What I Learnt About Moving a Loved One to a Retirement Home
Planning a new home with assisted care for an elderly family member was a labour of love for this Houzz writer
Janet Dunn
12 August 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor. Former NZ House&Garden writer and stylist, and avid interior design enthusiast. Ex-restaurateur and caterer, with a Professional Certificate in Gastronomy, University of Adelaide.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Former NZ House&Garden writer and stylist, and avid... More
There are plenty of cheerful quips and sage advice for those facing old age. They are urged to stay ‘young at heart’ and ‘age gracefully’, and told that ‘eighty is the new sixty’. Women’s rights activist Betty Friedan suggested that “ageing is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” On the other hand, actress Bette Davis wryly noted that “old age is not for sissies.” As I see my once active and fun-loving mother-in-law struggle to manage her own safety and wellbeing, I think I’m with Bette.
Val will shortly move to an aged-care village and the family is working towards a, hopefully smooth, transition from self-reliance to dependency. I gladly agreed to oversee furnishing her future home, a one-bedroom unit in the complex. This story shares what I learnt about decorating for those needing help with the challenges of growing old. Invaluable guidance on aged care environments came from the Victorian Government’s Health Vic advisory body.
Val will shortly move to an aged-care village and the family is working towards a, hopefully smooth, transition from self-reliance to dependency. I gladly agreed to oversee furnishing her future home, a one-bedroom unit in the complex. This story shares what I learnt about decorating for those needing help with the challenges of growing old. Invaluable guidance on aged care environments came from the Victorian Government’s Health Vic advisory body.
Change hats
It’s easy when decorating for someone else to assume they’ll like what you like. I had to step into the shoes of this beautiful 92-year-old woman (seen here at 84), still mobile but with some health complications and perceptual difficulties.
What I did: I thought about Val – her early life, her personality, her relationships, what she liked to do, how she might react to her new home. She is familiar with a different era of design than I am, and trendy modern decor would mean very little to her. I wanted to create a functional, safe and serene place she could call home
This is a project-in-waiting as Val’s unit is not yet available. These images illustrate the principles I applied when planning the design.
It’s easy when decorating for someone else to assume they’ll like what you like. I had to step into the shoes of this beautiful 92-year-old woman (seen here at 84), still mobile but with some health complications and perceptual difficulties.
What I did: I thought about Val – her early life, her personality, her relationships, what she liked to do, how she might react to her new home. She is familiar with a different era of design than I am, and trendy modern decor would mean very little to her. I wanted to create a functional, safe and serene place she could call home
This is a project-in-waiting as Val’s unit is not yet available. These images illustrate the principles I applied when planning the design.
Choose colours for comfort and personality
Emotional responses to colours significantly affect our moods and comfort. In the elderly, they also aid with navigation and orientation.
What I did: I talked to The Colour Agency’s Jacquelene Symond, an interior designer who has studied colour psychology. She has worked with Southern Cross Care and had helpful tips on colours for elderly eyes. Take greyed-off colours out of the picture, she advises. “You can still use blues and soft colours, but in clearer, more distinct, tones. Greens with a yellow tinge work well. Contrasts are important in differentiating items, but lots of stark white is hard on eyes and increases production of cortisol, the stress hormone.”
Emotional responses to colours significantly affect our moods and comfort. In the elderly, they also aid with navigation and orientation.
What I did: I talked to The Colour Agency’s Jacquelene Symond, an interior designer who has studied colour psychology. She has worked with Southern Cross Care and had helpful tips on colours for elderly eyes. Take greyed-off colours out of the picture, she advises. “You can still use blues and soft colours, but in clearer, more distinct, tones. Greens with a yellow tinge work well. Contrasts are important in differentiating items, but lots of stark white is hard on eyes and increases production of cortisol, the stress hormone.”
Symonds stresses the importance of considering who you are designing for, and if possible involving them in choices. Val is a gentle feminine soul – her palette is pinks, pastels, pale lavenders and blues. To avoid low-contrast, washed-out colours, I compromised by boosting the mood with warm sunny peach and fresh cool turquoise accents.
Read more stories on decorating with colour
Read more stories on decorating with colour
Double-check dimensions
Overall area and room dimensions affect furniture size, style and placement, colours, pattern choices and how functions fit into a space. Doors, windows and power outlets also dictate furniture layout.
