Tips for Personalising Your Space
Moving into a care home is a major change, and one of the biggest comforts during the transition is having a space that feels familiar and personal. At Allenbrook Nursing & Residential Care Home in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, residents are encouraged to make their rooms their own. A warm, personal environment can lift mood, support independence and help new residents settle in with confidence.
Below are practical tips and ideas to help you personalise a new room so it truly feels like home. Families can also use this guide when preparing a loved one for the move.
Start with meaningful belongings
One of the simplest ways to personalise a room is to bring the items that matter most. These pieces help create instant familiarity in a new setting.
Consider bringing:
- Favourite photographs
- A beloved armchair
- A familiar blanket or bedspread
- Books or hobby supplies
- Artwork or framed pictures
Sentimental items provide comfort and continuity. At Allenbrook Nursing & Residential Care Home, you are welcome to bring personal belongings, as long as they can be used safely in the space. If you are unsure what is suitable, the team is always happy to advise.
Think about colour and texture
Your room should feel warm and inviting. Soft furnishings are an easy way to transform a neutral space into one that feels personal.
You might add:
- Cushions in your favourite colours
- A throw with a familiar texture
- A decorative rug
- Light curtains or a fabric that suits your taste
These small touches make a noticeable difference and help create a comforting, homely feel.
Display family photos and memories
Photographs of loved ones are often one of the most powerful ways to feel settled. They spark conversation, support memory and bring a sense of belonging.
Ideas include:
- Creating a small photo wall above a bedside table
- Using a digital photo frame if preferred
- Adding postcards, letters or prints in frames
- Displaying small memory items such as keepsakes or souvenirs
Residents living with dementia often find comfort in visual reminders of family and past experiences. Personalising a room in this way can support emotional wellbeing and provide reassurance throughout the day.
Add elements of your hobbies and interests
A homely room reflects the person who lives in it. Bringing items connected to your hobbies helps maintain your identity and encourages you to stay engaged.
For example:
- Knitting, crochet or craft baskets
- Puzzle books, crosswords or board games
- Gardening magazines or seed catalogues
- Music players, radios or favourite CDs
- Sketchbooks, paints or pens
Allenbrook Nursing & Residential Care Home offers a varied activities programme, and bringing hobby items can help the team understand your interests and support you to stay involved.
Create a calming bedtime space
Sleep routines often change during transitions, so making your sleeping area calm and familiar is especially helpful.
Try adding:
- Your own pillows or preferred bedding
- A comfortable bedside lamp
- A favourite book for winding down
- A photo or keepsake on the bedside table
These touches help you settle into a new rhythm and create a sense of safety at night.
Keep your layout familiar
A familiar layout can ease anxiety, especially during the early days of settling in. If possible, try to place items in similar spots to those at home.
For example:
- A chair by the window
- A reading lamp on a particular side
- A specific drawer for important items
- Toiletries arranged in a familiar order
This consistency supports independence and helps you feel in control of your space. The Allenbrook team can help arrange furniture safely and comfortably to match your preferences.
Bring comforting scents
Smell is strongly linked to memory. A gentle scent can instantly make a room feel personal.
Options include:
- Lightly scented drawer liners
- Lavender sachets
- A favourite hand cream or moisturiser
- A small fabric spray for cushions or bedding
Avoid candles or plug-in air fresheners for safety reasons, but natural scents from soft furnishings are completely fine.
Add simple touches of nature
Nature brings calm, colour and life into any room. Even a small touch can make the space feel warm and uplifting.
You might include:
- A small indoor plant
- A potted herb in a sunny spot
- Seasonal flowers delivered weekly
- Nature prints on the wall
If caring for a plant feels challenging, the team at Allenbrook can help choose low-maintenance options or assist with watering if needed.
Work with the Allenbrook team
The team at Allenbrook Nursing & Residential Care Home in Fordingbridge takes pride in helping residents settle in comfortably. They will always support you in personalising your room in a way that is safe, practical and meaningful.
Whether you need help arranging furniture, hanging pictures or choosing what to bring, staff are there to guide you. Families are encouraged to take part in the setup too, as it often helps ease the transition.
You can learn more about the home, facilities, and approach by calling us on 01425 656589 or completing our online contact form.