Tips to make an aged residential care facility feel like home

Many Kiwis may consider making the move into aged residential care at some stage. 

In fact, currently there are approximately 470 retirement villages in New Zealand which accommodate more than 53,000 residence. While this number might appear low compared to a population of 790,000 Kiwis aged 65+, the reality is that approximately half of the older aged population will use residential care at some stage. 

Nobody loves the idea of leaving their home behind, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make residential care feel like home. 

Here are five ways to make aged residential care feel more familiar and comfortable, even in a new environment.

1. Spend time there before moving in 

Moving to a new place always takes time to get used to. Figuring out everything from where the light switches are to how quickly the shower heats up are all small things, but together can make you feel like a fish out of water when you get to a new home. 

And unfortunately, many Kiwis are feeling rushed to move into aged care. Sometimes this is because there isn’t much choice in the move, such as when someone becomes unwell and is forced to move somewhere with care available. 

One way to minimise the shock of a move, if possible is to spend time in care homes before moving – or before needing to move.

For example, one option is to set up a trial stay in a care home before moving in. This can give an idea of what it would be like, and perhaps even dispel some of the negative ideas someone might have about the experience so that the actual move is less daunting. 

Another option is to volunteer. Care homes can use all sorts of help, from drivers, to people to run activities, to visitors to come and spend time with residents. 

At the very least, you can visit multiple times before moving in, simply to get a better feel for the place, meet some of the staff, and find out where to get a bite to eat. That way, the surroundings might feel more familiar and friendly by the move-in date. 

2. Personalise your space

First thing’s first: Bring in your favourite belongings. All your treasured knick-knacks, artwork, family photos, the grandkids’ paintings, and everything in between. 

Fill up the space, covering everything with your own belongings. There’s no such thing as too much – for now, the point is not to make it beautiful and tidy. The point is to make it your own. There will be time to tidy it up later when you’re feeling more at home. 

You can even talk to the residential home manager and see what options are available for further personalisation. Can you arrange to paint the walls? Add your favourite flowers to the garden outside? 

3. Get involved in the activities and socialising

Aged residential care homes often offer numerous opportunities for socializing and staying active, with a variety of activities designed to bring people together and enrich their life and social circles.

When given the opportunity, take a quick look at the residence’s activities list and socialising opportunities. This is where you can find what that aged residential care home offers. Facilities such as these may have a craft room, library, hair salon, gardening areas, computer room, board games, piano, exercise classes, and movies. Residents may also have the option to join in for shopping trips and other social outings. 

This kind of packed social calendar and activity list is commonplace for care facilities these days, so residents can pick and choose which ones to join. Of course, there are plenty of options for those with limited mobility as well. 

Unfortunately, “Older adults are more likely to experience loneliness and boredom in residential care,” states one study. 

The sooner residents get out and start making the most of the activities and options on offer, the sooner they may be able to reduce loneliness and boredom, and start feeling more at home as they make connections and find the fun in each day. 

4. BYO hobbies and activities

An active social calendar at the care home is one thing, but it won’t always include the hobbies and activities you’ve loved all your life. 

That doesn’t mean accepting that those hobbies won’t be part of your life anymore. 

Instead, bring them in. If you don’t have space in your own room, see if you can chat to the activities manager to add it to the calendar – these staff are usually more than happy to try something new, especially if they know residents will be keen to give it a go. 

5. Consider therapy 

Life’s journey brings its challenges, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find support and growth through therapy, it’s a valuable resource at any stage of life. 

Age Concern NZ offers a counselling service for older adults, and it is often called upon for those dealing with a change in living situation. 

For many Kiwis, the move to a residential care home is an unavoidable one, so when you can’t change the circumstances, it may help to find a way to process those feelings and come to terms with the shift.

These counsellors are skilled in helping seniors deal with loneliness, be more positive, find more confidence, and reduce anxiety. 

This could be a good option to explore for anyone struggling to feel at home and at ease in a new aged care space. 

Getting settled

Getting settled in a new place might also mean getting other parts of life settled. For example, did you know that you can still sign up for a life insurance policy well into your retirement years?

If that’s something that’s been at the back of your mind, New Zealand Seniors offers life insurance policies for New Zealand residents aged between 45 and 79 years old, making it easy to tick off one life admin box and feel a little more at ease about taking care of your loved ones financially.

5 May 2025