What I did: I drew up a floor plan and took it shopping. The unit’s total area is about 19 square metres, with a small terrace off the bedroom and living space, a bathroom and kitchenette. I needed compact furniture and only pieces that were absolutely necessary in order to keep the traffic paths between rooms and to the outside open.
Overall area and room dimensions affect furniture size, style and placement, colours, pattern choices and how functions fit into a space. Doors, windows and power outlets also dictate furniture layout.
What I did: I drew up a floor plan and took it shopping. The unit’s total area is about 19 square metres, with a small terrace off the bedroom and living space, a bathroom and kitchenette. I needed compact furniture and only pieces that were absolutely necessary in order to keep the traffic paths between rooms and to the outside open.
Prioritise important furniture
Deciding on what Val would use most was easy. She’s an avid reader and a bit of a couch potato, so I put a chunk of my budget into a quality sofa. Upright sofas with timber arms were out, curves and comfort were in.
What I did: Elderly joints protest at levering themselves up from deep squashy sofas or perching on a too-firm seat. I chose this 2.5-seater Tivoli sofa from UD Furniture, which straddles the line between modern and traditional, and had it custom-upholstered for a quieter look. It features rolled arms, high back cushions, and a supportive high-density filling.
Deciding on what Val would use most was easy. She’s an avid reader and a bit of a couch potato, so I put a chunk of my budget into a quality sofa. Upright sofas with timber arms were out, curves and comfort were in.
What I did: Elderly joints protest at levering themselves up from deep squashy sofas or perching on a too-firm seat. I chose this 2.5-seater Tivoli sofa from UD Furniture, which straddles the line between modern and traditional, and had it custom-upholstered for a quieter look. It features rolled arms, high back cushions, and a supportive high-density filling.
This Paris wing chair, with the same rolled arms, high headrest and similar generous cushioning to the sofa, has tidy proportions while keeping the style consistent.
Both pieces were upholstered in a textural neutral fabric, ‘Matrix Marble’ by Warwick. A splurge item, a leather ottoman, doubles as a footstool and tea tray holder.
Both pieces were upholstered in a textural neutral fabric, ‘Matrix Marble’ by Warwick. A splurge item, a leather ottoman, doubles as a footstool and tea tray holder.
Steal space
The bedroom was a challenge, at just 2.9 metres wide and with limited solid walls. It was essential to maximise open space to make night-time loo trips as safe as possible.
What I did: Changing from a queen to a double bed bought precious space. Having just one bedside table with roomy storage leaves access to the bathroom clear.
The bedroom was a challenge, at just 2.9 metres wide and with limited solid walls. It was essential to maximise open space to make night-time loo trips as safe as possible.
What I did: Changing from a queen to a double bed bought precious space. Having just one bedside table with roomy storage leaves access to the bathroom clear.
A sofa doesn’t always need a coffee table. In this case, one would narrow access to the terrace. I found curvy timber nesting tables that are light, easy to move, and the kidney shape tucks neatly up against furniture corners.
Sharp corners and glass are hazards. Everything to go into Val’s home is rounded and curved. If angular furniture is used, plastic corner shields protect sharp edges.
Be inspired by photos of more compact living rooms
Sharp corners and glass are hazards. Everything to go into Val’s home is rounded and curved. If angular furniture is used, plastic corner shields protect sharp edges.
Be inspired by photos of more compact living rooms
Cater for habits
Personal routines are important for the elderly, helping them maintain a sense of order and control in their daily lives.
What I did: Pretty and feminine at 92, Val wanted a dressing table and chair so she could sit and put her make-up on. Ikea came up with a neat unit just 70 x 42 centimetres with a fold-up mirror and red felt-lined compartments for make-up underneath. A chair with padded seat and back support tucks snugly underneath.
Personal routines are important for the elderly, helping them maintain a sense of order and control in their daily lives.
What I did: Pretty and feminine at 92, Val wanted a dressing table and chair so she could sit and put her make-up on. Ikea came up with a neat unit just 70 x 42 centimetres with a fold-up mirror and red felt-lined compartments for make-up underneath. A chair with padded seat and back support tucks snugly underneath.
