10 Tips for Decorating Your New Home in Assisted Living

Making a home feel like a cozy and comfortable place to live can be a challenge for anyone, and it's especially important for those who live in an assisted living community. It's common to want your home to feel like a refuge from the world, where you can relax and enjoy your time. Regardless of the community you choose to live in, some simple decorating tips can go a long way in helping you feel comfortable and at home.

In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for decorating your assisted living space in a way that makes you feel at ease!

Tips to Decorate Your Senior Living Space

1. Add Plants or Flowers to Brighten Up the Room

   Decorating an assisted living facility can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, from the colors of the walls to the type of furniture you choose. But one thing that can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the space is adding plants or flowers.

   Not only do they add a touch of color and life to the room, but they can also help to improve the air quality. Many plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which can help to purify the air. It's a win-win!

2. Hang Pictures and Artwork on the Walls

   This is an easy way to add color, life, and interest to your assisted living space. Choose pieces that are meaningful to you and that reflect your interests and personality. If you're not sure where to start, try a local thrift store or online retailer like Etsy. You should also consider personalizing the room by adding family pictures to the walls and shelves.
   
   

3. Bring Blackout Shades

   Many assisted living facilities have large windows that allow a lot of natural light. While this can be a wonderful feature during the day, it can make it challenging to sleep at night or nap during the day. Blackout shades can significantly help block unwanted light from entering the room. They can help reduce noise and light pollution, making sleeping easier.

4. Get Colorful Decorative Items for the Shelves

   One of the most important aspects of assisted living is providing a comfortable and visually appealing environment for residents. This includes finding ways to make the common areas inviting and attractive. One way to do this is by incorporating colorful decorative items into the décor.

   Some good options for colorful decorative items include:

   • A set of brightly colored vases

   • A colorful painting or print

   • A sculpture or other piece of art

   • A set of colorful throw pillows

   These items can help brighten the space and make it more inviting. They can also be used to add a bit of personality to the décor. If you are not sure where to start, ask the staff at the assisted living facility for ideas. They can help you find the perfect decorative items to suit the space and the residents.

5. Try Voice Control Technology

   If you or struggle with mobility issues, there are still plenty of ways to make assisted living more comfortable and inviting. Voice control technology can be a big help in making day-to-day tasks more manageable.

   Several devices on the market allow you to control lights, appliances, and even the television with your voice. This can help if you have difficulty reaching switches or remote controls.

6. Use Multi-Function Furniture

   If you're downsizing from a large home to an assisted living facility, you may be worried about giving up your beloved furniture. But don't worry! There are plenty of ways to make your new space feel like home, and one of them is to use multi-function furniture.

   One great way to save space and still have all the furniture you need is to look for pieces that serve more than one purpose. For example, an ottoman can double as a coffee table and a footrest. Or, a trunk can be used as a table and provide extra storage space.

   Another way to save space is to use wall-mounted shelves instead of traditional bookcases. This way, you can still display your favorite books and knick-knacks, but they'll take up less space in your new home.

7. Ensure Space for Hobbies

   One way to ensure that you can stay active is to create space in the assisted living facility to pursue hobbies. This could be anything from a small crafting area to a full-fledged music studio. If you enjoy being outdoors, try to find an assisted living facility with outdoor spaces to enjoy. Consider setting up a comfy couch for knitting or a large table to practice writing and jigsaw puzzles, for example. 
   
   

8. Choose Bright Colors

   Choose bright colors when you are decorating your assisted living space. This will help to create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere. Bright colors can be very refreshing, energizing, and soothing to see.

9. Use Colorful Curtains or Rugs to Add Personality

   Curtains and rugs are a simple way to add color and pattern to an assisted living space. Choose curtains or rugs that coordinate with the furniture and walls for a pulled-together look, or go for a bolder design to make a statement. It's an easy way to add a bit of life to any room.

   You can also get high quality and colorful throw rug. Throw rugs can add both color and comfort to a room. They're also great for chilly mornings or evenings when you want to relax in your room. A rug can be a great way to personalize a space and make it feel like home.

10. Place Comfortable Furniture in Strategic Locations

    Furniture should be placed in a way that encourages socialization and conversation. For example, arrange chairs and couches in groupings, rather than lining them up against the walls. Consider adding a coffee table or end tables so residents have a place to set down drinks or snacks. It's also important to make sure there's enough seating for everyone who might want to use the common areas.

When decorating an assisted living space, it is important to keep several things in mind. Choose colors that are easy to see, furniture that is comfortable and stylish, and be sure to create enough space for hobbies and socializing. With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and functional space that you will enjoy for years to come.

Are you looking for a new home at a senior living community? Download our checklist covering everything you should look for in an assisted living community! 

Learn more about preparing to move on our Housing Resources and Long-term Care Resources pages!