Senior Apartment Design Tips for Comfort and Safety
Moving to a warm, friendly community can aid the transition to retirement, and that's what's on offer in the peaceful West Windsor Township location. It's easy to see why the over-60s make up one-fifth of the population in this part of New Jersey.
If you are considering senior living, you'll want a home that offers space, comfort, and convenience. In this apartment design guide, we'll explain how to customize any assisted living quarters with some thoughtful touches that help turn your new retirement destination into a home.
Opt for an Open, Safe Apartment Layout for Seniors
Open layouts are a popular choice for modern interiors, helping any room feel more airy and spacious.
For seniors, there is another advantage. Open spaces make it easier and safer to move around, minimizing obstructions and improving sightlines. That's particularly important for seniors with mobility issues who may use walkers, wheelchairs, or canes.
If you are considering a senior living community, look for rooms that feel spacious, uncluttered, and simple, as this interior design style is the most accessible for individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges.
Choosing Comfortable Furniture
It's tempting to browse through interior design magazines and select stylish, high-end furniture that has a wow factor. But that's not always the best choice for senior living. You want to prioritize comfort first.
Before buying furniture, try it out, as it's often difficult to tell from a picture what sort of support and comfort level it provides. Firm cushions and sturdy arms are often beneficial, so avoid sofas with deep, low seating, as this can make it harder to stand up.
Ensure beds are at a suitable height so that your feet touch the floor when sitting, and test the bed support to find the right firmness, especially if you have back pain.
The Perfect Lighting for a Senior Apartment
It's easy to overlook the importance of lighting or to pick a lampshade as an afterthought. However, natural, bright lights in our living spaces can help energize us and boost our well-being.
Bright lights also have another practical advantage. They help light up the space and reduce the risk of falls or eye strain. If you want something high-tech, you could opt for motion sensor lighting, which is helpful if you need to get up during the night to use the bathroom.
In your main living space, avoid harsher glares and go for a diffused bulb, as that will make your interior feel more calming. Don't forget to maximize natural light with adjustable blinds.
Aging-In-Place Design: Support Accessories for Mobility Issues
There are numerous inventive accessories available on the market that can make apartments safer for seniors, particularly those who struggle with balance and mobility. Most of these are easy to install and low-cost.
Consider adding some of the following for the most accessible living spaces:
- Grab bars
- Non-slip flooring
- Walk-in showers
- Shower seating
- Raised toilet seats
- Lever-style door handles
Adding these extra features means seniors won't have to struggle to move around their apartments. It also gives relatives peace of mind that their loved one is in a safe and comfortable environment, free from the risk of falls or other injuries.
Assisted Living Interiors and Smart Device Technology
Technological advances have meant some brilliant innovations that can help seniors in private apartments. They offer a combination of convenience and safety. You might want to consider investing in some of the following:
- Voice-activated lighting
- Smart thermostats
- Voice-activated blinds
- Video doorbells and smart locks for extra security
- Automated reminders for medication and appointments
- A voice assistant like Alexa or Siri
If you are a family member helping your loved one transition to senior living, consider setting up some of these features for your relative and helping guide them on how the technology works. It's always a learning curve at first, but in the long term, it can help make life easier.
Memory Care-Friendly Design: Pick a Color Scheme That Calms
When you walk into a private apartment, your first reaction should be a sense of calm. Color schemes play an important role, especially for those with early memory loss who need soothing, familiar environments.
Here are some top color choices to consider:
- Teal is calming and great for bedrooms or reading corners
- Moss green can make your indoor space feel more serene
- A warm, dusty rose can add softness to a bedroom
- Lavender grey adds elegance and sophistication
- Slate blue helps create a restful sensation, ideal for sleeping quarters
You can also consider keeping your space neutral. Whites, creams, and beiges are a popular way to add more natural light to an interior.
Add Accents and Personal Touches
It's always good to make a senior apartment feel like home and to showcase some of your personality through decor and accents. Why not head to some of the fantastic local shops in West Windsor?
Find boutiques that sell unique items to help brighten your living space, such as framed prints, colorful throws, or intricate, handcrafted ornaments. It's a great way to connect with the community and a chance to discover local artists and craftspeople who can help you bring some warmth and familiarity to your new living space.
Designing Interiors That Encourage Social Connection
Maintaining social connections in old age is crucial. It protects against loneliness and can boost well-being. While senior living communities like Bear Creek Assisted Living offer fantastic communal areas for socializing, don't overlook the importance of creating a similar atmosphere in your private living quarters.
Arrange seating in a way that fosters relaxation and encourages conversation. If you have a dining space, consider an extendable table that can make it easier to host guests without adding too much bulk to the room.
Apartment Design for Seniors: Creating Comfort and Convenience
Living a full life in your later years means striking a balance between comfort and convenience. Smart apartment design features, such as accessibility aids and modern technology, can make a significant difference.
Thoughtful design is at the heart of what we offer at Bear Creek Assisted Living. Whether it's our delicious food or landscaped outdoor areas, we've thought about the little details (and won awards for it). Book a tour now to see our fantastic community for yourself.