Leaving your home of many years to move into an assisted living apartment can be a tough transition. But it can also be an exciting opportunity to start fresh.
Adapting your new space to fit your needs will allow you to create a place that feels like your own. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
Make Use of Multi-Function Furniture
Whether you’re furnishing an assisted living apartment, a bachelor’s suite, or a small studio apartment, multi-function furniture is a great way to save space while making your home look and feel bigger. From wall beds and transforming tables to compact seating and innovative storage solutions, these pieces can do it all.
When you have limited space, it’s easy to get creative with your furniture arrangement. You may even decide to position a set of sofas back-to-back, rather than a traditional set-up. This can create a more open feel in your space, and it allows you to use the space for different activities.
The best part about these types of furniture is that they’re usually very affordable and easy to install. In addition, they can help you cut down on clutter and make your home look much more organized.
If you’re moving into a senior’s apartment, it’s essential to prioritize function in your design. This means avoiding items that aren’t useful, such as decorative furniture that is wobbly or uncomfortable. Instead, incorporate furniture that will be useful for everyday tasks and will help your loved one feel at home.
For example, a fold-down partition or wall bed can be used to transform your bedroom into an office space. You can also have a folding table that opens up and closes, allowing you to easily store things on top.
You can also try out a sofa that’s designed to convert into a desk or footrest. These designs are often very comfortable and can be moved around easily when you need to work or socialize.
Having multiple functions can be a great way to maximize space in a small apartment, but it’s important to choose the right kind of furniture for your space. For example, you should avoid choosing pieces that are too large or too oversized, since these can make the room feel cramped.
Another great thing about furniture that has multiple functions is that it can be easily rearranged to fit your changing lifestyle needs. This is especially important if you’re moving into an apartment from a larger home and want to repurpose your furniture.
Go Big with Art
Whether it’s an art exhibition or simply a large piece of canvas to hang on the wall, adding art is a great way to make a room feel more luxurious. It also can help you stand out as a creative individual and show off your taste in decor.
A small piece of art can be as simple as a photo or two on the wall, but larger pieces can really make a difference in an assisted living apartment. They can be a nice conversation starter for visitors and guests, especially if they’re done well. They can also look pretty luxurious and a big deal, which will leave a lasting impression on everyone who sees them.
When choosing a piece of art for your loved one’s apartment, it’s important to choose something that will fit with the other furniture and decor in the space. This will make the room feel cohesive and less like a theme park or a hotel.
For example, if you’re designing an area that will be used to display photos of friends and family, consider going bigger with a large wall hanging. This will be easier on your budget and will give your loved one a nice place to display their favorite memories.
Finally, be sure to include a few items that are unique to your loved one’s personality in their new home. These can be anything from a handmade necklace or brooch to a framed picture of their favorite pet.
A good piece of art can be as simple as putting up a few posters or pictures or something as complex as a wall-sized painting or a series of photographs. The most important thing to remember is to pick a piece that will make your loved one feel proud of it and that they can enjoy for years to come.
Get Some Green Houseplants
When it comes to decorating an assisted living apartment, houseplants are a great way to add some color and natural interest. They also help purify the air, and some studies have even shown that filling a home with plants can lift mood and reduce stress levels.
The right houseplants can make any space feel like a green refuge, and that’s especially important for senior citizens who may have trouble breathing. NASA has found that certain indoor plants can clean the air by removing toxins from the air, which helps increase the quality of your environment and improve your health.
Luckily, there are many easy-to-care-for varieties available that will fit in well with a smaller living space. These plants are low maintenance, thrive in low light settings and won’t cost you a lot to keep up with.
For example, a pothos plant is a popular choice for a variety of light conditions and only needs to be watered about once a week. They also don’t need much soil, so they can easily fit in the nooks and crannies of an assisted living apartment.
Another option for those who prefer a more exotic look is the zebra plant, which has a unique white stripe pattern on its leaves. This plant is a bit of a tropical beauty and will add a lively flair to your decor.
A prayer plant is another great option for adding a touch of greenery to any room. This easy-to-maintain plant only requires indirect light and should be watered frequently.
When you’re looking for the right houseplants for your senior living apartment, be sure to check the plant tag for both its common and scientific name. Most plants are grouped into one of these categories: genus, species, or hybrid.
Generally, it’s easiest to use the scientific name to learn more about your plant and how to care for it. If you’re not sure what to do, ask the florist where you purchased it.
Some plants, such as the peace lily, can act as natural filters that remove pollen and spores from the air in your home. If you’re worried about allergies, it’s best to avoid these types of plants and opt for those that don’t emit pollen or spores.
Make Sure You Have Room for Your Hobbies
As a senior moving into assisted living, it’s important to make sure your new apartment is conducive to a variety of activities. Whether you love to knit or play a game of chess, it’s vital that you have a space where you can indulge your favorite pastime.
Fortunately, most assisted living apartments are small enough to accommodate your hobbies. However, it’s still important to plan carefully before furnishing the apartment.
When purchasing furniture, prioritize function over looks. For instance, avoid items with wobbly tables or uncomfortable chairs. Instead, choose chairs that have sturdy armrests and a higher seat to allow you to get in and out of them easily.
It’s also a good idea to buy furniture with adjustable legs and casters, so you can adjust the height of the chair to suit your needs. This can be especially useful if you have trouble standing up.
If you’re a crafter, look for furniture with storage that can house your supplies or equipment. A coffee table with a drawer and shelves can help you keep your materials organized and readily available.
Similarly, if you want to display artwork, make sure the piece is large enough to show off your work. A large art piece can even serve as a centerpiece for a room.
Aside from making your space functional, ensuring that there is space for your hobbies can also make the transition easier. Having space to work on your craft means that you can focus on your hobby and not worry about distractions or other daily tasks.
Before you decide to move into an assisted living apartment, take a trip to the store and buy some accessories for your new place. It’s a great way to relax and get excited about your new home!
Another way to keep your apartment neat is to invest in space-saving clothes hangers. These can fit five pieces of clothing in a single space, so you can easily store your entire wardrobe in your closet without taking up too much space.
It’s a good idea to ask your loved one for input on the kind of items they would like to have in their new apartment. They may have a few favorites that they’re willing to bring along, or you can buy some new things to add to their space.