Need Decoration Ideas for Nursing Home

[aggieterpkatie]

My Grandma fell and broke her hip about two weeks ago. She went throughs urgery ok, but has had some real setbacks. She's now in a nursing home and getting PT, but it doesn't look like she'll ever be able to move back home on her own.

My sister and I would like to make a few things to send to her to decorate her room. Any ideas? My sister is thinking about making a mobile with butterflies hanging from it. What else would be nice instead of regular pictures (which we'll probably also send). She's pretty out of it right now, so we'd like to send something pretty to look at.

 

[Wifezilla]

My girlfriend has a mom in nursing care. She just made a wreath for her door. Most of the residents decorate their doors.

 

[Woodland Woman]

Blow up your pictures of family to hang on the wall so they are more easily seen.

If she will be near a window hang a bird feeder.

Plants that are hardy.

Something she has an interest in like a small quilt if she likes quilting.

Hope your grandma gets well soon.

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

Check with the nursing home, many have rules about what you can and can not bring in for the protection of all residents. Many strong smelling flowers or plants that pollinate lots are not allowed since they can irritate the residents that have breathing issues, even if they are not in the same room.

If she is currently bedridden I think the mobile idea is great! Many things could be incorporated in that. It would be there for her to look at any time she opens her eyes.

 

[FarmerChick]

might be a little off, but a CD player or something like that

play some of her favorite music--get some CDs of her favs

I know I love to listen to my music and while it is not a decoration, when ya visit you can play some old time tunes she loves. People sure respond to great music!

 

[Wifezilla]

My FIL loves his big band music. The kids have been finding all of his old favorites on CD over the years and bought him a really nice player. I also bought a new player for my step day and sent him a collection of his favorite 50's music.

That is a really good idea for music lovers. Just make sure the controls are big and easy to use.

 

[abifae]

Children's CD players are actually really great. Giant knobs and only an on/off volume... nothing complicated

Just HOMEY things. I've worked in nursing homes and the most comfortable residents are the ones with the most little home touches. Their own quilts, lots of pictures, big comfy bath robes, placemats and doilies on their tables... just things that make you not feel like you are in an institution

 

[savingdogs]

I would think that things from her own home would make it the most personal. Photos of loved ones too because they love to show off family photos.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Thanks for the ideas, everyone!

 

[Beekissed]

I like the picture frames that are many pics that change like a slide show. Some of them come with sound so you can create an audio caption...just in case she can't remember some of the family's names when someone asks.

The birdfeeder that attaches to the window is also a great idea.

If she is new to the nursing home, something like one of those fiberoptic Christmas trees or angels make nice "nightlights" and something pretty to look upon. This helps if they wake up in the dark and are scared, can't find their call light. The tree or angel is light to see by and also a constant thing they can see both day or night...it seems to be a comfort.