Moving into a long-term care center like Christian Health Care Center is a major life change. Everything will feel new and different, so it is important to make the space where your loved one will live feel like home.
Semi-private rooms at CHCC have two beds, a shared bathroom and individual closet spaces. Provided are a bed, tv, chair, small chest of drawers and a nightstand. The rest is up to your creativity!
Here are some fun ideas for making your loved one’s long-term care residence their own:
- Decorate with accent pieces like pillows, bedding, throw blankets, stuffed animals and favorite wall art pieces that will add pops of color to the room.
- Display personal items such as family photographs, mementos, figurines and special awards or recognition plaques.
- Add an artificial plant. There are so many to choose from, and “fake” plants look very realistic these days. Flowering options will add year-round color.
- Use small, removable wall decals as a creative way to personalize their room.
- Include a memo board to keep important notes, reminders, greeting cards and photos organized. The cards and items pinned on the board can be rotated to keep it fresh and organized.
- Supply a clock with large numbers that will display the date, day of the week and perhaps the weather.
Keep in mind that certain standards must be maintained to safeguard the well-being of all residents. These standards, which relate to safety, infection control and resident rights to private personal space, require CHCC to adhere to the following principles:
- Maintain approximately 3 feet between beds as well as between the ends of beds and the opposite wall or furniture.
- Obstacles that hinder quick and easy access into and out of the room are not allowed.
- There may be nothing on top of the overhead light fixture, on top of the wardrobe or on the PTAC heater.
- Items to be hung on the walls are to be reviewed for safety and affixed by environmental services.
- Your possessions must be contained to your part of the room.
- Scatter rugs and extension cords are not permitted.
- If you wish to bring personal furnishings to your room, you must have them approved by environmental services before placement in the room.
Additional information about room furnishings and décor will be provided during the admissions process. If you have questions before that time, please call us at 360-354-4434.
Creating a safe and cheerful environment can greatly enhance the mood and quality of life for residents, and it can nurture a sense of belonging by transforming a sometimes clinical-feeling space into a warm room that reflects their unique identity. We hope that this article will help you plan for and decorate your loved one’s new long-term care home.