Personalizing Nursing Home Living Spaces
Moving into a nursing home is a significant life transition. At Maple Leaf Health Care Center in New Hampshire, we believe that personalizing living spaces can make this transition smoother and more comfortable for our residents. A personalized room not only feels more like home but also contributes to a resident’s overall well-being and quality of life.
Why Personalization Matters
Creating a personalized living space in a nursing home is crucial for several reasons:
- It helps maintain a sense of identity and individuality
- It provides comfort and familiarity in a new environment
- It can improve emotional well-being and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression
- It encourages visits from family and friends by creating a welcoming atmosphere
- It can stimulate positive memories and provide cognitive benefits
10 Ways to Personalize a Nursing Home Living Space
1. Bring Favorite Furniture Pieces or Décor Items
Incorporating familiar items from home can instantly make a new space feel more comfortable. Consider bringing a favorite armchair, a cherished lamp, or decorative items that hold special meaning.
2. Display Family Photos and Cherished Mementos
Surrounding your loved one with images of family and friends can provide comfort and spark joyful memories. Create a photo wall or place framed pictures on bedside tables and dressers.
3. Use Familiar Bedding and Linens
Bringing bedding from home can make the new bed feel more comfortable and familiar. Choose cozy, easy-to-wash fabrics in your loved one’s favorite colors or patterns.
4. Incorporate Favorite Colors
Use your loved one’s preferred colors in the room’s decor. This could be through throw pillows, blankets, curtains, or even a fresh coat of paint if permitted.

5. Add Personal Touches
Small decorative items like throw pillows, a favorite blanket, or curtains can significantly impact the room’s ambiance. These touches can make the space feel more personalized and homey.
6. Set Up a Small Plant or Herb Garden
If your loved one enjoys gardening, consider setting up a small indoor garden. Low-maintenance plants or herbs can bring life to the room and provide a sense of purpose.
7. Create a Memory Wall or Bulletin Board
Designate a space for displaying cards, artwork, or mementos. This not only personalizes the space but also serves as a visual reminder of cherished relationships and experiences.
8. Personalize with Hobby-Related Items
Incorporate items related to your loved one’s hobbies or interests. This could be anything from knitting supplies to a small bookshelf filled with favorite reads.
9. Use Scents or Aromatherapy
Familiar scents can evoke positive memories and create a sense of comfort. Use a favorite perfume, scented candles (if allowed), or essential oils to add a personal touch to the space.
10. Incorporate Technology for Entertainment and Communication
Set up a television, radio, or digital photo frame to provide entertainment and keep your loved one connected with family and friends.
Maple Leaf Health Care Center: Supporting Personalization
At Maple Leaf Health Care Center, we encourage and support the personalization of our residents’ living spaces. Our rooms provide opportunity for individual expression, and our staff is always ready to assist with decorating and arranging personal items.
We work closely with families to ensure each resident’s space reflects their personality and preferences. Our goal is to create an environment where residents feel at home, comfortable, and valued as individuals.
Getting Started with Personalization
Personalizing a nursing home living space doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with a few meaningful items and gradually add more as you see fit. Remember, the goal is to create a space that feels comfortable and familiar to your loved one.
At Maple Leaf Health Care Center, we’re committed to making every resident feel at home. Our staff is always available to discuss personalization options and help you create a living space that truly reflects your loved one’s personality and preferences.
To learn more about our personalization policies or to schedule a tour of our facilities, call Maple Leaf Health Care Center today at 603-669-1660. Let us help you create a true home away from home for your loved one.