Going back to their home

Hospital to home

Following a hospital stay in old age, it might become necessary to make adjustments to the home environment to better accommodate the patient’s needs. If the reason was an injury after a fall or a brain condition, seniors may be affected by their cognitive functions.

If the house has two floors and the bedrooms and bathrooms are located upstairs, it may be necessary to consider relocating them to the ground floor. As for the bathroom and toilet, the decision should be based on the condition of the seniors. If they are unable to access the bathroom anymore, alternative solutions such as a chamber pot should be considered.

Colors and Wallpapers

The elderly individual may have spent their entire life in the same house, which may now appear outdated. The colors and furniture might evoke a sense of melancholy, reminding them of the passing years. However, this could be an opportunity to uplift their spirits and help them embrace the situation by remodeling and revitalizing the space.

Opt for neutral and soothing tones, such as light blues, beige, white, and a touch of pastels. Decorate with country flowers, dried or fresh, to add a pleasant scent, and choose light and airy curtains that allow the gentle breeze to flow through.

Comfort comes first

When preparing a home for an elderly relative, comfort should be the priority. Ensure all furniture is comfortable while suited to their size and age-appropriate. Look into furniture with extra support such as ergonomic recliners and adjustable beds.

Install a nightlight beside the bed to help them if they wake up during the night, or get up for frequent restroom visits. Installing grab bars can also provide extra support when moving around. Finally, keep their living space clutter-free to reduce potential risks of falls and other accidents.

Ramp or Automatic Stair Wheelchair

If the elderly person is wheelchair-bound, they may have difficulty accessing the upper levels of the house. To address this issue and provide them with a safe environment to move around, consider purchasing a ramp or an automatic stair wheelchair.

The latter can be operated by hand or even remotely so that the senior can access any floor of their home without assistance. Both solutions help keep the house accessible and safe for them. Furthermore, consider widening doorways to give enough room for a wheelchair or walker to pass through freely.

Technology

In addition to the physical changes in the house, it’s important to consider technology as a means of providing comfort and security for elderly relatives. Installing sensors around the house can alert family members or carers if something unusual is happening. These sensors are relatively easy to install and monitor.

Furthermore, this type of technology can be used to support medication reminders, lock doors remotely if needed, or control thermostats to ensure the elderly person is comfortable during different seasons. With the added benefit of video calling, it’s a great way to stay in touch with them when you can’t be present.

Family Gathering: Extend a Warm Invitation

Invite loved ones, including grandchildren, nephews, girlfriends, and young children, to join in celebrating this new chapter. The laughter and sounds of babies and the younger generation will infuse the space with vibrant energy, bringing joy and filling the senior person’s heart with pure love.

Moving home with you

Create their space

When elderly family members move in, it’s crucial to create a dedicated and private space for them. This establishes a new dynamic within the household, akin to having roommates during university. Instead of simply assigning them to a guest room, strive to recreate a mini version of their own home.

Make sure the entire house has enough space for them and their belongings, and create an inviting atmosphere that will make them feel comfortable. Consider adding some of their favorite items such as family photos or pieces of furniture they had in their home to reinforce a feeling of familiarity.

Make them feel valuable

Involve them as much as possible in your daily life, such as helping with children’s homework, gardening, or lending a hand in the kitchen.

Moving into Senior Care

When relocating a loved one to a senior care facility, similar considerations apply, albeit in a more condensed manner. The living space is typically smaller, like a studio or single room, and medical care and nutrition are provided.

Consider bringing items that bring comfort and familiarity, like a beloved blanket, family photo frames for visual connection, a cherished hobby, such as playing the guitar or piano, and even their beloved pet.

Tips on how to make senior care feel like home

  • Label their clothes for easy identification.
  • Stock up on essentials like shampoos, soaps, and toothpaste, ensuring you always have a spare package in advance.
  • Surprise them with flowers on a regular basis.
  • Spruce up their living space with festive decorations during holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and more.

Wrapping up

Preparing a home for an elderly relative to move in requires considerable effort and thoughtfulness. It’s important to ensure the house offers a safe environment while providing comfort and familiarity. Furthermore, seniors should feel included in everyday family routines as much as possible.

Finally, if relocating them to senior care, make sure they have access to all of their belongings and those items that bring them comfort and joy. With the right considerations, seniors can enjoy a safe home environment for many happy years to come.

In addition to physical preparations, it’s essential that families understand the emotional transition seniors go through when transitioning from their own home to a new one. Aside from providing them with necessary supplies and infrastructure, make sure they have plenty of emotional support and comfort.

Show them love and affection, spend quality time with them, and listen to their stories – these simple gestures can go a long way in helping the seniors feel at home. Finally, encourage open communication so they understand that their opinions matter and that you are always there for them no matter what.