Enhance tea time
Although the complex has a pleasant social dining room, an inviting dining setting would come in handy for visiting guests and family.
What I did: Again, it was curves not angles with a neat table with rounded corners against a wall. Stable padded chairs with legs within the seat profile, easily moved out from the table, are essential. Ensure the table top contrasts with the floor and the chairs, to help depth perception. A bright cloth helps to clarify edges.
Although the complex has a pleasant social dining room, an inviting dining setting would come in handy for visiting guests and family.
What I did: Again, it was curves not angles with a neat table with rounded corners against a wall. Stable padded chairs with legs within the seat profile, easily moved out from the table, are essential. Ensure the table top contrasts with the floor and the chairs, to help depth perception. A bright cloth helps to clarify edges.
Make an entrance
Every home, no matter how small, should have a welcoming entrance with a place to drop keys, sunglasses, bags and shopping.
What I did: The entry hall is fairly tight, but a narrow console with a drawer is enough to hold some pretty objects – flowers and a couple of framed family photos. It still allows wheelchair access if it becomes necessary.
Every home, no matter how small, should have a welcoming entrance with a place to drop keys, sunglasses, bags and shopping.
What I did: The entry hall is fairly tight, but a narrow console with a drawer is enough to hold some pretty objects – flowers and a couple of framed family photos. It still allows wheelchair access if it becomes necessary.
Go lightly
Of all design factors, lighting has the greatest impact on wellbeing. It aids orientation, way-finding and mood, and can prevent falls. Older people need three times as much light as younger ones to perceive true colours and they are hyper-sensitive to glare. A combination of natural and artificial light, indirect glare-free general light and task lighting is desirable – and no flickering fluorescent.
What I did: I boosted existing overhead lighting with easy to-operate lamps and warm white light output. The unit receives plenty of daylight, so lacy sheers filter it without darkening the room.
Of all design factors, lighting has the greatest impact on wellbeing. It aids orientation, way-finding and mood, and can prevent falls. Older people need three times as much light as younger ones to perceive true colours and they are hyper-sensitive to glare. A combination of natural and artificial light, indirect glare-free general light and task lighting is desirable – and no flickering fluorescent.
What I did: I boosted existing overhead lighting with easy to-operate lamps and warm white light output. The unit receives plenty of daylight, so lacy sheers filter it without darkening the room.
Reconsider rugs
Val had already fallen a couple of times in her previous home, so I was keen to exclude anything that might cause another one.
What I did: I was reluctant to give up the acoustic benefits and homey textural qualities of a foot-friendly rug. However, a darker rug on a light carpet may be perceived as an alarming hole and is a potential trip danger, so sadly rugs and mats are out.
Things You Can Do Now to Future-Proof Your Home
Val had already fallen a couple of times in her previous home, so I was keen to exclude anything that might cause another one.
What I did: I was reluctant to give up the acoustic benefits and homey textural qualities of a foot-friendly rug. However, a darker rug on a light carpet may be perceived as an alarming hole and is a potential trip danger, so sadly rugs and mats are out.
Things You Can Do Now to Future-Proof Your Home
Hang meaningful artwork
Abstract art in vivid clashing colours isn’t optically comfortable. Artwork that represents reality – a country or garden scene, people, flowers and animals – will have more meaning and may trigger pleasant thoughts.
What I did: I always associate Val with pretty flowers and she’s an inveterate bird feeder. I picked canvas prints with butterflies, birds and beautiful blooms in clear blues, pinks, peaches and greens. We’ve often holidayed together at the beach, so a beach scene was a must.
Abstract art in vivid clashing colours isn’t optically comfortable. Artwork that represents reality – a country or garden scene, people, flowers and animals – will have more meaning and may trigger pleasant thoughts.
What I did: I always associate Val with pretty flowers and she’s an inveterate bird feeder. I picked canvas prints with butterflies, birds and beautiful blooms in clear blues, pinks, peaches and greens. We’ve often holidayed together at the beach, so a beach scene was a must.
Use patterns with care
Big busy patterns such as wide stripes and zig-zagging geometrics may create perplexing optical illusions. Dark spots and circles are a particular problem as they can resemble holes or dirty marks to ageing eyes and less-than-acute senses.
