Assisted Living Room Options: Furnished vs. Unfurnished
Assisted living communities offer various room types, and whether they come furnished or unfurnished is a key factor to discuss during your search. Some facilities, particularly those with higher care needs like memory care, often provide furnished rooms to ensure consistency and safety. Conversely, many private studio or one-bedroom apartments are provided as unfurnished spaces, giving residents the opportunity to furnish their new home with personal and familiar items.
- Fully furnished rooms: These are most common in shared suites, memory care units, and for short-term or respite stays. They typically include a bed, dresser, and nightstand.
- Partially furnished rooms: Some facilities offer essential furniture like a bed and dresser while allowing residents to bring additional items to personalize their space.
- Unfurnished rooms: This is a standard option for private apartments, allowing residents to create a space that feels like home with their own furniture and decorations.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Furnished vs. Unfurnished
Deciding between a furnished or unfurnished room involves weighing several considerations, including convenience, cost, and personalization. For some, the simplicity of a furnished room is a huge benefit, while others prioritize the comfort of familiar belongings.
| Feature | Furnished Assisted Living Room | Unfurnished Assisted Living Room |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Moving is simpler and less stressful, as there's no need to transport large furniture. | Requires more planning and effort for downsizing and moving furniture. |
| Cost | The cost is usually included in the monthly fee, avoiding additional upfront expenses for furniture. | Residents must purchase or transport their own furniture, which can be an added expense. |
| Personalization | Limited. While you can add smaller decorative items, the main furniture pieces are fixed. | Full control. Residents can bring their own treasured items to make the space uniquely theirs. |
| Space & Layout | Often designed with safety and accessibility in mind, ensuring a functional layout. | Requires careful planning to ensure personal furniture fits and doesn't clutter the space, creating a mobility risk. |
| Ease of Transition | Can help ease the transition by providing a move-in-ready space. | Can provide a greater sense of continuity by surrounding the resident with their familiar belongings. |
What to Expect in an Assisted Living Room
Regardless of whether a room is furnished or not, most assisted living accommodations share several standard features designed for comfort, safety, and functionality.
- Emergency Call Systems: Buttons are located in the bedroom and bathroom, providing 24/7 access to assistance.
- Private Bathrooms: Many units include a private, accessible bathroom with grab bars and a roll-in shower.
- Basic Kitchenette (in some apartments): For residents who enjoy preparing simple meals, many facilities provide a kitchenette with a sink, microwave, and small refrigerator.
- Basic Climate Control: Residents can typically control the temperature in their individual unit.
- Storage Space: Most rooms include closet space for clothing and personal belongings.
For residents furnishing their own space, safety is a primary consideration. Furniture should have rounded corners, be sturdy, and not create clutter that could cause a fall. This is a good time to consider multi-functional furniture, such as an ottoman with storage, to maximize space.
Downsizing and Transitioning: Making it Personal
Moving into assisted living, particularly for those coming from a larger family home, often involves downsizing. This process can be both emotionally and logistically challenging, but it is also an opportunity to intentionally curate a space that is both safe and comforting. Senior living moving specialists can help with this process by creating a floor plan for the new space and helping decide what items to keep.
- Prioritize cherished items: Focus on bringing smaller, meaningful items like family photos, art, and personal mementos that will make the space feel like home.
- Consider multi-functional furniture: In a smaller space, opting for pieces that serve more than one purpose, such as a storage ottoman, can be extremely helpful.
- Bring bedding and decor: Even with a furnished room, bringing your own bedding, pillows, and decorative items is a simple way to personalize the space.
Conclusion
Whether assisted living rooms come furnished is a community-specific policy that prospective residents and families should research thoroughly. While many facilities offer furnished options for convenience, most allow and even encourage residents to bring their own furniture and decor to create a comforting, familiar environment. Before making a final decision, a scheduled tour and direct conversation with the staff are the best ways to confirm a facility's furnishing policy and to understand the specific accommodations provided. By understanding the options and planning ahead, the transition to assisted living can be a smooth and positive experience.
What to know about assisted living furniture policies
- Furniture is not always included: The policy on whether rooms are furnished varies significantly between communities.
- Your choice often depends on room type: Private apartments often come unfurnished, while shared rooms and memory care units are more likely to be furnished.
- You can personalize your space: Even in furnished rooms, residents can bring personal items like photos and decor.
- Downsizing is important for safety: Bringing too much furniture can create clutter and mobility risks in a smaller assisted living space.
- Safety features are standard: Rooms typically include safety features like emergency call systems and accessible bathrooms, regardless of furnishing.
- Consider convenience vs. comfort: A furnished room offers convenience, while an unfurnished one allows for more personalization and the comfort of familiar belongings.
- Always ask for a tour: The best way to know a facility's policy and see the space is to schedule a visit and ask questions.
