As the population of American seniors continues to grow, the need for housing and services to meet the needs of this population grows, as well. The number of Americans ages 65 and older will have more than doubled over 40 years, reaching 80 million in 2040. The number of adults ages 85 and older, the group most often needing help with basic personal care, will nearly quadruple between 2000 and 2040. To put it in perspective, by 2030, every Baby Boomer will be age 65 or older, meaning that one out of every five U.S. citizens will be of retirement age. And, just for reference, in 2019, there were only 54.1 million people age 65 and older.
Currently, the U.S. is experiencing an increased need for:
- Assisted living communities
- Direct care workers
- Support technology
- In-home care choices
The growing need for assisted living communities comes from the fact that many aging adults are choosing to leave their homes and hassles behind to enjoy the support, safety and socialization of assisted living communities. These communities offer help with the activities of daily living, while also providing social opportunities and various amenities. For example, at Lamar Court Assisted Living Community, residents have access to chef-prepared meals, relaxing outdoor courtyards, activity rooms, a whirlpool, a barber and beauty shop and beautifully decorated common areas.
For seniors considering a move to assisted living, it is helpful to understand how these communities can truly become a home.
Decorating for Seniors
When it comes to decorating for seniors, there are many reasons to take it seriously. First, it can help anyone, including older adults, to adjust to new surroundings after they make it their own. Second, it can assist in keeping seniors safe to set up their space to fit their needs. This can include paying attention to:
- Higher beds and furniture to assist in rising and lowering
- Minding traffic flow to reduce tripping hazards
- Installing benches and grab bars in bathrooms
- Paying attention to lighting
At Wesley Court Assisted Living Community, there are a variety of apartment sizes to choose from, based on your needs. Each space is equipped to meet the needs of a resident’s care requirements, desire to entertain and living needs. Additionally, residents pay an affordable monthly rent that includes both breakfast and dinner, as well as access to all Wesley Court’s amenities.
Assisted Living Decorating Ideas
Decorating an assisted living space can help turn a new room into a home! The feeling created by the right décor can help instill calm emotions, establish physical safety and allow the resident to relax and unwind. To reap these benefits, here are some assisted living decorating ideas:
- Plan ahead to understand the space and know the layout
- Prioritize fall prevention and function
- Be careful of cords
- Add plants
- Organize to keep everyday items convenient
- Create character by adding personal décor and belongings
- Bring in adequate lighting
- Use color to help delineate space and brighten the living area
Decorating can be an activity shared with family and friends. It can also be helpful to discuss the move-in process with your assisted living community ahead of time. This helps the resident and family to understand upcoming events, celebrations, holidays and other opportunities to add some spice to the decorations you choose!
Planning Ahead
At Tutera Senior Living & Health Care, our assisted living communities allow seniors to maintain independence by supporting their current needs and encouraging a healthy, happy, active lifestyle. This all begins at move-in when residents create their YOUNITE Story, a life history that helps the Tutera team to understand the resident’s preferences, likes, goals and concerns. To further support our residents, all Tutera communities participate in a partnership with EmpowerMe Wellness. This program creates an integrated care system, focused on the physical, intellectual and emotional needs of the residents. Through EmpowerMe Wellness, Tutera communities offer one-on-one therapy services, including:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Personal training
Interested in locating a Tutera assisted living community near you? Try our location finder tool! And contact Tutera Senior Living today with any questions regarding our communities, our care or our decorating ideas!
