Many retirees moving into 55 apartment communities in Dallas, TX experience mixed feelings as they approach the big move. While this change of environment can be incredibly exciting, it can also lead to some anxiety. To make the transition from aging in place to living in a communal setting easier, we recommend personalizing your retirement community apartment to make you feel more at home. Here’s what you can do to personalize your or your loved one’s new home:
Ask Questions
When prospective residents and their families are touring retirement communities, they’re encouraged to ask as many questions as they need. One topic that you may want to ask about is home decoration and personalization since retirement communities have different rules and policies when it comes to apartment customization. Some questions you may want to ask while touring include:
- What furniture pieces come with a resident’s apartment?
- Are residents allowed to drill holes into the walls for decor?
- Are residents allowed to paint the walls?
Pictures and Artwork
If you or your loved one are moving into a retirement community for the first time, it can be an intimidating change in the environment. One great way to bring some familiarity into your new living environment is to bring some pictures and artwork from home. Additionally, these types of wall decor don’t take up any floor space, making it an efficient way to spruce up your new apartment home while keeping it spacious.
Painting the Walls
Many retirement communities adopt policies that allow their residents to paint their apartment homes with their color of choice. If your or your loved one’s retirement community allows you to paint your walls in your favorite color, we recommend that you give your new home a splash of color. Painting your walls not only helps you to feel settled into your space earlier but is also a great way to get a headstart on taking ownership of your home in the retirement community.
Place Indoor Plants
A spot of greenery is always effective in helping to brighten things up in your home, which is why we encourage you to bring potted indoor plants such as ferns and peace lilies with you during the big move. If you already own indoor plants, this will be a great way to make your new home feel more familiar, and if you’ve never tried caring for an indoor plant, this could be an exciting new venture! Furthermore, indoor plants provide more than just aesthetics, they’re also scientifically proven to improve your physical and mental health.
Familiar Scents
If you’re looking to make your retirement community apartment more like home besides adding decorations, an effective way to do so is by appealing to your senses. For example, you can add a plug-in aroma diffuser to your home and fill it with your favorite essential oils. Aromatherapy helps you to fill your new living space with comforting scents, helping you to get used to your new home faster.
On the hunt for a retirement community for yourself or a loved one? Try browsing through our senior living options!
