Today was the assisted living move in day so of course, between work, regular mom care, and never ending paperwork for the facility, I found myself fixing up her new room at 11pm last night.
It was a strange project to fix up Mom’s small new room. I put together a couple of photo displays and did my best to channel her interior design genes– which I lack!
And yet after my best efforts it felt small and a bit bare. I am sure that I will bring more items over time as I get a sense of what works well.
Do people have suggestions for how to make a room like this cozier?
Not quite the plan 
July 17, 2015 at 11:37 am
Its looks cozy, but maybe a few live plants in the window sill, if they’re allowed. I’m glad to see there isn’t an area rug to trip on.
July 17, 2015 at 11:58 am
The quilt on her bed is certainly helpful. She will appreciate that so much. 🙂
If there are any pictures or mementos that offer a greater picture of her personal journey throughout her life, they can be beneficial those who work with her and will help them to get to know her beyond her illness. They also provide comfort and conversation starters for those who visit. A shadow box frame covered in plexiglass is a great way to display these items. Also, a basket for cards from loved ones…and encourage family and friends to send a card now and again. A simple card can be shared and bring a tremendous amount of comfort.
July 17, 2015 at 7:46 pm
The quilt was made by her mother, my grandmother so I thought she might find it especially reassuring. I like the idea of cards a lot!
July 17, 2015 at 8:14 pm
Your grandma’s quilt is very special…so glad she has that to comfort her.
July 17, 2015 at 12:06 pm
How about a colorful rug, a kind she wouldn’t trip over, either in front of the chair or at side of the bed. Looks like a good start.
July 17, 2015 at 12:52 pm
Is there only overhead light? If so, maybe some lamps?
July 17, 2015 at 2:21 pm
I see you have photos on a shelf; sometimes artwork that she would currently recognize (paintings, other wall hangings, etc.), would be a nice touch. I would steer clear of place rugs as they really present a hazard for most people in your mother’s situation, tripping to be sure, but also, it’s very common for someone with Alzheimer’s or related dementia to misinterpret a place rug as something that looks like a gaping hole in the ground, making the resident extremely anxious about its placement in a room.
July 18, 2015 at 4:09 am
I think it looks cosy already. I got a mirror to make Anthony’s room seem bigger but then that wouldn’t be cosy. Thinking of you both. xx
July 18, 2015 at 10:58 pm
I made sure my mom could see her granddaughters and my Dads picture. We kept them by her bed and if there is room, make sure she has a chair or recliner. My mom would watch Lawrence Welk or Wheel of Fortune. I also hung a lot of my girls drawings. It looks great. I know it’s hard. We are all here to support you.
August 12, 2015 at 2:16 pm
A suggestion from my doing my kids’ rooms when they were much younger – a matching/coordinating quilt or something on the wall.
Also, long-time reader and first-time commenter… this is a great blog. One of my favorites as many of the other caregiver blogs out there are written by people a little older than me (and I’m 45, so you’re super-young!). Keep it up.