The Memory Unit OT

When you walk into a long-term care room ‘as is’, it’s likely going to look pretty stark and standard. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, these Residents are now living in this space. Let’s make it look and feel a little more like home.

Make the Bed

I’m going to be honest and say that the beds and pillows in most long-term care settings are about as comfortable as the beds in most college dorms. They’re usually thin and covered in a plastic liner. Not all facilities will allow mattress toppers (due to fall prevention and hygienic purposes), but they will absolutely allow pillows, sheets, and blankets from home.

I recommend soft sheets, a traditional comforter (not a duvet), extra fluffy blankets, and a most favorite pillow. I’ve had several Residents over the years who have homemade quilts and Afghans atop their beds. Friendly reminder that patterns can sometimes be really challenging for individuals living with dementia to visually/cognitively process and understand, so bear that in mind when making recommendations.

Use Warm yet Bright Lighting

I’m going to be honest again by saying that not all long-term care residencies provide the best in-room lighting. Most that I’ve seen come with either a single florescent light in the middle of the ceiling or a single task light over the bed.

Have you ever noticed that the coziest homes have warm light? Maybe it’s just me, but there’s something about a warm light bulb that just emits cozy vibes.

We want the room to be well-lit for our Residents, but we also want comfort (which florescent lights often don’t provide). Recommending a warm lamp and a task lamp next to a cozy chair or by the bed are great options for maximizing appropriate light while still maintaining comfort.

Advocate for a Nice Recliner

While we’re on the topic of comfort, let’s talk lazy chairs. Who do you know that doesn’t love a good squishy comfy chair?

In long-term care, recliner chairs are not only great for relaxing, but can also promote positional changes, leg elevation to manage swelling or wounds, increased time out of bed for Residents who don’t tolerate other seating options well.

Some Residencies will provide recliner chairs for long-term rooms, but if a Resident or family has money to spend on a recliner, it’s a great recommendation to make.

Stock the Closets and Drawers

The comfy jammies, the cozy socks, the soft towels, the extra blankets, the best soaps and shampoos and lotions, aren’t always available in long-term care settings. Most items are stocked directly from a medical supplier and are about the same as that found in a hospital setting.

That being said, hospital gowns and commercial grade towels still work great. The soaps and lotions that medical suppliers produce will keep skin clean, hydrated, and smelling fresh. But if having personal care items is meaningful to the Resident, recommend families keep the drawers stocked. I also recommend keeping a good stock of comfortable clothes, pajamas, and socks. The facility will label and keep up with all the laundry, and Residents will have personal items that are comfortable to wear.

Add Personal Touches

This is where it all comes together. That stark and standard room becomes a warm and welcoming space.

The decorations in the room should be personal to the Resident, but also shouldn’t add unsafe clutter. Framed photos are always a great option. A plant in the window sill brightens any space. A clock or calendar to reference easily. A small bookshelf with meaningful knick-knacks and decorations break up the starkness of a room. Sometimes even simple additions like a tabletop fridge with favorite drinks and snacks or a radio tuned to a favorite station can add a personal element.

If you’re looking for more specific items to recommend, I’ve got a whole list of ideas here.