So, it’s time for your third act. You’ve decided to consider senior living. How do you go about ensuring that you still feel at home—that your new apartment reflects who you are and who you want to become? How can you best create a homey atmosphere?
Personalizing a personal care home involves fostering a warm and inviting environment that reflects that kind of space that’s right for you. This involves a few basic steps:
A homey, comfortable living space should, above all, reflect you—your interests, your preferences, your lifestyle, and your experiences.
This might mean family photos, belongings rich in personal history, or artwork that calms, thrills, or inspires. It also might mean any number of things that are unique to you and your life. Choose objects that reflect your hobbies, remind you of important events, and otherwise add charm or character to your living space.
Your apartment should make you feel a sense of continuity and comfort, it should resonate with who you are and reflect the joy and warmth of living at home.
We all change over time, and sometimes that means reflecting ourselves in the shape and design of our living space. That’s why it’s important to consider how your living space might evolve.
A normal apartment consists of several pieces of big furniture, a number of smaller and lighter items, and the furnishings that help complete the look. The big furniture is expensive and follows you through life, so it’s important to choose items that complement a variety of styles. This allows you to change the look of your living space as you change over time.
Smaller items and furnishings can be replaced as your tastes and trends change. As long as your core furniture and cherished personal items have a classic feel, then you can stay flexible and reinvent your living space however and whenever you want.
Incorporating elements of nature into your living space can have several beneficial effects. Fresh flowers, potted plants, and natural colors or images can have calming and restorative effects.
Some studies have also shown that indoor plants provide many benefits to our well-being. These benefits include:
You may also want to consider using natural materials like wood or stone to create a pleasing effect.
Personalizing your living space also means maximizing your comfort—for instance, comfortable furnishings and lighting that puts you in a good mood.
Furnishings
A comfy, homey atmosphere is only as good as the furnishings that support it. This includes both furniture—a cozy couch is a blessing in life—as well as supporting elements like good blankets, comfy pillows, warm rugs, and whatever else you might need.
Some personal care homes come pre-furnished. In such cases, consider adding to what you have—extra pillows, warmer blankets, softer towels, and so on.
Lighting
Letting the sunshine in is important for wellness. Natural light has been shown to have a powerful positive effect on mood, but it also promotes creativity and enhances cognitive abilities.
Different kinds of light have different mood-setting effects. Warm light can help create a comfortable, social atmosphere, while cold light is good for focus and attention. So, when you’re considering what kind of lights to add to your apartment, consider when you’ll be using that light and what you’ll be doing while it’s on.
One of the best ways to keep in touch with friends, family, and current events is to make time and space for technology. A tablet, phone, or computer can put the world at your fingertips, allowing you to stay connected, curious, and up-to-date.
Whether you just want to chat sometimes with family and friends, read the news, complete a crossword, or embark on a new hobby or interest, technology is a great way to stay engaged and mentally active at home.
Creating a homey atmosphere is, in part, a gradual process—a series of steps that we can each take to help our home reflect ourselves and our needs. As we grow, we want our home to continue reflecting who we are.
Juniper Village at Forest Hills understands that building a home is a personal and important process that involves thoughtful consideration of yourself, your interests, and your physical surroundings. That’s why we want our community to create spaces that speak to their needs.
If you’re considering moving into personal care, or if you’d simply like to inquire about the amenities we can provide, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re certain you’ll love the lifestyle options we offer.
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