When moving into a care home, one of the most significant changes can be the shift from living independently in your own home to adjusting to a shared, sometimes more uniform, environment.

At Athena Care Homes our values include celebrating every individual and we encourage our residents to continue following their passions once they are living with us and to personalise their rooms to reflect their life, their hobbies and things that are important to them.

Personalising your room is a powerful way to retain a sense of identity, comfort, and autonomy, allowing every resident to make the space feel more like home. Here we’ll explore why personalising your room is so important and offer practical tips for making your new space uniquely yours.

Why personalisation matters
1. It promotes wellbeing and comfort – Personalisation can make your new living space feel familiar, which is crucial for emotional wellbeing. Seeing personal items, like family photos, favourite blankets, or cherished mementos, can make settling into a new environment easier.
2. It enhances mental and emotional health – Studies have shown that when people feel connected to their living environment, it can significantly boost mental health. Personal touches help create a sense of ownership and personalising your space can also stimulate positive memories and encourage conversation with visitors and care home staff, enhancing social interaction.
3. It helps maintain independence and dignity – Customising your room allows you to express your individuality and preserve a sense of control over your living space. Even though many aspects of life in a care home may be managed by staff, personalizing your environment lets you maintain autonomy and make choices about your surroundings.
4. Fosters a connection to the past – For many older adults, moving into a care home can mean leaving behind a lifetime of memories. Personalising your room with familiar items, heirlooms, and souvenirs from past travels can help keep those memories alive and maintain a connection to one’s personal history. These items not only bring comfort but can also help to spark conversations with other residents, fostering a sense of belonging.

How to personalise your care home room
1. Bring photos and artwork – Displaying family photos, pictures from past adventures, or favourite artworks can instantly transform the feel of your room. Consider framing photographs of loved ones or fun moments from your past. If you enjoy art, you can hang prints or even create your own artwork to make the space feel more vibrant and personal.
2. Decorate with favourite textiles – Add comfort and warmth with your favourite bedding, throws, and pillows. A familiar blanket or set of sheets from home can make your bed feel more your own, and a cozy throw can add an extra layer of comfort during colder months. Soft, colourful textiles help brighten up the room and can bring a sense of calm and familiarity.
3. Use personal items and keepsakes – Bring along objects that have special meaning to you, such as cherished books, trinkets, or collections. These items can be displayed on shelves, tables, or nightstands. They will not only give your room a more personalised feel but also serve as conversation startersabo9ut you and your likes and dislikes.
4. Incorporate plants or flowers – If you have the space and are able to care for them, bring a few plants or fresh flowers into your room. Greenery can improve the air quality and has been shown to have a calming effect, contributing to your overall wellbeing. Opt for easy-to-care-for plants like succulents or small potted flowers that brighten the room without requiring too much maintenance.
5. Personalised lighting – Lighting can greatly affect the ambiance of a room. Bring lamps from home or choose new ones that suit your preferences. Soft, adjustable lighting can create a soothing atmosphere or you can also opt for string lights or light-up decorations to add a personal touch.
6. Incorporate comforting scents – While many care homes provide standard furniture and fixtures, scents are something you can easily control. Whether it’s a favourite perfume, a lavender-scented pillow, or an essential oil diffuser, familiar and comforting scents can help create a relaxing atmosphere. Just be mindful of others’ sensitivities to fragrances, and be sure to check with the home before using certain products in your room.
7. Add personalised storage solutions – Customising your storage space to suit your needs can be both functional and meaningful. Whether it’s a special box for your keepsakes or an organized dresser drawer for personal belongings, arranging your things in a way that reflects your personality and habits is key.
8. Make your bed your sanctuary – The bed is often the focal point of any room, so making it a space you enjoy is crucial. Add your favourite sheets, blankets, and pillows to make it as comfortable and relaxing as possible. A well-made bed with personalised touches will make it easier for you to unwind and feel at ease.
9. Create a reading or relaxation corner – If space allows, set up a small area dedicated to your favourite hobbies. Whether it’s a comfortable chair for reading, a spot for doing puzzles, or a place for crafting, this corner can serve as a retreat where you can enjoy activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Personalising your room in a care home is more than just an aesthetic choice – it’s an important step in preserving your wellbeing, dignity, and sense of self.

By surrounding yourself with familiar, meaningful items, you can make your care home room feel more like home. The sense of comfort, connection, and autonomy that comes with personalising your space can make a significant difference in your quality of life and help you adjust to your new environment with a greater sense of ease and peace.