‘Home from Home’
Bringing personal items with you when you move into a care home, such as Birchwood House, is a simple and effective way to make it feel more like home. Photographs, paintings, books, souvenirs and small pieces of furniture all hold sentimental value it’s important to create that ‘home from home’ feeling when starting a new chapter of life in a care home.
Birchwood House retains its air of being a much-loved family home, and its 31 bedrooms – which include some double rooms for married couples – are mostly south and west facing with views over the rolling High Kent Weald. We understand that many of our residents are downsizing from a larger family home that maybe they’ve lived in for many years – and that it can be a highly personal and potentially emotional process, so it’s especially important that the new surroundings look, feel, smell and sound like home.
Photographs are one of the simplest items that can make a new room feel like home when residents move in. Being surrounded by framed pictures of smiling grandchildren or pets – even much older photos from bygone times, can be reassuring, especially to those suffering from early onset dementia.
Before the move, spend some time thinking about specific household items that hold the most meaning to you or your loved one. Everyone has something in their house that says ‘home’ to them; ornaments or mementoes of a wonderful holiday, framed art, a favourite quilt, throw or cushion, potted or artificial plants, a special vase, antique, clock or reading lamp. Being able to bring those precious, familiar, personal items when you move in can make a big difference on how quickly our residents adjust and settle in.
By trying to re-create at least a small corner of ‘home’ means that when you wake up in the morning, you’ll see the same books, photos, and memorabilia as before and waking up in a room that feels familiar can be reassuring during a potentially unsettling period. Bringing in these simple items to Birchwood House can contribute to a sense of homeliness, comfort and wellbeing.
Other articles you may like
- Birchwood holds a fun-filled Mad Hatter’s tea party.
Bringing a sense of fun and magic for residents this Easter. The staff at Birchwood House held a quirkyContinue reading “Birchwood holds a fun-filled Mad Hatter’s tea party.” - Birchwood ‘a natural choice’ for Kathleen’s mum
Choosing a home for a loved one is a considered decision, but one that Kathleen Holmwood made with ease.Continue reading “Birchwood ‘a natural choice’ for Kathleen’s mum” - The benefits of using the internet and modern technology
Since the arrival of Covid-19 and having to live through lockdown in the last 12 months, the reliance onContinue reading “The benefits of using the internet and modern technology” - What care options are available for those in later life?
Families going through the emotional stress of placing a spouse or relative into care, often tell us they findContinue reading “What care options are available for those in later life?” - Virtual tours help relatives find the right care
We’re well aware of the impact that Covid-19 has had on searching for a care home for a lovedContinue reading “Virtual tours help relatives find the right care” - The skills and attributes you need to be a good carer
The skills and attributes needed to be a good carer. Whether you’re looking for a good care provider orContinue reading “The skills and attributes you need to be a good carer” - White Christmas had by all at Birchwood
Pulling out the stops for a fun and festive December. We went all out to make sure it wasContinue reading “White Christmas had by all at Birchwood” - Maintaining positivity for residents and homecare clients
Well-being first for staff, residents & clients. We’re delighted to kick off a new initiative to show the smilingContinue reading “Maintaining positivity for residents and homecare clients” - Brightening up the afternoon for one lucky winner
Afternoon tea winner announced, courtesy of Birchwood chef Anne Jones We wanted to do something to brighten up someone’sContinue reading “Brightening up the afternoon for one lucky winner”
