There is no ideal method of setting up an assisted living room studio; instead, there are considerations to take into account, particularly if you want a space that is both safe and conducive to your seniors. Among the most common concerns for older adults moving into a long-term care facility is the loss of space.
Relocating from a large family residence with plenty of floor space to a relatively small set-up can be stressful. Assisted living facilities often seem to have far more floor plan features than memory care facilities, however fewer than independent living communities.
To facilitate maneuverability, the setups of assisted living communities as well as rooms are generally straightforward when compared to independent living facilities.
Recommendations for Decorating an Assisted Living Apartment
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Make use of existing items to add a personal, cheerful touch
It may be enticing to go to the store and purchase different innovations to adorn the apartment, but incorporating a few existing home furnishings, paintings, and interiors remains a smart option. This will immediately make the current residents feel at home.
No matter how big the residence is, however, you won’t be able to accommodate a house’s full furnishings in it. Go for the most important and vital objects and bring them; the remainder could be sold, donated, or handed to family and friends.
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Consider multi-purpose furniture
Furniture that provides multiple functions can help you save precious square footage, which means more space for the resident as well as their personal possessions. Below are some descriptions of multi-functional furniture suitable for assisted living apartments:
- Drop leaf tables. Such traditional tables are a brilliant platform that would save space, whether they’ll be utilized as a workstation, a side table, or even an eating table to host visitors for a coffee or midday chat.
- Chairs that can be stacked or folded. Visiting hours within an assisted living community is strictly enforced. Most places, however, enable loved ones and relatives to visit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If your parent relishes amusement, you may wish to add additional chairs capable of being stashed after the visitors have gone home for the day.
- Desks that save space. Is your parent into writing, drawing, or crafting? A desk is a wonderful structure for a variety of hobbies, although it may be bulky. But don’t worry! Consider using a relatively small desk with a fold-up top as well as plenty of drawer storage.
- Furniture with numerous shelves and drawers. Search for furniture with additional storage space built in. With the latest tiny house cultural shift, there are numerous alternatives for furniture that doubles as storage space. For instance, you might search for an end table with all filing cabinets, a step stool with a removable top that discloses storage ability, or purely multi-purpose shelves that can hold anything from prescription glasses to suitcases.
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Arrange with safety in mind
Assisted living communities are built with the safety of the elderly in mind. This is critical since, in addition to providing a friendly place, interior decoration could have an influence on the health and well-being of older adults. A senior living space, for instance, must avoid slippery wood floors; make use of an open environment to inspire healthy sunlight exposure, and provide comfortable seats that are simple to stand up from.
Remove loose rugs that can make a senior trip or tumble. Ensure there is plenty of illumination, including bedside lamps which are easily accessible. Utilize cabinets with huge, easy-to-grab doorknobs on furniture.
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Make it simple to navigate
To guarantee senior safety, make sure your parent’s room is simple to navigate. Aside from enhancing the ability for them to move around, having clear pathways and broad walkways can help to reduce falls. Keep your parent’s wheelchair or walker in thought as you arrange the area.
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Keep fun activities in mind
Because your parent has moved does not imply that they can’t continue to do what they enjoy. If your parent enjoys embroidering, consider utilizing a utility cart to store their supplies. If they prefer to scrapbook, provide a place that allows them to put out the pages.
If they are a collector, consider space-saving shelving. If your parent enjoys socializing, the assisted living community will have communal areas that they can enjoy, as well as a variety of social and leisure events in which they can participate and interact with others.
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Install drapes
If possible, utilize drapes to “zone” places in your loved one’s room. For example, their room may appear crowded with their Television, couch, as well as mattress all in one location. Place drapes between furniture pieces to give the impression of different rooms.
Drapes between both the sofa and the bed, in this case, can create the impression of a private bedroom and den. It’s a simple ploy that can make an open floor plan in an assisted living facility feel more like a home.