Lifestyle

Why You Should Avoid Moving Elderly Loved Ones into a State Facility

Published

5 years ago

March 26, 2021

Nobody is ever truly prepared to move a loved one into a care facility. Whether it’s an assisted living environment or a long-term care (LTC) facility, it’s not an easy move. It’s hard for older people to be forced into an unfamiliar living environment that doesn’t feel like home.

Although most people can get their care completely covered by moving into a state-run facility, it’s not the best choice. Ideally, your loved one will be happier in a private facility. Here’s why.

State facilities don’t have the budget to create a thriving environment

Everyone deserves to live in a luxurious environment with homemade meals and plenty of love and care. That’s exactly what Anna Pittard thought when she created Cotton Grove Estate – an exceptional personal care home for seniors in Georgia.

It’s not hard to create a thriving environment. Luxury private care homes exist all around the United States. However, state-run facilities don’t have the budget to create this type of atmosphere. That’s where they fall short.

State-run facilities rely on government funds that don’t go nearly as far as they should. For example, budget priorities are functional rather than aesthetic, even though aesthetics play a huge role in a person’s ability to thrive in their environment.

State facilities tend to furnish rooms and common areas with drab furniture, drab upholstery, and residents are lucky if the wall décor is even slightly inspiring. Most of the time décor doesn’t even match.

Private facilities, on the other hand, hire interior decorators to create an environment that supports the residents in feeling good wherever they roam.

State-run LTC facilities feel more like a hospital

Unless you’re moving your loved one into an assisted living facility, they’re probably going to be living in an environment that feels more like a hospital than a home.

Long-term care facilities generally have two residents per room and each bed is separated by a hospital curtain. While residents can have personal belongings, there’s no real privacy or room to decorate to any extent.

Although one lucky room resident gets a window view, they still have to stare at a curtain. Staring at a hospital room curtain can be depressing. The hospital environment is amplified by the fact that people come in and out all day long to check vitals and administer medication.

State-run nursing homes are usually (and perpetually) understaffed

It’s unfortunate that any care facility would be understaffed, but it’s a common problem with state facilities. Being understaffed places a huge burden on staff. Even the best nurses and aides struggle to do their job and be there for their residents.

Often, staff members can barely finish their basic tasks distributing medications, getting residents fed, bathed, and changed. That leaves no time to connect, play a game of cards, or just talk with residents. Companionship is necessary, yet it’s not in the budget.

In a state facility, your loved one may miss out on these important things:

Companionship. Sometimes people just want someone to chat with about their life. Staff in a state facility don’t usually have time to chat for longer than it takes for them to perform their duties.
Eating meals with company. Many people prefer to eat their meals with other people and eating alone is a guaranteed path to depression. If it’s hard for someone to get out of bed, they’ll struggle to get to the dining room to eat with others.
Having their living space organized. State staff don’t have time to tidy up a resident’s room to keep it looking good. Things like aligning books on a bookshelf, standing greeting cards back up, and flipping the calendar to the current month often go ignored. Attention to these details can make all the difference in a patient’s wellbeing.

Choose private care whenever possible

Statistics show that people who move into nursing homes pass away within 6 months. Sometimes it’s because of an illness, but much of the time people lose interest in life because of their environment. They stop eating, drinking, and won’t participate in activities.

If you don’t have a choice, make sure you do thorough research before choosing a state facility. Visit potential facilities multiple times (unannounced) and do extensive research to get the full picture. This includes requesting each facility’s state inspection survey (Form 2567), which they are legally required to provide.

If you can put your loved one in a private facility, don’t hesitate. They’ll have a higher quality of life and that’s always worth the extra cost.

Lifestyle

Houseplant Styling Mistakes to Avoid in Home Décor

Published

12 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Michelle Langton

Bringing greenery indoors can instantly elevate a space — adding warmth, texture, and a sense of calm. However, styling houseplants successfully requires more than simply popping a fern in a corner and hoping for the best. From mismatched plant selections to poor placement and neglecting scale, even the most well-intentioned plant lovers can make styling missteps. Before you dive into your next indoor plant arrangement, it’s worth understanding the most common mistakes to avoid.

