Fengshui for Senior Living Spaces
![fengshui-1200x675.png](https://carestory.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fengshui-1200x675.png)
It takes time to adjust to living in a smaller place, such as an Assisted Living apartment. Especially when all of your beloved furnishings is crammed into a single cot. Helen is facing the same situation, too. After she finished placing all her stuff in her new apartment, her friend came to visit.
“You shouldn’t have your bed facing the washroom because it will disrupt the flow of energy”, Helen’s friend said.
“What energy? What direction do you think it should be facing?” asked Helen.
“You should do some research on Fengshui. It’ll help you a lot” replied Helen’s friend.
Even though many of us have heard of Fengshui, few of us have a firm grasp of its meaning. In today’s article, we are going to discuss the principle and some basic rules of Fengshui, and hopfully it will guide you during your transition.
What Is Fengshui & Why Is It Important?
Fengshui, also known as Chinese geomancy, is an ancient Chinese practice of arranging pieces in living spaces in order to create balance with the natural world. Ancient Chinese wisdom states that selecting or configuring an object or location can harmonize with the spiritual energies that surround. Since our physical environments can play a major role in our feelings and comfort, this is what perpose Fengshui serves – a supportive Fengshui layout encourages the optimal and even flow of energy throughout the space. It is especially vital for seniors or others who spend a great deal of time at home or in long-term care homes.
There are five elements in Fengshui: Wood, Earth, Water, Fire, and Metal. Each element is associated with certain qualities in your home. A full analysis requires calculations based on where you are living, the design of a single room, placement and materials of the furniture, etc. This can be very complicated. However, there are general guidelines that we can follow to enhance how you feel in your living space, even if it’s just a room in a long-term care home.
Simple Fengshui Tips for Seniors:
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Clear the Entryway
In Fengshui, your front door serves as a portal of energy, and your entryway represents the way that the energy enters your home and your body. As a result, it is crucial to keep the main entrance area clean and welcoming, so that more energy can enter and nourish you and your home. So, get rid of garbage, bulky furniture or anything that can obstruct the energy flow as much as possible.
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Declutter
It’s understandable that older people’s homes are typically cluttered because it might be tough to let go of a lifetime’s worth of memories. The problem with clutter is that it may make homes feel overwhelming, cause tripping hazard, and obstruct positive energy.
Maintaining a clutter-free environment can reduce the risk of tripping and other health complications related to bacteria as well. So, make a list of the things you use most frequently, and for the rest, you can consider discarding or donating them (if you only have used them once or twice and don’t see yourself using them anytime in the near future).
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Make Use of Mirrors
Placing a mirror in a dark corner can brighten the space and bring energy in. The mirror can face your favorite things or reflect the scenery outside your window. However, never place mirrors in front of a door, as this will deflect the incoming energy.
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Incorporate Plants
Plants embody life energy, as they’ll add freshness and vitality to your home. Too much darkness and not enough fresh air might have an adverse effect on elderly people’s living spaces. So, simply add some plants to infuse your home with life and good vibes, and check out our blog post on “Simple Gardening for Seniors” to find out some easy gardening tips.
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Limit Phones, Televisions, and Other Electronic Devices
Fengshui practitioners believe that electromagnetic imbalances caused by electronic devices can interfere with sleep. Research from sleep experts also supports this suggestion, and the experts advise keeping bedrooms as screen-free as possible.
Of course, televisions and phones may be an important source of entertainment for someone who’s physically disabled or bedbound. Consider a compromise: put a shade on the TV so it can easily be moved out of sight and turn off your phone before bed so it won’t interrupt your sleep.
References:
https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-tips-for-beginners-1274536
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/simple-ways-to-use-feng-shui-in-your-home