Recently I completed a unique client project that I wanted to share with you all. A lovely woman by the name, Lynn, asked if I can help make her mother’s stay at a private long-term care facility less institutional and more homelike.
Decorating for the aging population comes with its own set of challenges—bridging safety and functionality with style and design. Lynn asked that I work with her mother’s existing furniture and wall colour to create a comfortable environment filled with her personal and familiar possessions.
When decorating, layout should be taken into considered first. There should be ample space for ease of mobility especially when things such as walkers and wheelchairs are a part of daily use. Keep it simple and avoid all tripping hazards such as area rugs and electrical cords.
It’s known that many people associate healing with nature, it’s helpful to create a space that imitates the outdoor environment. This is achieved by adding lots of greenery, natural textures, increase the lighting and decorating with colours such as yellows, blues and greens.
Luckily Lynn’s mother was a crafty women during her lifetime, she had a variety of rug hooking artwork that she created. We incorporated as much of her work as we could and it fit perfectly with the colour scheme we were after.
Familiarity is key so using other momentums from her past also helps to generate memories. Family photos is a great way to add a personalized touch. Creating a gallery wall is an interesting way to evoke meaningful conversion with family and visiting guests.
To help jog memory, a chalkboard is another great way to list things such as the current date, on-duty nurses and any other helpful information for the day. Using a stylish frame can add to the ambiance of the room.
Touch and visibility are huge sensations for the elderly. Using cozy blankets and throws on the chairs and bedding also helps excite the senses and stimulate memories. It’s best to pick accessories that are contrasting in colour.
It was a pleasure helping out this family and creating a thriving environment for years to come. Do you have any decorating tips for loved ones in assisted living? Be sure to share!
If you’re looking for design assistance or advice, be sure to contact me for more info.
10 Comments
This looks lovely, Sabrina! It looks so relaxing and inviting. You really warmed up the space and that gallery wall is so cool. Amazing job! xo
I love this project. You’ve created a very meaningful personal space for Lynn’s mother.
Looks lovely. My sister put up TOO many photos in my Mom’s Assisted Living room, and it is sensory overload. I’ve been taking them down little by little. This room has given me more motivation to make it simpler and more serene. Thanks!
Wow – that is really touching and beautiful all at once! What a great thing you did – I’m sure it meant the world!
This looks great! I should offer to help my Grandmother do a makeover of her space. Thanks for sharing.
My sisters, who are both nurses, made sure to hang up photo’s over my mother’s nursing home bed of her when she was young. They said that it really does make a difference when the nurses come in to care for the patient to see the a reminder of who the patient is…and was.
Great idea! Thanks for the suggestion.
I love what you did I’m staying with my parents now ‘my dad is 85 m mom 78 .It is hard getting the house safe but keeping it from being like a hospital. Thank you for so many good ideas I think I will be busy for a bit getting their room fixed up. 🙂
I really like the bedding you chose. Can you tell me where you bought the blue & white blanket on the bed?
Great job, Sabrina! I’m getting ready to move my mom into an assisted living facility and you have given me some great ideas to cozy up the space, to make it feel personal and beautiful while also being safe and functional. Thanks for sharing this project with us!