The transition from a private home to a residential home can be a worrying thought for some. There is a fear that the residential home cannot feel like a real home. This is not the case and there are many things you can do to help make the new home feel cosier and more familiar for your loved one.

Here are some tips to help:

1.    Bring their loved bedsheets, blankets and pillows

A new home and room do not necessarily mean that you must only fit it out with new items. To help the transition, you should bring your loved one’s favourite bed sheets, blankets and pillows. These small items are crucial for providing comfort. They can help make a care home room feel cosier and more inviting than one without.

2.    Put up pictures and decorations

Pictures and decorations can complete a room. Old photographs of your family member can not only help them feel at home, but they also have great benefits. It helps if they suffer from Alzheimer’s or Dementia as it encourages them to associate and reminisce. Decorations could include much-loved teddies, flowers, paintings, sculptures and vases. All of which can help bring some familiarity and personalisation to the care home room.

3.    Add pieces of furniture

You may have some family heirlooms such as larger furniture pieces that are valuable to your loved one that is worth adding to their room. Sentimental furniture can add a personal touch to an otherwise unfamiliar room. It is also a great way to replicate certain set-ups from the previous home.

4.    Find out what smells are familiar

Our sense of smell allows us to associate and connect with a space. Perhaps your loved one had a certain scent that was in their previous home? It could be a type of perfume, fragranced candle or spray. Adding a familiar smell to your loved one’s care home room can make it smell like what they are used to therefore making it a much more comforting and familiar space.

5.    Supply lots of activities

One often forgotten about aspect to making the perfect care home room is the must-have activities. Anything like crosswords, puzzles, pens and pencils allow your loved one to participate in regular enjoyable activities that encourage mental exercise. Digital tablets are brilliant for providing entertainment and are also brilliant for spontaneous video calls and messaging.

6.    Bring the essentials

Depending on the care home, it is important to ensure small everyday essentials are included or can be provided by yourself. These would be towels, toiletries, clothes and electronics. By providing these, it will allow your loved one to feel settled and at ease as they will have everything they need for their daily routine. It is also good to have spare items, as this reduces concern when items have been misplaced or lost.

There are no right or wrong things to bring when moving in your loved one to their new care home and making their perfect care home room. Although, we recommend that you always check with the care home in case they have any restrictions.

What is important is that it is a comfortable process and it most certainly can be. Here at Sydenham House, we prioritise our residents’ needs and always put them first. We understand it can be a stressful time moving and that is why we are always here to help.

Should you have any questions, please contact us today.