Whether you’re new to indoor greenery or a seasoned plant parent, brands like Hello Botanical make it easy to find the perfect plants and gifts that complement your interior style — but knowing how to display them properly will make all the difference.

Overcrowding Your Space with Too Many Plants
While it’s tempting to fill every available surface with greenery, too many plants can make your space feel cluttered and overwhelming. Each plant deserves breathing room to grow and be appreciated. Instead of bunching them together, try grouping a few in varying heights or textures for balance. A single large plant in a corner can make a stronger design statement than ten small ones scattered everywhere.

Ignoring Light Conditions
Aesthetics shouldn’t be your only consideration when placing plants. Many indoor plant styling mistakes stem from ignoring light needs. Some species, like fiddle leaf figs and succulents, crave bright indirect light, while others, such as snake plants or peace lilies, thrive in low-light corners. Assess the natural light in each room before choosing plants, and remember that not every green beauty will thrive on your coffee table or bathroom shelf.

Choosing the Wrong Pot or Planter
A pot isn’t just a decorative accessory — it affects your plant’s health and your home’s design balance. A mismatched or undersized pot can look awkward, while one without drainage can cause root rot. Select planters that complement your home’s aesthetic and suit each plant’s needs. Neutral ceramics, woven baskets, or textured terracotta pots can enhance the overall décor while allowing your greenery to shine.

Neglecting Scale and Proportion
One of the easiest ways to make a room look unbalanced is by ignoring scale. A tiny plant on a large table can feel lost, while an oversized monstera can overwhelm a small living room. Consider the proportions of your furniture and space before selecting plants. Taller plants like palms or rubber trees add height and drama, while trailing species such as pothos or string of pearls can soften shelves and hanging corners beautifully.

Forgetting to Mix Textures and Colours
Just as you’d layer textures and tones in your furnishings, apply the same principle to your plant styling. Combining different leaf shapes, shades of green, and plant structures creates visual interest. Pair glossy leaves with matte ones, upright plants with cascading varieties, and bold tropicals with delicate ferns. A well-curated mix feels intentional rather than chaotic.

Over-Decorating Around Your Plants
Plants are statement-makers in their own right. Surrounding them with too many decorative objects — candles, vases, or trinkets — can detract from their natural beauty. Let the greenery breathe and become a focal point. A simple setup often feels more elegant and modern than a crowded display.

Forgetting Functionality in Key Spaces
While plants bring undeniable style, practicality matters too. Avoid placing trailing vines where they’ll get tangled in workspace cords or near entryways where they can be knocked over. Similarly, keep moisture-loving plants away from electronics and ensure any planters with drainage are placed on trays to protect your floors and furniture.

Ignoring Consistency Across Your Home
Houseplants look their best when they contribute to a cohesive theme. Instead of choosing random species for each room, think about your home’s overall design. Are you going for a minimalist, Scandinavian aesthetic or something more lush and tropical? Repeating a few plant types or pot styles throughout creates unity and flow.

Overlooking Plant Care as Part of the Design
No matter how beautifully you style your plants, unhealthy or neglected greenery can spoil the look. Regular pruning, wiping leaves, and rotating pots to ensure even growth are key parts of maintaining your interior aesthetic. Healthy, thriving plants add vibrancy and life that no artificial décor can replicate.

Forgetting That Less Can Be More
Finally, remember that plants should enhance your décor, not dominate it. A few strategically placed, well-cared-for plants can transform a home far more effectively than a jungle of mismatched greenery. Focus on quality over quantity, and choose each plant intentionally to fit your style, lighting, and lifestyle.

When styled thoughtfully, houseplants can turn a space into a peaceful, inviting sanctuary

Avoiding these common mistakes helps you highlight their beauty while keeping your interiors cohesive and clutter-free. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or curating a lush indoor garden, start small, observe what works, and grow your collection with care.