Making the Move to Residential Care: Small Comforts That Make a Big Difference

Easing the Transition from Home to Aged Care
Moving into residential aged care can be one of life’s most challenging transitions—especially without familiar comforts. Providing thoughtful comforts for aged care residents can make the move more positive, helping them feel safe, respected, and at home from day one. For families and care providers alike, even the smallest detail can ease the journey. Alzheimers NZ offers helpful guidance on this transition.

1. Create a Familiar and Comfortable Environment

For new residents entering aged care facilities, the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and schedules can be overwhelming. Encouraging them to bring familiar personal items from home—such as side tables, family photos, cherished quilts, or a favourite pillowcase—can help recreate the comforting environment they’re used to. These small, familiar touches are some of the most important comforts for aged care residents, helping create a sense of security and familiarity in a new environment.
Tips for personalising aged care rooms:

• Pre-set rooms with personal items to reduce stress on arrival.
• Encourage hanging of meaningful artwork or photographs.
• Provide space for familiar furniture where possible.
• Use soft furnishings with familiar textures and scents to evoke memories of home.

2. Support Independence and a Sense of Identity

Loss of independence can affect self-esteem. It’s important that care home residents feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
Promote individuality in aged care by:

• Asking about their hobbies and pastimes early on.
• Encouraging participation in meaningful activities (e.g., mural painting, book clubs, current events discussions).
• Supporting continued involvement in community groups, with transport provided where possible.

This not only nurtures emotional wellbeing but also helps build trust and a sense of purpose.

3. Foster Connection with Nature

Access to nature has proven physical and mental health benefits for aged care residents. Whether it’s a garden view or hands-on gardening, time outdoors promotes relaxation and joy.
Ideas to bring nature into aged care homes:

• Allocate garden space for resident planting projects.
• Use indoor plants to create a calming atmosphere.
• Assign residents plant-care responsibilities for ownership and engagement.
• Schedule pet visits to provide comfort and companionship, especially for animal lovers.

4. Prioritise Dignity and Respect

Maintaining a resident’s dignity is key to a positive care home experience. The simplest gestures—like knocking before entering a room or using preferred titles—go a long way in showing respect.
Best practices for respectful aged care:

• Ask residents and families about personal preferences in care routines.
• Train staff on tone, privacy, and appropriate interactions.
• Hold regular feedback sessions to make improvements.

5. Provide Joyful Touches and Daily Comforts

Creature comforts help transform a clinical space into a warm, welcoming home. Little things—like colourful cushions, cosy throws, or scheduled entertainment—make life in aged care more enjoyable.
Boost comfort and happiness by:

• Offering a menu of soft furnishings to choose from.
• Creating a varied weekly activities schedule including music, games, and movies.
• Allowing quiet, personalised spaces in addition to communal areas.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning to aged care doesn’t have to mean giving up the comforts of home. With a thoughtful approach to environment, dignity, and personal expression, facilities can create a positive, homely experience for aged care residents—where wellbeing, respect, and joy are part of everyday life.

Looking to furnish or refresh your aged care facility?
Explore our range of comfortable, commercial-grade furnishings and bedding, designed to make rooms feel just like home. Contact us to learn more or request a product guide.
sales@vendella.co.nz
0800 836 335