Making Retirement Homes Feel Like Home: 7 Tips and Tricks
Transitioning to a retirement home can be a significant change, often accompanied by feelings of unease and unfamiliarity. However, it’s possible to transform these spaces into warm, comfortable havens that feel just like home.
In this article, we will look into practical advice and ideas that can help create a comforting atmosphere in senior living communities. From selecting the right personal belongings to bring along, to fostering new connections, we will share strategies to ensure your retirement living space truly feels like home.
Summary:
- Personalize Your Space
- Stay Active and Social
- Get to Know Your Neighbors
- Create New Routines
- Stay Connected with Loved Ones
- Embrace the Community
- Maintain Independence
- Wauwatosa Retirement Homes
1. Personalize Your Space
One of the best ways to make a retirement home feel like home is by personalizing your living space. Decorating will create an environment that reflects your personality, preferences, and lifestyle. Start by incorporating personal photos and mementos that bring back fond memories and provide a sense of familiarity.
Consider painting a wall or two with your favorite colors to give the room a personal touch if the retirement community allows. Fresh flowers can add life and color to your space, making it feel more welcoming. Ultimately, personalizing your retirement home should be about creating a space that caters to your lifestyle and feels uniquely you.
2. Stay Active and Social
Staying active and social is integral to making a retirement home feel like your own. Engaging in social activities not only keeps you connected to the world around you but also fosters a sense of belonging. Incorporating hobbies, volunteering, or even using social media are some ways to remain socially active and connected.
These activities are particularly crucial for older adults as they can sometimes feel lonely and isolated. Being socially active also helps maintain good physical and emotional health, as well as cognitive function. In fact, research suggests that a socially active lifestyle could be key to staying healthy!
3. Get to Know Your Neighbors
Getting to know your neighbors is another great way to make a retirement home feel more like home. Start by introducing yourself and taking an interest in their lives. You can also participate in community activities or events to meet more people. These social interactions can be as simple as sharing meals, joining a book club, or even participating in fitness classes together.
Bonding with neighbors not only helps create a support system but also provides opportunities for companionship and shared experiences Remember, everyone in the retirement home is likely experiencing similar changes and challenges, so don’t hesitate to reach out and connect.
4. Create New Routines
Retirement homes offer a different lifestyle than living in your own home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t establish new routines. This could be simple routines like morning walks, reading the newspaper with a cup of coffee, or weekly game nights with neighbors. Routines provide opportunities to engage in activities you enjoy, which promotes overall well-being.
Additionally, they can help to reduce stress and anxiety associated with the transition to a new living situation. If you can, include physical activities in your routine for an added bonus of creating an exercise routine.
5. Stay Connected with Loved Ones
Moving into a retirement home does not mean you have to give up contact with family and friends. In fact, staying connected with loved ones can help make a retirement home feel even more like home. Make use of technology to video chat or call your loved ones frequently. You can also invite them to visit and show them around your new living space.
6. Embrace the Community
Retirement homes often have a strong sense of community, with residents coming from various backgrounds and experiences. Embrace this diversity and get to know your fellow residents. Attend events and activities, join committees or clubs, and even volunteer within the community. This can help you feel a sense of purpose and connection within your new home.
7. Maintain Independence
Finally, it’s important to maintain a sense of independence in retirement homes. While there may be some limitations due to safety concerns or physical abilities, it’s essential to continue doing things that bring you joy and a sense of accomplishment.
This could be as simple as gardening, painting, or reading. By maintaining your independence, you can truly make a retirement home feel like your own.
8. Wauwatosa Retirement Homes
Moving into a retirement home is an adjustment at first, but with these tips you can create a comfortable and welcoming environment that truly feels like home. If you’re looking for a welcoming retirement community in Wauwatosa, then consider Harwood Place.
Featuring luxury amenities and a supportive community, Harwood Place helps seniors enjoy retirement years to the fullest. Contact us to learn more about our Wauwatosa retirement community and schedule your tour today!
