How to Make Your Independent Living Home More Comfortable
Leaving a familiar lifestyle and changing your regular routines can be overwhelming as you look for a suitable retirement living community. This is why it helps to make the most out of your space once you move and ensure it is comfortable and safe. Learn how to decorate your new home so you can adapt to the changes quickly when transitioning into an independent living home.
Making Your Independent Living Apartment Safe
Avoid Tripping Hazards
Falls often result in severe injuries, which is why it is necessary to make adjustments to avoid tripping. Be sure to remove throw rugs, cords, and other items from the floor that can be a tripping hazard. Make navigating easier by moving furniture and make sure your walkways are clear of any items.
Eliminate Stairs
Stairs can be difficult as we age due to joint pain and balance issues. If you are searching for an independent living apartment, make sure it is accessible. Ask if they have elevators, inclined walkways, handrails, and non-slip material on the steps.
Install Better Lighting
Adequate lighting is essential for safety. Make sure the place is well lit so you can avoid tripping and get around easier. Install bright lights in stairwells, hallways, and other areas that may lack light.
Consider Easy-to-Use Appliances
Find easy-to-use appliances such as equipment with an automatic shut-off and microwaves with programmed buttons. Understand your limitations and use technology to your advantage to make your life easier.
Modify the Bathroom
Minor changes in the bathroom can reduce the chance of falls and help you maintain your independence. Install a grab bar next to the toilet or in the shower to help you stand up and add a bench beside the bathtub for additional support. You can also use non-slip mats and shower chairs to prevent slipping while bathing.
Make It Easy on the Hands
If you have arthritis or joint pain, it can be challenging to do simple tasks. Some simple changes can make things easier. Consider toggle switches or dimmers for your lights and change faucet knobs to ones that are easier to use.
Tips for Making an Independent Living Apartment Feel Like Home
Perspective
Understand your thoughts when making your move to an independent living facility. Try to see it as a positive change that offers professional assistance, nutritious meals, social opportunities, and more. Acknowledging the change will help make the transition smoother.
Tactful Downsizing
Sort through your belongings and choose the most important ones to take with you. Incorporate some of the keepsakes into your new home to make it feel more familiar.
Furnishing and Decorating
Create a personalized, comfortable, and functional space for yourself. Talk to the staff at the retirement home and prioritize bringing your favorite piece of furniture and mementos to ease the transition. Add cozy touches to the apartment by using pillows, quilts, and blankets.
Give Yourself Time to Warm Up
Be patient and understand that it takes time to adjust to a new environment. Do not rush into accepting the changes and appreciate the little things you have in the retirement home.
5 Mood Boosters for Your New Home After Retirement
Home should feel like a haven and a place where you can relax with all your comforts within arm’s reach. It should be your happy place where you can enjoy being yourself. These items can help lift your mood:
Fresh Flowers
A beautiful bunch of flowers can help bring color, life, and freshness to your space. You may get a bouquet from a shop or pick a fresh bunch yourself. They can help brighten a dull day and enhance the overall appeal of the room.
Essential Oil Diffuser
Aromatherapy helps to promote well-being. You can use an essential oil diffuser and add a few drops of your favorite oil to fill the air with a gentle, therapeutic scent. Consider using peppermint oil, lavender oil, and lemongrass oil for the best results.
Himalayan Salt Lamp
These lamps are ideal for nighttime relaxation because they emit a gentle red glow. Sleep studies and research indicate that warm red light is unobtrusive for sleep.
Plants
Just like vibrant flowers, plants also help boost your mood. Growing and caring for them is an excellent hobby that is known to enhance mental health. When you are just beginning, it is best to choose indoor plants that are low maintenance to start.
Calming Sound Machine
Sound machines are an excellent way to relax. They feature many soothing sounds that you can listen to while doing meditation and yoga, reading, and preparing for sleep to create a calming environment.
We Provide Comfortable & Safe Independent Living Facilities
The Holiday Retirement offers the best facilities for senior living in West Hartford. Located in a convenient area, our independent living facility offers a safe, comfortable, and secure environment for seniors where you can enjoy your independence. We have qualified and friendly staff to cater to your needs and excellent amenities to create a home-like experience.
We offer the following:
- A spacious apartment with individually controlled heat and air conditioning
- Two buzzers to call our staff in case of an emergency
- Freshly prepared, delicious meals three times a day
- Daily laundry and housekeeping services
- Fun and entertaining activities to promote physical and mental well-being
We also welcome pets! Consult our staff to see if your pet is appropriate for our facility. In addition to this, you can bring any cherished belongings that will safely fit within the room.
If you are looking for retirement living communities, be sure to reach out to us by calling 1-860-233-8202 for more information about our facility. You could also book a tour of our facility by filling out our online contact form. We’ll be more than happy to help you find a place that meets your needs.
Also Read:
- 10 Signs to Know It’s Time to Move to an Independent Living
- 10 Signs that Indicate When to Move into a Retirement Residence
- Booming Trends of Luxury Independent Living Facilities!