Moving into a care home is a significant life change. Whether you’re coming for a short respite stay or a permanent move, making the room feel familiar and comfortable can make settling in much easier.
One of the most reassuring things families can do is help personalise the room. Familiar belongings, routines and small comforts can ease anxiety, support wellbeing, and help someone feel more like themselves in a new setting.
At Watermoor House, our rooms already feel warm, individual and lived-in. As characterful Grade II listed home, no two rooms are the same, and families often tell us how much they value this homely atmosphere.
Personalising a room here isn’t about starting from scratch — it’s about adding familiar touches to a space that already feels welcoming and reassuring.
Here are some simple ideas that can help.
1. Bring a favourite chair or piece of furniture
A well-loved chair is often the first thing residents choose to bring – and for good reason. Familiar furniture can provide comfort, recognition and reassurance, particularly for people living with dementia.
Sitting in their chair, in their way, can help someone relax and feel safe in an unfamiliar environment. Other popular items include:
- bedside tables or small bookcases
- writing tables or desks
- lamps or familiar clocks
- pot plants and ornaments
Our team is always happy to advise on suitability, including fire safety requirements, so it’s worth having a quick chat with the Home before bringing items in.
2. Surround the room with photos and favourite pictures
Photographs really do make a huge difference. Family portraits, holiday memories, wedding photos, children and grandchildren – these personal touches help spark conversation, support memory, and remind people of the experiences and relationships that matter most to them.
Framed pictures, small photo albums, or even a memory board can quickly transform a room from “new” to familiar. You might also choose to display something that reflects a personal achievement, such as a framed certificate or award that’s important to you.
Cherished personal items don’t just bring comfort — they give people something to talk about, helping staff and visitors get to know you, your memories and what matters to you.
Familiar photographs can also help people living with dementia recognise loved ones and spark meaningful conversations.
3. Add personal bedding and soft furnishings
Bedding is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel more homely. Familiar quilts, duvets, pillowcases or throws can soften the space and add colour, texture and comfort.
Some residents even choose to bring their own curtains or cushions, which can make a surprising difference to how the room feels. These small touches can help create a space that feels personal and comfortable.
We provide all bedding and soft furnishings if preferred, but many residents enjoy bringing their own if it helps the room feel more familiar.
4. Think about hobbies, routines and everyday pleasures
Continuing familiar routines is an important part of settling in. Before moving, it can help to think about the little things that bring enjoyment day to day.
For example:
- favourite books or magazines
- jigsaws, puzzles, knitting or games
- a music player, radio or playlist of favourite songs
- writing materials or craft supplies
If spending time with visitors is important, speak to staff about having an extra chair in the room (where space allows). If you would like help setting up a regular newspaper or magazine delivery, just ask – we’re always happy to help make this work.
5. Stay connected with family and friends
Feeling connected is key to feeling at home.
Many residents enjoy using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop to keep in touch with family. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the Home, making video calls easy if relatives live further away.
It’s also helpful to make sure family and friends have the Home’s phone number, so they can always get in touch – even if a mobile isn’t to hand. Knowing that contact is easy and reliable can be hugely reassuring for everyone.
6. Visit in advance to plan the room together
Where possible, visiting the Home ahead of the move to measure up and talk through preferences can be incredibly helpful. It allows families and staff to think practically about what furniture will fit, how the room might be laid out, and what personal touches will matter most.
These conversations are also a chance to share important details — favourite chairs, preferred lighting, space for hobbies, or how the room can best support comfort and independence from day one.
Taking the time to plan together can make moving day feel calmer and more reassuring, both for the resident and their family. Even small decisions made beforehand can help a new room feel familiar and welcoming much more quickly.
If you can’t visit in advance, that’s absolutely fine — we’ll take time to make sure everything works for you when you arrive. If you’d like measurements of the room before moving in, we’re happy to provide them.
7. Take your time – it doesn’t all have to happen at once
Finally, it’s worth remembering that your room doesn’t need to be “perfect” on day one. Many people choose to add personal items gradually, once they’ve had time to settle in and see what feels right. Often, a few well-chosen items on arrival matter more than trying to bring everything at once.
Our team is always on hand to help with positioning furniture, hanging pictures or making small adjustments along the way.
We’re here to help
At Watermoor House, we understand that feeling at home is about far more than a room – it’s about comfort, familiarity, choice and reassurance. We’re always happy to talk through ideas, answer questions, and help families create a space where their loved one can truly feel settled.
If you’re planning a move, we’d be delighted to show you around, talk through what to bring and answer any questions you may have. Together we can help create a room that feels comfortable, familiar and truly like home from the very beginning.
If you’d like to visit Watermoor House or talk through preparing for a move, please get in touch. We’d be delighted to help.