Moving to a senior living community marks a significant life transition, often accompanied by mixed emotions. While the decision to downsize and receive more care or amenities is usually a positive step, it can still feel overwhelming to leave behind the familiarity of your home.
However, with thoughtful planning and a focus on personalizing your new environment, you can make the senior move to a community feel just as warm and comforting as the home you’ve known for years.
This article will explore practical tips and strategies for creating a homely atmosphere in your new community, helping you settle in comfortably and enjoy this new chapter of life.
Personalize Your Living Space
One of the easiest ways to make your senior living community feel like home is by personalizing senior apartments. Bringing familiar items from your previous home, such as furniture, photographs, artwork, and sentimental objects, can create a sense of continuity and familiarity in your new environment.
Bring Your Favorite Furniture
Even if your new apartment is smaller than your previous home, incorporating a few key pieces of furniture can help you feel more settled. Your favorite armchair, a beloved side table, or a comfy bed can make a significant difference in how your new space feels.
Display Family Photos
Surrounding yourself with family photos and memorabilia can provide a sense of comfort. You can create a dedicated photo wall or scatter framed pictures around the room to remind you of cherished moments with loved ones.
Decorating Senior Living Spaces
Whether it’s your favorite vase, a collection of figurines, or souvenirs from travels, displaying items with sentimental value can create a warm and familiar environment. Incorporating these into your new space will help bridge the emotional gap between your previous home and the senior living community.
Use Familiar Bedding and Linens
Bring your own bedding, blankets, and pillows to make your new bedroom feel cozy and personal. The smell and texture of familiar linens can be comforting and create a sense of home in an unfamiliar setting.
Incorporate Your Hobbies and Interests
Just because you’ve moved to a senior living community doesn’t mean you have to give up your hobbies and interests. On the contrary, continuing to engage in activities you love can make your new environment feel more like home and help you maintain your sense of identity.
Create a Hobby Corner
Dedicate a space in your new apartment to your hobbies. If you enjoy knitting, reading, painting, or woodworking, make sure you bring along the supplies you need to continue your favorite pastimes. Having a designated area for activities you love can help you feel more at ease in your new home.
Join Community Activities
Many senior living communities offer a wide range of activities. Some examples are:
- Book clubs
- Crafting workshops
- Fitness classes
- Gardening clubs
Participating in these activities is a great way to continue doing what you love while also meeting new people who share your interests.
Invite Family and Friends to Participate
Invite loved ones to join you in your hobbies when they visit. Whether it’s playing cards, watching a favorite movie, or cooking a special meal together, spending time with friends and family in familiar ways can help your new space feel like home.
Build Connections with Neighbors and Staff
One of the most important aspects of feeling at home in a senior living community is building relationships with your neighbors and the staff. Developing connections with the people around you can create a sense of belonging and community. This makes it easier to adjust to your new living environment.
Introduce Yourself to Neighbors
Take the initiative to introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Joining community events or dining in common areas is a great way to meet people and start forming friendships. Over time, these relationships can become an essential part of your support system.
Get to Know the Staff
Senior living community staff play a big role in your day-to-day life. Building friendly relationships with caregivers, activity coordinators, and maintenance staff can make you feel more comfortable and supported. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek help when you need it-staff members are there to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Participate in Group Activities
Engaging in group activities, such as exercise classes, social events, or game nights, is a great way to meet new people and form connections. Being involved in community life can give you a sense of purpose and help you feel more integrated into your surroundings.
Maintain Your Routine
Maintaining your daily routine can be a powerful way to make your senior living community feel more like home. Routine provides structure and comfort, especially during times of transition.
While you may need to adjust certain aspects of your routine, such as the time you eat meals or attend activities, finding ways to maintain familiar habits can ease the adjustment process.
Stick to Regular Mealtimes
Whether you’re preparing your own meals or eating in the dining hall, try to stick to a meal schedule that feels familiar to you. This consistency can create a sense of normalcy and help you adjust to your new living environment.
Keep Up with Your Exercise Routine
If you’ve always enjoyed going for morning walks or practicing yoga, continue to incorporate these activities into your daily routine. Many senior living communities offer fitness facilities or group exercise classes, making it easier to stay active and healthy.
Make Your Senior Move the Perfect Transition
The best thing you can do about your senior move is to make it as seamless as possible. This way you won’t be able to tell if you are at home or a senior living community.
At Greenwood Place Assisted Living & Memory Care in Marietta, GA, our residents might be retired, but they aren’t ready to slow down yet. Your social calendar will be full and delightful when you move to our community. You will wonder why you didn’t move to a community sooner.
Schedule a tour to see it all in action for yourself.
