Making the nursing home a real home

What makes someone (like your mom or dad) feel at home when they aren't "home" ?
A nice cover for the bed (make it something that you will have no trouble cleaning if you do their laundry) in a warm, but light material (fleece seems to be very popular these days) is a start. The facility will provide a bedspread, but, it will be about as individual as a hotel bedspread. Your parent can have their own.
Is there an afghan that they liked to use at home?
What about family pictures? A favorite picture? One of the most memorable I've seen was the romantic kiss of a pair of newlyweds. They were married many years, and the bride, now widowed, still grew misty when discussing that happy moment. It gave her a chance to share a happy memory and gave me a glimpse of a happy marriage, and the woman she had been when younger.
The facility pillows are, well, institutional. I always travel with my own pillow, and maybe your loved one has a preference, also.
A warm, easy to put on robe, sweaters, lap robes. Warm socks are always great!
A popular item in the nursing home these days is the new flat screen TVs. The facility probably has size and weight restrictions, so check before buying one. Keep in mind that even in a private room, space is limited. A remote control is a must, so that mom (or dad) can control the TV. It is there for their benefit, not the staff's. If you find it tuned in to shows your family doesn't watch, ask them who tuned in to the program. If they need help tuning in to THEIR favorite programs, let the RNAC (Registered Nurse Assessment Coordinator), Unit Manager, Social Services, and other staff know what their wishes are.
Residents are encouraged to wear their own clothing. Everything should be clearly labeled, even if you are doing the laundry. Facilities usually offer a labeling service. Firmly attached labels like you can purchase for summer camp, etc. are also good. The labeling must be where it isn't visible on the outside of the garment when being worn, for dignity reasons.
Velcro, snaps and other alterations can make most clothing easier to put on. Elastic waistbands help, too.
Expensive jewelry can be lost (or stolen).
Cash and other tempting items of value should be limited. Discuss this with admissions and/or social services. Facilities have stern policies about theft, but, there will be alot of people in and out of the room.
Eyeglasses and dentures should be engraved.
If your parent has a habit of hiding their hearing aide under their pillow, it is wise to share this information with staff. Too many hearing aides end up in the laundry, when a bed is stripped. Dentures, wrapped in a napkin on a tray can end up in the garbage. Staff are trained to watch for these items, but even with vigilance, things get lost or damaged.
Think about what makes your loved one comfortable, ask them what they would like and be realistic about durability and space restrictions. Their room is their home, and should look like it is.