As your parents or grandparents reach a certain age, they may require more medical care or supervision than you can provide. A nursing home can be an excellent choice for many families to improve the level of care their older loved ones receive, but it can be a tough choice, notes Keyrenter Jacksonville management. Nursing homes provide a shared or private room for your loved one, but they may lack the style and comfort of their previous home. Fortunately, there are many decorations and design changes you can make during their stay to improve their comfort and happiness.
Know the Rules
Before you begin crafting and decorating, you’ll need to obtain permission from the nursing home community managers, which may require written confirmation. Not all nursing homes permit certain decorations, especially those that pose a hazard, such as a fall risk when placed in the room (for example, a rug might be a hindrance to individuals with limited mobility). You don’t want to spend time making a beautiful, handmade rug only to be unable to use it. No one should steal or take away decorations without first informing you. If you’re unsure about anything, inquire with staff or management. If theft or abuse is suspected, consider consulting law enforcement or a nursing home abuse lawyer to learn your loved one’s rights.
Label the Laundry
If you bring textiles to your loved one’s room, they’ll likely need to be taken for laundry. Ensure that all items requiring washing, such as blankets and pillows, are labeled with the resident’s full name, as they will need to be returned after laundering. Consider bringing multiple items of this type so your loved one will always have one on hand to use and enjoy.
Hang Photos and Art
Your loved one will likely find great joy and enrichment in looking at treasured family memories. Bring a photo album, a framed photo, or a digital photo frame to help liven up the place with family photographs that they might enjoy. If you’re allowed, hanging them or taping copies on the walls can bring life to any room. Artwork is another excellent way to brighten the space, especially if you made it yourself. Include photos or artwork from the kids or grandkids of the family as well. Ask your loved one what their favorite artwork or artists are to further add to their collection. Framing the art can add style and flair.
Change the Lighting
Nursing homes often have sterile or unattractive lighting. It’s good for seeing properly, but it won’t feel particularly comforting. You can bring along a stylish table or floor lamp (or both) to help your loved one choose from different types of lighting. An embroidered lampshade or a calming night light may help your loved one settle down for rest at night. They may enjoy reading by a charming bedside lamp as they drift off to sleep. Providing some extra lighting that brings comfort can make a huge difference.
Swap Out the Furniture
Most of the furniture in your loved one’s nursing home room will likely feel industrial or medical. While pieces like the bed will be useful for eating and staying comfortable, you don’t have to keep every furniture item they provide. The guest chairs can be swapped for something more stylish. You can bring in a TV stand or dresser in a comforting and attractive color or shade of wood. Bringing stylish and elegant furniture can make the room feel more like home, including the comfort that comes along with it. If you want to protect a particular piece of furniture from spills or dents, you can wrap it with blankets, cushions, or throw pillows for added protection.
Make Handcrafted Items
Handmade decorations speak from the heart. Most loved ones are happy to be reminded of their family when looking at or talking about their room decor. Display some artwork that the children in the family created. Knit a blanket or pillow for your older loved one to enjoy. Arrange a fresh bouquet or paint a charming landscape piece. Woodworking, sewing, and scrapbooking are other lovely ways to help your loved one bring home to their community.
Decorate the Windows
If your loved one’s nursing home room has windows, you can utilize them as a decorative focal point. Seasonal window clings can be fun to celebrate holidays and changing weather. Curtains can transform a room entirely (be sure any curtains or window treatments are approved by the nursing home beforehand, as they’ll likely need to be made of fire-resistant material). A sun catcher can be beautiful and DIY-friendly. You can hang a bird feeder outside if there is space for it and you have permission.
Add Flowers and Plants
Plants make wonderful decorations. They add a touch of color and can provide your loved one with something to care for when they’re feeling up to it. If your nursing home doesn’t allow real plants in the rooms, you can string up some realistic artificial flowers and plants as a substitute. A vine garland on the windowsill or a vase with flowers on the table can look charming and comforting.
Conclusion
It can be bittersweet when your loved one transitions to a nursing home community. They’re getting the care and treatment they need, but they won’t be spending time at their home anymore. You can make the most of their nursing home stay by visiting often and making the space look and feel more comfortable. New decorations, furniture, flowers, and lighting may be just the solution to help your loved one adjust to their new space.
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