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l Spring 2015
1. Create a personal sanctuary.
Your parents will need to have personal space that they
can call their own and be able to go to at any time for peace
and privacy. This is usually their bedroom, which shouldn't
be too small, so they have room to make it into somewhat
of a suite. They'll need space for a table or bookcase to
display their photos and memories, and a room with a
large window or two to sit by will be very beneficial. This
will give your loved one a sense of having a "home within a
home," and they'll be able to get away when they need to
without actually leaving your care. Believe it or not, they'll
want their privacy, and this will give you back some of the
privacy you were willing to let go of.
2. Customize common areas.
Incorporate their belongings with your décor. The addition
of their throw blankets on the back of your couch or some
of their photos along the mantle will help them acclimate
more quickly. Maybe they own a record collection that you
could make room for on a shelf. They need to be able to
wander around the house and feel at home, and seeing
their belongings around will give them a greater sense of
comfort. If they have a piece of living room furniture a
favorite chair let them keep it. You don't want to force
them to adjust to your style completely. You want to create
one unified, unique space that you all share equally.
3. Give them a tour and label everything.
Giving instructions on how things, such as new appliances,
are operated will be important. If your parent has any
issues associated with memory loss, such as dementia
or Alzheimer's disease, leave easy-to-read labels
on the dishwasher and other
confusing objects.
If they have a mobility issue, you'll
want to make sure everything is
easily accessible, such as dishes and
medicine. Create designated spaces
in each room, like a separate cupboard
for their breakfast cereal. It may sound
elementary, but labeling everything will
help them adjust and keep them from
possibly ruining some of your things.
Also, give them a walkthrough of the
entire house, including everyone else's
rooms and even the outdoor spaces. It
will make them feel more welcomed and
less like a guest with restrictions.
4. Plan meals and make lists together.
Don't assume that you've got everything they need. It is
very important that you continue to treat your loved one
with respect, instead of like a child. Ask them for their
input on meal planning, and see if there's anything in
particular from a store they need or if there's a certain
place they would like to go. If they have diet restrictions,
discuss with the rest of the family to make sure everyone
is on the same page.
Space
Making
Here are the things you'll
need to take note of when
making space for them: