Finding Home Again: Understanding Life's Next Chapter
The journey to a care home is a chapter that brings fresh perspectives on daily life, teaching us how to blend cherished routines with new possibilities.
Three key elements - maintaining social connections without sacrificing independence, preserving personal privacy, and retaining control over daily choices - form the foundation of a truly resident-centered care environment.
1. Staying Independent While Making Friends
Older adults value two things highly: maintaining their independence and keeping in touch with others . Instead of joining activities labeled as "social groups," people prefer getting together with others who share their interests .
Think about it like joining any club - it's easier to make friends when you're doing something you enjoy while taking care of yourself. Whether it's exercise classes, gardening groups, or craft circles, these shared activities let people stay active and social at the same time.
2. Keeping Some Things Private
Just like at home, people want control over their personal matters . Older adults know about available support services but prefer handling things their own way rather than being singled out as needing help. It's about finding the right balance between getting support and maintaining privacy.
This shows up in everyday situations like:
Managing personal routines
Choosing when to join activities
Keeping favorite items handy
Deciding when to socialize
Taking care of daily needs
3. Having a Say in Daily Life
People want to be involved in decisions in different ways . Some prefer making choices on their own, while others like discussing options with family or staff members. There's no single right approach - what matters is letting each person choose how they want to handle things.
Daily choices might include:
When to have meals and snacks
Which activities to join
How to arrange their personal space
When to have visitors
Managing daily schedules
How Dometic Helps Maintain Control in Daily Life
Regular weekly activities and personal independence work together . Small touches in room setup can make a big difference in helping people maintain their usual routines while feeling comfortable in their new home.
Dometic can help facilities with unique Room Setup Options:
Built-in fridges that blend with bedroom furniture
Quiet mini fridges designed for bedrooms
Small medical refrigerators
Energy efficient small fridges to keep costs down
Silent refrigeration that won't disturb sleep
When choosing room equipment, it's important to think about:
How quiet it runs (especially for bedroom use)
Energy efficiency and running costs
Easy access for residents
Safe installation options
How well it fits the space
For example, solutions like the HiPro Care silent mini fridge can help residents keep their favorite meal and drinks close by. These quiet mini fridges for bedrooms are just one way to help people maintain their daily habits while respecting everyone's need for peace and quiet.
Making It Work Together
Both independence and social connections matter in care home life. What helps make this happen:
Regular weekly activities that serve both purposes
Equipment that helps people help themselves
Natural ways to meet and stay in touch
Choices about when and how to join in
Solutions that respect privacy and independence
Whether it's installing energy efficient bar fridges or creating comfortable meeting spots, these solutions can help residents stay independent while building community. When residents can manage their daily lives and stay social in ways that feel natural to them, everyone benefits from a more home-like environment.
Interested in how we can contribute to improving your facility?
Check out our latest fridge developed specifically for long term care
Want more exciting insights like this?
Subscribe to the Dometic Professional Newsletter today!