There are several important considerations that need to be made when moving a family member into a nursing home. You need to decide with them what should be taken and what must be left behind. This can be difficult, as you are usually going from a house to a single room.
Your loved one likely has items of great personal value and deciding whether or not to abandon them is an emotional process. It’s also vital that you ensure they have all of the essentials required to live comfortably in their new home. To make this easier, we’ve put together a list of what to pack and what to keep in mind moving forward.
Check the Room First
It’s useful to first visit the room your loved one will be moving into. This will give you a feel for the available space and how you can decorate it to make living there more enjoyable.
At the same time, make sure to find what is included in the price. In doing so, you can avoid overpacking and spending money on unnecessary items. You will also have an opportunity to get some advice and recommendations from the staff. With that out of the way, we can move on to what you should pack.
Clothing
The general rule here is to bring enough clothing for two weeks, including outfits for activities and events. Ideally, these clothes should be comfortable and easy to wear, as well as resistant to frequent washing and tumble drying. In addition to the below-listed items, a few accessories such as hats, gloves, and scarves can be helpful.
- Tops and bottoms (shirts, pants, skirts, etc.)
- Jumpers or sweaters
- Warm coats or jackets for winter
- Dressing gown and night clothes
- Socks and underwear
- Shoes and slippers to wear indoors
- Sportswear for physical activity
- Some clothing for special occasions
Bedding
While care homes typically include bedding in the fee, your loved one might prefer their own or have specific health needs. It’s wise to do some research on buying the right bedsheets and pillows, as the quality of the products you use can have a major impact on comfort and wellbeing.
As for what exactly you should look for, be sure to bring a blanket, throw, linen, and two pillowcases. It’s also a good idea to pack a small lap blanket.
Personal Hygiene
This is where care homes tend to charge extra, so it’s usually better to bring hygiene products that your loved one knows and enjoys using. Many have their favorites, so be sure to consult them during this process. Aside from essentials like soap, moisturizers, and dental care, remember to bring medicines and make-up as well.
One final consideration is electronics. A tablet or laptop and headphones can help your loved one stay entertained with movies and music, while a mobile phone is obviously important for keeping in touch. Be sure to pack some decorations and personal/sentimental items, too.
