Creating a Homey Atmosphere in Assisted Living Communities

Homesickness has affected up to 75% of the general population. This is the feeling of emotional distress when you are in an unfamiliar environment, whether temporarily or permanently.

Elderly adults can experience homesickness when they move into a senior living community. If you can't find a way to adapt to the new environment, you can fall into a depression or even experience grief.

Making assisted living feel like home can help mitigate the risks of homesickness. Keep reading to learn how to create a homey atmosphere.

The Power of Location

Home is not always where the heart is. Sometimes home is a specific location. When making assisted living feel like home, you cannot forget the importance of location.

Loving the location of an assisted living community will improve the overall experience. It can help those moving to the community adjust to the new environment easier.

You likely won't want to live in an area where you are unable to visit friends and family. If your loved ones are mostly in Sparta, IL, consider looking for a community in the area.

Making an assisted living community feel like home is more than just decorating your space. A homey atmosphere is where you can enjoy the outdoors as well as the indoors.

Look into nearby restaurants, nature paths, and other amenities. You'll have an easier time seeing yourself living somewhere where you can enjoy your interests.

Room Arrangement

The assisted living transition doesn't have to be daunting. After selecting an ideal community, you can transfer all of your personal items to your new home.

Moving your things into a new space will make the process more comfortable. If you want, you can arrange each room to look like those in your former home.

This is beneficial if you believed you had your forever home locked down before you moved into an assisted living community. It will be easier to transfer your daily routines from one place to another when the new place looks like the old.

Arranging furniture close to your original setup can relieve some stress about moving.

Some prefer using an assisted living community as a chance to start over. Maybe you loved your home but wish you could make some changes to it. Now is your chance to build the space you've always dreamed of.

If you move into a community where the furniture is already there for you, there are still ways to make it feel like home. You can bring pictures (more on that next), bedspreads, clothing, and curtains to decorate your space as you wish.

Picture Perfect

Certain types of assisted living communities come with fully furnished apartments. This can make it harder to build a homey environment.

In this case, it's always nice to bring your favorite pictures. You'll be able to personalize the space even if you don't bring in your furniture.

Spruce up the new apartment with pictures of loved ones, events from the past, or images of you in your younger years.

Buy picture frames or hang your images on the walls where you can always look up and see them.

Additionally, you can bring your favorite knick-knacks to your new living environment. Even with a fully furnished space, adding personalized touches can make an area feel like home.

Stay Entertained

Making assisted living feel like home is important because you'll likely be in the new space a majority of the time. With all of this time on your hands, it's important to have your favorite forms of entertainment.

This could be many different things depending on your interests and hobbies. You might enjoy crafts like painting, knitting, or crocheting. But, you also enjoy watching your favorite TV shows and movies.

Moreover, having devices for your favorite TV shows and movies, like iPads or computers, is a great way to stay connected. If your community is far from your family and friends, you'll need some way to keep in contact with them.

Create a space that includes all of your favorite activities. Many assisted living communities offer events and activities, but you might not always feel social. Don't leave your new space empty of the hobbies you enjoy.

Part of the Community

One of the best ways to make your new home feel like your forever home is by building relationships. It's not always the material things that make a community homey, it's where you can connect with like-minded individuals.

An assisted living community provides you with the unique opportunity to build new friendships with people in similar situations and proximity.

First, begin by getting to know the staff. You'll see these people just as much as your neighbors. These people work to take care of you and the community, so building an open relationship can make the experience better.

Next, you'll want to introduce yourself to other residents. You'll be happy to have some company when your family can't visit or if they live far away.

Social isolation is a big fear for older adults. Making friends in the community can prevent this and the health issues that isolation causes.

A great way to start getting to know people is by getting involved in activities. Addington Place of Sparta has regular events and activities that bring the community together.

You can make friends by attending. Sooner or later, you'll be going to the events with your newly made friends!

Making Assisted Living Feel Like Home: The Bottom Line

Making assisted living feel like home can take some time, as it doesn't always have to do with material things and the setup of your space. Over time, you'll make connections in the community that make your new life more homey.

Addington Place of Sparta is one of the top senior living communities in Illinois. Residents can enjoy activities, trained staff, and supportive services.

We offer companion suite apartments to make you feel more at home. Plus, we are pet-friendly so you can bring along your best furry friend! Schedule a tour with us today to get started.