An older adult woman sits in her senior living apartment, drinking a cup of tea. On a table beside her are flowers, a teapot, a sugar dish, and a pitcher for cream.
We share practical tips for setting up a senior living apartment that feels comfortable, familiar, and truly like home from day one. Photo Credit: iStock.com/Eva-Katalin

Senior living apartments have a reputation for being clinical and uninviting, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Even if you have less space and need to get rid of some of your belongings, there are many ways to make your new home feel inviting and comfortable, tailored to your preferences. Here are some tips that will help you make your senior living apartment feel like home.

Set the right expectations

An important first step toward creating a homelike senior living apartment is setting the right expectations. Know that your new apartment will not look exactly like your old space. Think of it as a new home you get to make your own.

When thinking about how to set up your new home, it’s important to keep in mind certain priorities, including:

  • Safety. Not everything you own will be safe to bring to senior living. For example, you want to avoid items that could create a trip hazard or another safety concern.
  • The dimensions of your new space. Be realistic about which of your items will fit.
  • Furniture provided by the facility. For example, some communities provide beds or other furniture, so you can leave those items behind.
  • Comfort and familiarity. Think about which of your belongings could most help your new space feel comfortable and homelike.

Thinking about these priorities and setting the right expectations can help set the stage for what’s realistic when creating a homelike feeling in your new space.

Bring the right furniture

Figuring out what to do with furniture is one of the most challenging aspects of a move. The goal is to focus on the pieces that will add comfort, support daily routines, and help the new space feel familiar without making it crowded or harder to move around safely.

  • Consider the size and safety of a piece of furniture. Think about what furniture is actually needed and what will fit well in the apartment. A favorite recliner, dresser, or small kitchen table may be worth bringing if it will be used regularly and adds a sense of home. At the same time, large, bulky, or hard-to-use pieces may not work well in a smaller space, especially if they limit walking paths or make it harder to use a walker or other mobility aid.
  • Measure your furniture before you move in. Think practically about what will fit into your senior living apartment’s dimensions and floor plan to help you avoid overcrowding and make better decisions about which familiar pieces are worth making room for.
  • Consider what the community provides. As mentioned before, some communities provide certain types of furniture like beds, storage, and seating. Check what your new community provides so you don’t end up with more furniture than you need.

Use familiar personal items to create comfort

Familiar items are important in a senior living space, especially in homes that are already furnished or are small, with limited space for large items. They make your space feel more comfortable and allow you to create a space that’s all your own.

“Home is where we can express ourselves,” says Karen Fingerman, professor of human development and family sciences at the University of Texas at Austin and director of the Texas Aging and Longevity Center. “People who have a match between personality and living space report better well-being, and they feel better about their life and have a better mood.”

Things you can bring from home to create a sense of comfort include:

  • Family photos.
  • Keepsake items.
  • Artwork.
  • Houseplants.
  • Favorite blankets and decorative pillows.
  • Decorative floor or table lamps.
  • Books and hobby items.
  • Religious items.

Check with the community if you have items you would like to hang on the wall, as some do not allow you to use nails. If they don’t, consider using removable hooks, mounting putty, or double-sided tape. Also check about any other restrictions they may have for things like fire hazards.

Incorporate daily routines into the senior living space

Daily routines can help reduce anxiety and support better cognitive function. They can also make your house feel more like home. You can create a sense of continuity and convenience by bringing items that support your daily routine from your previous home into your new home.

Here are a few ideas that can help support your daily routines in your new space:

  • Set up a coffee or tea station on your kitchen countertop.
  • Create a hobby area with a small table or a reading nook with a comfortable chair and a bookcase.
  • Make space for frequently used items. For example, leave an open space next to your favorite chair for your walker.
  • Make it easy to maintain your daily habits. For example, create stations for personal care items and medication routines.

Set up the bedroom for comfort and relaxation

It’s important to think carefully about what to keep when downsizing for senior living, especially in the bedroom. You deserve to create a warm, safe, and inviting space so you can relax in comfort at the end of the day.

Here are some ways to create a comfortable, relaxing senior living bedroom:

  • Arrange furniture to support safe movement. Keep walkways clear of clutter so you can move around safely.
  • Use a motion-activated nightlight for nighttime bathroom trips.
  • Place your hamper where you get dressed and undressed for easy access.
  • Put a chair in your bedroom to support safe dressing.
  • Make it easy to support your existing bedtime routines. Use a nightstand for a glass of water or a bedside caddy to hold your cell phone, tablet, and books.

Make the living area feel inviting

The living area should feel comfortable for everyday use, but it should also feel welcoming when family or friends stop by. A few thoughtful choices can help the space feel warm, personal, and easy to enjoy. It should be a space that you feel proud of because it doesn’t just look like home; it looks like your home.

Here are some ways to make your living room feel inviting:

  • Arrange seating to encourage relaxation and conversation. A favorite chair, small sofa, or extra chair for visitors can make the space feel settled and ready for company.
  • Use soft, warm lighting and table lamps that illuminate the space without harsh overhead lighting. This can make the room feel more comfortable while still keeping it bright enough for reading and daily tasks.
  • Add familiar colors, patterns, photos, or decorative accents that reflect your personality and help the apartment feel like home.
  • Keep walkways open and easy to move through, especially for someone who uses a walker or needs extra stability.
  • Avoid rugs that can become a trip hazard. Instead, you can add a pop of color with a throw pillow or a lap blanket.
  • Incorporate your favorite things into your living space, like a vase of your favorite flowers, a favorite coffee table book, or a family photo on an end table.

Final tips for setting up a senior living apartment to feel like home

Setting up a senior living apartment often requires downsizing, but that doesn’t mean it won’t feel like home. You should think about what will fit into your new space, which items can support daily routines, and which items are most practical, but you should also bring what you love. You can craft a home that’s all your own by striking a balance between practical items that will help you age safely and your favorite pieces.