One of the main reasons why people are hesitant to enter a senior living community like Village Park is because they simply do not want to move. Changing your residence is one of the most stressful things that a person can go through, and leaving a place that is both familiar and comfortable can make that all the more difficult. At Village Park Senior Living, we take pride in providing all the comforts and services needed for a carefree lifestyle. We also know that being able to decorate and organize your own space, and to really make it a home, can make the transition a whole lot easier. When planning how you are going to arrange your new space, it is important to keep three key factors in mind: safety, convenience, and social interaction.
Make Safety Your First Priority
Older individuals can sometimes have difficulty maintaining their balance, and for them even a relatively minor bump or fall can potentially be a serious medical issue. Although emergency monitoring and on-site nurses are just some of the amenities offered at Village Park, taking a little extra time to make your own living space as safe as possible can avoid trouble down the line.
- Design your living space so that it is open and easy to navigate.
- Carefully place your furniture so that walkways are clear for walkers, canes, or wheelchairs.
- Ensure that there are no tripping hazards, like unsecured rugs or electrical cords.
- Avoid furniture with sharp corners or that is made of glass. Such pieces can cause injuries.
- Add extra safety features in areas where accidents are more common, like adhesive, under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, motion sensitive night lights in the hall, or grab bars and non-slip strips in the bath or shower.
Make the Most of the Space You Have
While the bungalows, cottages, and apartments at Village Park all provide ample space for comfortable living and amenities, they may be smaller than the family home you might be leaving. This means that convenience and accessibility will also be important.
- Look for smaller pieces of furniture that can serve more than one function. For example, some sturdy, well-balanced pieces can provide additional support and balance while moving through a space and a stylish ottoman might double as discreet and convenient storage.
- Keep phones near sitting areas or near the bed and put frequently used items in drawers or cabinets that are easily accessible.
- Strong contrasts in color between furniture, surrounding walls, drapes, and floors can improve visibility and make it easier for you to navigate your space as well.
Make Your Space a Reflection of Your Personality
Safety and convenience are important, but for a house or apartment to really feel like your home it has to reflect you and the things that you care about.
- Carefully choose an assortment of decorations that reflect your cherished memories, loved ones, and accomplishments.
- Keep cozy blankets and throws on hand, but choose pillows and cushions that are more firm, so that you don’t sink in and have difficulty getting back up.
- Select colors and art work that make you feel healthy and energized.
- Finally, since social activities can help alleviate depression, remember to include additional seating and space to play the games or activities that you most enjoy.
If you are interested in learning more about independent living, assisted living, or memory care in one of our communities, please contact Village Park Senior Living to schedule a tour. Our courteous staff will go over all of the options and help you determine which one might be right for you. For more special interest stories and informative articles about topics of interest to seniors and our community, you can also check out our weekly blog or follow us on Facebook and Google+ to get the latest news and updates.