Moving into a care home is a significant life change, both for the individual and their family. Leaving behind the familiarity of one’s own home can feel daunting, but it’s important to focus on the many benefits this transition can bring. Care homes provide round-the-clock care and support, a safe and secure environment, opportunities for companionship, and professional help with nutrition and re-enablement to maintain or regain independence. While the change may seem overwhelming at first, care homes are designed to feel warm and homely, and there are plenty of ways to personalise the experience so that it truly feels like home.
Personalise Your Space
One of the best ways to settle into a care home is by personalising your living space. Some care homes allow residents to bring their own furniture into an unfurnished room (after the relevant fire safety checks), and decorate to your taste. Consider making a care home checklist so you can ensure you bring the things that are important to you. If the room is already furnished, you can still add a personal touch with items such as blankets, cushions, photo frames, and your treasured decorations. These familiar objects can evoke comforting memories and help create a sense of continuity.
Consider incorporating items that hold special meaning, such as artwork from your previous home, a favourite armchair, or special family photos. Small but significant touches like these can transform your new room into a space that feels like home.
Maintain Your Routines
A big part of feeling at home is continuing the routines that bring comfort and joy to daily life. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea in bed each morning, watching your favourite TV show in the afternoon, or having an evening snack before bed, these small habits can bring a reassuring sense of normalcy. Care home staff are dedicated to helping residents maintain their preferred routines. For instance, if breakfast in bed is a ritual you cherish, the team will ensure it becomes part of your daily experience.
Stay Connected with Loved Ones
Moving into a care home doesn’t mean losing touch with family and friends. Most care homes welcome visitors at any time, and many offer comfortable communal spaces for socialising. Staying connected with loved ones is crucial for emotional wellbeing, so make sure to invite them to visit often. Additionally, care homes often have technology available to facilitate video calls, ensuring that even distant relatives can stay in touch.
Keep Up with Hobbies and Interests
Another way to make a care home feel like home is by continuing to pursue hobbies and interests. Many care homes provide opportunities for activities such as gardening, arts and crafts, reading, or even baking. The staff can also support residents in accessing the local community, enabling them to visit favourite spots or attend events. Staying engaged in meaningful activities not only makes the environment feel more familiar but also contributes to a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Bring Familiar Scents and Sounds
Sometimes, it’s the smaller sensory details that can make a place feel like home. Consider bringing items that carry familiar scents, such as a favourite perfume, soap, or bedding. Similarly, listening to familiar music or watching a television show you love can create a comforting atmosphere. Many care homes have options for residents to play their own music or even join group music sessions.
Balance Independence and Support
One of the benefits of living in a care home is that difficult tasks like cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation are taken care of. However, if participating in domestic activities like folding laundry or tidying up helps you feel more at home, many care homes will happily support you in continuing these activities. It’s all about striking the right balance between receiving support and maintaining a sense of independence.
Build Relationships with Staff and Residents
Feeling at home isn’t just about the physical environment—it’s also about the relationships you build. Getting to know the care home team and fellow residents can create a strong sense of community. Many care homes organise social events and group activities, providing opportunities to form connections and make new friends. The compassionate and skilled staff in B&M Care homes are trained to foster a sense of belonging for every resident, ensuring that emotional and social needs are met.
Making a Care Home Feel Like Home
Moving into a care home marks the beginning of a new chapter, filled with opportunities for support, companionship, and personalised care. By bringing cherished belongings, maintaining meaningful routines, staying connected with loved ones, and engaging in hobbies, you can transform your care home experience into one that feels truly homely. With the support of dedicated staff and a welcoming community, it’s entirely possible to create a space that offers both comfort and joy.
At B&M Care, we strive to ensure all our residents feel comfortable, secure, and at home, while being empowered to live their lives the way they want. Contact our friendly team now to find your local B&M Care home, where we provide residential, dementia specialist and respite care home stays. We are always here to support you, even if it’s just to answer your questions.