What I did: I kept patterns to a minimum and used them where they would visually define items and areas. I’m thinking a touch of gingham or paisley would add a familiar element.
Big busy patterns such as wide stripes and zig-zagging geometrics may create perplexing optical illusions. Dark spots and circles are a particular problem as they can resemble holes or dirty marks to ageing eyes and less-than-acute senses.
What I did: I kept patterns to a minimum and used them where they would visually define items and areas. I’m thinking a touch of gingham or paisley would add a familiar element.
Pile on textures
Touch is a strong sensory influence for the elderly, especially with fading vision and borderline dementia. It aids with recognising items, negotiating furniture and stimulating memories.
What I did: I contrasted soft pure wool and fleecy throws for the sofa, armchair and bed, velvety cushions, embroidered fabrics and tactile linen with supple leather, crisp cottons and smooth timber surfaces.
Touch is a strong sensory influence for the elderly, especially with fading vision and borderline dementia. It aids with recognising items, negotiating furniture and stimulating memories.
What I did: I contrasted soft pure wool and fleecy throws for the sofa, armchair and bed, velvety cushions, embroidered fabrics and tactile linen with supple leather, crisp cottons and smooth timber surfaces.
Include memory triggers
A completely unfamiliar environment can be daunting, and not only for the elderly. I was a little concerned the unit would look too different to Val’s previous home, but felt that her existing furniture would create space issues in the unit.
What I did: I collected a selection of small recognisable items, collated for their personal significance and to keep clutter to a minimum. I made a collage of family photos and framed some for prominent spots in the entrance, bedroom and living space. A family photo on Val’s door will aid with identifying ‘home’.
A completely unfamiliar environment can be daunting, and not only for the elderly. I was a little concerned the unit would look too different to Val’s previous home, but felt that her existing furniture would create space issues in the unit.
What I did: I collected a selection of small recognisable items, collated for their personal significance and to keep clutter to a minimum. I made a collage of family photos and framed some for prominent spots in the entrance, bedroom and living space. A family photo on Val’s door will aid with identifying ‘home’.
Val has a collection of pretty old-fashioned china – she is from the era when tea was sipped from delicate bone china cups with saucers. Some will find a place in the kitchenette handy to tea-making equipment and some will brighten up a sideboard.
A Caregiver’s Guide to a Supportive Home
A Caregiver’s Guide to a Supportive Home
Connect with nature
A 2016 Natural England commissioned report, Is It Nice Outside? lists the many benefits of engagement with nature during various stages of dementia. These include a more positive emotional state, less stress, reduced agitation and apathy, and better sleep, appetite, attention, awareness and sense of belonging.
What I did: Placing furniture with maximum exposure to outdoors helps prevent a feeling of isolation that can depress elderly people. The terrace off the living area will be a mini-garden of familiar old-world plants, with some indoors too. Small tasks such as nurturing plants generate a sense of purpose and usefulness.
A 2016 Natural England commissioned report, Is It Nice Outside? lists the many benefits of engagement with nature during various stages of dementia. These include a more positive emotional state, less stress, reduced agitation and apathy, and better sleep, appetite, attention, awareness and sense of belonging.
What I did: Placing furniture with maximum exposure to outdoors helps prevent a feeling of isolation that can depress elderly people. The terrace off the living area will be a mini-garden of familiar old-world plants, with some indoors too. Small tasks such as nurturing plants generate a sense of purpose and usefulness.
Don’t forget sounds
The acoustic environment affects how we function. People with ageing senses need to comprehend it by clearly identifying sounds and their sources. It’s essential to reduce uncomfortable noises and auditory clutter.
What I did: Plenty of soft surfaces and fabrics absorb sound and I’ve ensured that music would be part of Val’s day, with a radio with manual controls – digital controls cause confusion in older age groups.
The acoustic environment affects how we function. People with ageing senses need to comprehend it by clearly identifying sounds and their sources. It’s essential to reduce uncomfortable noises and auditory clutter.
What I did: Plenty of soft surfaces and fabrics absorb sound and I’ve ensured that music would be part of Val’s day, with a radio with manual controls – digital controls cause confusion in older age groups.
