Loneliness in the elderly has long been a significant problem. Older people are often alone at home and have few rights. Today, many solutions exist, such as game afternoons for the elderly or, for example, retirement homes. Older people get more socializing as they live together in one building. To make the elderly comfortable, the living space should also look and feel comfortable. This article will give you some tips to brighten up a nursing home! Read on to know more!
1) Hang Photos
Hanging a picture will instantly add atmosphere to the room. You can hang photos of the persons’ family and friends and pictures of their pet or a beautiful city. Choose the best photo and put it in a beautiful photo frame. Choosing different colors and sizes of frames makes it look gorgeous when hung on the wall. Pictures can also be placed on a special table or cabinet.
2) Create a Decoration
There is nothing more beautiful than a decoration made by themselves. Let them draw a beautiful picture, let them paint one by themselves, or ask (grandchildren) to do it. It’s also great to do something fun with a group. This will give you a fun activity and cute things to brighten up your room at the end of the day. You can also make them decorate a flower pot and put flowers or plants in it. This makes their stay even more comfortable.
3) Provide Sufficient Lighting
Lighting can create a lot of atmosphere in a nursing home. For example, hang a lovely big lamp above the table and put a small lamp on the coffee table. A large lamp is a real eye-catcher. So, choose a lamp that adds ambiance and blends in with your interior. A small light can be used for both mood lighting and reading. In this way, elders can also comfortably read a book.
4) Create a Homely Atmosphere
It’s imperative for elders to feel at home in the space they reside in. Adding a wonderful wallpaper also contributes to the home’s ambiance, Even better, this can be created from a photo of a resident’s former foyer.
5) Provide as Much Entertainment as Possible
Elders may find it difficult to entertain themselves. Make sure they have enough “entertainment”. Think of beautiful concerts and nature documentaries on TV, but also, for example, these fun activities.
6) Keep Everything Nearby
- Allow residents to get everything from a ‘quiet spot’ (such as an armchair by the window). Place remote controls, magazines, blankets, or water bottles on the table next to their chair.
- Provide several points of light to facilitate turning lights on and off. Ensure that power buttons are not too low or too high for easy access.
- Remove carpeting, wiring, and miscellaneous items from floors to prevent tripping and falling.
- Organize cupboards and drawers so frequently used items are within easy reach and clothing is not too high or low.
- Beds should be at a height that is easy for people to get in and out of. If the bed is too high, place springs on the floor; if too low, use a bed lift.
6) Let the Elderly (Re)Discover Their Power and Self-Control
Give them space to reaffirm their power and maintain control, but do not force them to do so. Do not ask open-ended questions such as “What would you like? No matter how well-intentioned, people sometimes feel uninformed and incompetent.
Do you have any other tips to help? Don’t hesitate to share it with us in the comments below!
