How to Decorate and Bring Serenity to the Home of a Senior

Guest Blog #241, Entry #741, November 3, 2011

Many adults these days are opting to skip retirement homes and bring their elder relatives to live with them.  This could be because the economy has made it difficult for seniors to live on their own (or for families to pay for senior facilities), or it could be a reaction to the many horror stories of elder abuse at nursing homes that make their way to the press.  Perhaps people are just returning to the family values of old that require the young and able-bodied to see to their elders.  Whatever the case, you may find yourself playing host to elderly parents, aunts and uncles, or other seniors in your life.  And you probably want to make sure that they are comfortable and happy in your home (especially if they are suffering from any ailments).  So here are just a few tips for creating the tranquil retreat they require.

Design criteria to consider for seniors

Image via: My Home Ideas

Special needs to consider:

First and foremost, you need to consider that seniors often have special needs.  They may be unable to navigate stairs, so putting them in first-floor accommodations is a good idea, if possible.  They might also need to be near a restroom, so give them the room that is closest to the water closet.  Once you have determined the proper room to house your elderly guest, it’s time to get to the fun of decorating the space.

Have a senior living with you? Consider your home design

Image via: Interior 4 You

Interior aesthetics:

It’s always a good idea to get input from the person who will occupy the room, since he/she may be averse to certain color palettes, but you really can’t go wrong by arranging for a neutral base.  You should probably skip bright white, though, and go for warm neutrals like cream, beige, or tan on walls and floors since these tend to be comforting.  Or if you want to go a little feng shui, consider pale blue (like a robin’s egg shade), which is said to produce a feeling of calmness and love.  These options will create the basis for a Zen space that is sure to appeal to just about any inhabitant.  And use carpeting rather than wood or tile flooring: it will help to insulate the room and provide a non-slip surface.

From there you’ll need to add a few items.  When it comes to the bed, you may want to let your houseguest make the call on a mattress, since everyone has different requirements for comfort in this most basic furnishing.  Go out mattress shopping to see what your senior guest requires.  Just remember that even people who prefer a firm mattress should go for a softer option than what they think they’ll like since it will feel a lot different after several hours lying on it.  If you’re not sure, go for an adjustable mattress (like the Sleep Number Bed) that can be programmed.

Plan your home with seniors comfort in mind

Image via: Universal Design

Display area:

Finally, you’ll want to include storage and display space for personal items.  This means adding a dresser and nightstands, usually.  You may also want to include easy-to-reach shelving for books, photos, and knickknacks.  And if your senior guest is confined to bed much of the time, think about wall-mounting a flatscreen so that your relative can enjoy some much-needed distraction.  You may also want to include plants to provide extra oxygen and brighten up the room.  Remember that this person is an adult, with his or her own likes and dislikes (not to mention personal needs), so try not to instill too much of yourself into the space and allow for changes that will make your guest as content as possible in a new place.  A retirement home may not offer seniors decorating options, but a personal home certainly can.

For more senior lifestyle ideas on Stagetecture, click here.