Subtle scents
Although over-stimulation is distressing, gentle sensory reminders can have positive effects. The right scent is a powerful tool for triggering past experiences.
What I did: The final touch – and a pleasant task – was to find ways to scent Val’s new home. Naked candle flames and aerosol room sprays were out so I went sniffing for reed diffusers. I chose subtle old-fashioned florals, gardenia and wild jasmine with a hint of mint. I hope they’ll spark comforting memories of Val’s younger days and flowers that she loved.
Tell us
Share your experience of making a comfortable home for an elderly relative or friend in the Comments section. And if you found this story useful, don’t forget to like it, share it, bookmark it or save the photos.
More
Read more lifestyle stories
Although over-stimulation is distressing, gentle sensory reminders can have positive effects. The right scent is a powerful tool for triggering past experiences.
What I did: The final touch – and a pleasant task – was to find ways to scent Val’s new home. Naked candle flames and aerosol room sprays were out so I went sniffing for reed diffusers. I chose subtle old-fashioned florals, gardenia and wild jasmine with a hint of mint. I hope they’ll spark comforting memories of Val’s younger days and flowers that she loved.
Tell us
Share your experience of making a comfortable home for an elderly relative or friend in the Comments section. And if you found this story useful, don’t forget to like it, share it, bookmark it or save the photos.
More
Read more lifestyle stories
Related Stories
Interior Design
The Golden Rules of Proportion: Decor Laws You Need to Know
An interior designer reveals the essential rules for achieving a perfectly balanced interior
Full Story
Interior Design
Design Masterclass: A Budget-Friendly Refresh of a Small Home
See how a designer's smart use of colour and considered storage solutions transformed a drab home for AUD$50,000
Full Story
Renovating Advice
Renovation Insight: How to Choose an Interior Designer
A skilled interior designer can help bring your decor dreams to life – three experts reveal how to choose the right one
Full Story
Interior Design
10 Decorating Rules Interior Designers Swear By
By Laura Downie
Want to give your home professional polish? An expert reveals the top 10 decorating rules you need to know
Full Story
Interior Design
8 Ways to Create Flow and Cohesion With Your Interior Design
These eight tips can help you select products, finishes and styles that work together from room to room
Full Story
For Pros
Trade Shows: Why They're Important Events You Don't Want to Miss
From networking to insights into new and emerging trends, here's why trade shows should be a firm 'yes' in your calendar
Full Story
Picture Perfect
22 Curtains That Dare to Be Different
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Project Of The Week
Before & After: A Cheap & Cheerful Makeover of a 1980s Caravan
Armed with an AU$1500 budget, a Melbourne couple rolled up their sleeves and transformed a caravan in just three months
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Melbourne Houzz: A Terrace Near Ruin Gets a Second Chance
See how a derelict Victorian terrace in Melbourne was transformed into a luxurious and serene family home
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Melbourne Houzz: A Family's Dream Home, 20 Years in the Making
Timeless, sophisticated and a little bit industrial – this heritage-home renovation is nothing short of spectacular
Full Story
I can’t believe the timing!!!!
Thank you so much for a fabulously thoughtful blueprint for this emotional and very important transition time for many families.
Because of my past experience in building, my friend recruited me to assist with the layout of her mother’s one bedroom apartment in a retirement home.
Your thoughts and pictures have been so inspirational. Plotting out little couches, beds, etc is one thing but your insight to the more subtle nuances that can help the transition and keeping the spirits up were invaluable.
Marvelous! Thank you again, Janet.
Also perfect timing for our parents. They have a tiny circular living room that is mostly windows with vertical blinds with a wonderful view and deck all around it (they keep them closed for privacy!! :D), but high ceilings and lots of light. What would you recommend to replace the ugly/temporary blinds? Thanks for good ideas!!
Great article. Very important information. I was a little confused by the statement to get the grey out but then so much of the decor of some of the photos was grey.
My ophthalmologist tells me that to maximize my remaining eyesight use contrast, like bright pillows on each end of the sofa, or pretty colored plates on light switches. Clap switches for lights is also helpful, or more modern digital assistants.
Rugs, even when "anchored," can be dangerous tripping hazards. Think about placement and thickness very carefully. Grab bars or grab furniture items anyplace potentially needed.