6 Ways of Making a Care Home Feel Homely

Moving into a care home is a big life change. For many people, it can feel overwhelming to leave behind the home they know and love. But with a few thoughtful touches, it’s possible to create a space that feels warm, familiar, and uniquely theirs. Personalising a care home room doesn’t just make it look nicer—it helps new residents feel more comfortable and at ease in their new surroundings.

Here are some simple ways you can help your loved one turn their care home room into a cosy, personal sanctuary filled with memories and comfort.

Bring Familiar Furniture and Décor

Nothing makes a space feel more like home than familiar furniture and decorations. Most care homes will allow you to bring in a favourite armchair, a bedside table, or a chest of drawers from your loved one’s previous home. These small but meaningful pieces can help bridge the gap between their old and new environment, offering a sense of continuity and comfort.

You can also add little touches like a lamp, colourful rug, or beloved painting from home. These small items don’t just brighten the space—they turn it from a featureless room into a warm and personal space. Soft furnishings such as cushions, throws, and curtains can help create a snug, inviting atmosphere and adding sentimental pieces, like a vase or clock they’ve had for years, can bring a sense of familiarity that’s very comforting for people coming to live in a new place.

Display Family Photos and Favourite Mementos

Photos of family, friends, and special times can instantly transform a care home room into a space filled with lovely memories. Whether you hang them on the walls, create a little photo gallery, or place framed pictures on a table, these personal touches can bring smiles and spark happy conversations.

Mementos such as souvenirs from holidays, small heirlooms, or trinkets that hold sentimental value can also help your loved one feel more at home. These items act as gentle reminders of happy times, and they can even be great conversation starters with care staff or other residents

Add a Splash of Favourite Colours

Colours have a big impact on how we feel, so incorporating your loved one’s favourite shades can help make their space feel more familiar and uplifting. Whether it’s through bedding, cushions, or wall art, using colours a new resident loves helps bring a sense of calm and happiness to their new surroundings. Most care homes welcome you bringing personal bedding and soft furnishings for your relative, so consider bringing along their favourite blanket, quilt, or pillows. These small details make the space feel more personal and warm, helping them settle in with ease.

Bring Personal Items from Home

Just because someone moves into a care home doesn’t mean they have to leave behind the little things that bring them joy. Encourage your loved one to bring along personal belongings like books, keepsakes, or even a few houseplants to make their room feel more like their own. If they have a hobby they enjoy, bring items that will help them continue it in their new home. Whether it’s a knitting basket, a collection of favourite DVDs, or garden tools for use in the homes' outdoor spaces, having access to these familiar things can give residents a sense of purpose and independence.

Create a Memory Box

A memory box is a great way to keep treasured memories close at hand, especially for residents adjusting to their new routines or those living with memory loss. These boxes can be filled with photos, letters, and small keepsakes that hold personal meaning.

Putting together a memory box can also be a lovely family activity while planning the move to a care home. Sharing stories and reminiscing over the items chosen can help your loved one feel supported and cherished during this transition. Once completed, the memory box can sit in their room, ready to provide comfort and spark fond memories whenever they need it.

Use Familiar Scents and Sounds

Scent is deeply tied to memory, so familiar smells can be incredibly comforting in a new environment. You could bring scented sachets, a favourite hand lotion, or plug-in diffusers with calming fragrances like lavender or vanilla. Many care homes don’t allow candles for safety reasons, but there are plenty of other ways to introduce those familiar scents your loved one enjoys.

Sounds can also create a sense of calm and familiarity. A small radio or portable speaker can fill the room with music they love—whether that’s classical pieces, old favourites, or gentle nature sounds. These familiar sounds can create a soothing background and make the space feel more homely.

Helping Your Loved One Settle in at Bothwell Castle Care Home

At Bothwell Castle Care Home, we understand how important it is for our residents to feel at home. That’s why we encourage every individual to personalise their space with items that reflect their life and personality. From family photos to cherished furniture, we’re here to help create a warm and welcoming environment that feels truly their own.

If you’d like to learn more about how we support our residents in settling into their new home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d be delighted to talk with you about how we can help make the transition as smooth and comforting as possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we support our residents in making their new home truly their own.