just like home by following these simple tips!
Bring Along Your Favorite Items
Inevitably, when making the move to retirement housing, this involves downsizing. You will not be able to bring all your belongings along. Take a close look at everything you have, including your furniture, and select your favorites to bring along. Whether that’s an old armchair or a grandfather clock that has been passed down through the family, you will be surprised at how much a familiar object can make your new place feel like home.
Buy New If You Want to
Some older adults may see making the move to assisted living in Roanoke, VA as a positive change and wish to purchase new items for their apartments such as curtains or bedspreads. As long as the cost is reasonable, let your elderly loved one handle the move in any way they would like. After all, they are the ones who will be living in the space, and they will want it to be as comfortable as possible.
Make it Homely and Cozy
One way of making an unfamiliar place feel like home immediately is by furnishing it with cozy items such as cushions, throws, blankets, or even a comfortable recliner. If you or your elderly loved one have a bedspread that holds sentimental value and is still in good condition, consider bringing that along.
Another must-have in a new retirement housing is a place to display and store photographs and other collectibles. Whether that is a bedside table or a cupboard with many shelves, be sure to bring along furniture that will allow you to display your most prized possessions prominently.
Think About What’s Important to You
Understandably, different people may have different priorities when it comes to setting up a home. If you love hosting guests or making sure that they always have a comfortable space to sit, make sure that your new retirement housing is set up in this manner. With a space that has been customized to the new resident’s preferences, this will allow you or your loved one to feel a sense of belonging that much sooner.
Think of and Refer to Your New Place as Home
It can take some getting used to before you start referring to your new apartment as home. Some older adults prefer to jump straight into using the amenities their community has to offer, whereas others take some more time to settle in. When talking to your loved one about their new place, always refer to it as home. After all, assisted living communities are home to the residents and team members who live and work there!
