The Complete Packing List for Moving to Memory Care

Blog Category: Lifestyle

If you’ve decided it’s best to move your loved one into a memory care community, you’ll want to make the transition as smooth as possible. Work with staff to create a move-in plan and establish what you can and cannot bring for your loved one in their new home, depending on the available space. They may also have recommendations about what they’ve found is good to bring based on how their community operates. Before you finalize the move, here is a complete packing list for moving your loved one to memory care.

Important Documents to Bring

You won’t always be around once your loved one moves, so make sure they have important documents available for the memory care community:

  • Complete a resident bio of your loved one for staff to know key details
  • Copy of Power of Attorney documentation
  • A list of emergency contacts 
  • Current photos of loved ones

Everyday Necessities

You know best what your loved one uses on a day-to-day basis, so be sure to pack all of their basic necessities they use specifically:

  • Cane, walker, or wheelchair
  • Glasses
  • Hearing aids
  • Medications
  • Toiletries

Clothes

As part of your downsizing journey, when you go through your loved one’s clothes to pack for the move, you’ll probably find items you can donate or sell. Be sure to still pack the following to keep them supported and feel independent:

  • Tip: Label their clothing with a fabric marker, choose clothes that won’t shrink, and bring 10-14 days’ worth of clothes.
  • A shoehorn
  • Clothing with easy fasteners, such as velcros and large buttons
  • Coats and jackets
  • Hats and gloves
  • Loungewear and pajamas
  • Non-slip shoes
  • Robes and slippers
  • Socks

Entertainment

While your memory care community will offer equipment, activities, and programs to keep your loved one active and engaged, you may still be allotted space for them to keep their own preferred entertainment:

  • A memory box for positive recollection
  • Books
  • Hobby items and arts and crafts supplies
  • Indoor-friendly versions of sports they enjoy
  • Puzzles and games\
  • Song playlist
  • Speaker
  • TV

Home Items

You want the memory care community to still feel like home, as the move can be a jarring experience for your loved one. While you can’t entirely redecorate their new space to be an exact replica of their previous home, consider including select items like:

  • A favorite chair
  • A photo album and framed family photos
  • Favorite balms, lotions, and oils
  • Favorite blankets and pillows
  • Favorite decor
  • A familiar door hanger
  • A clock that shows the date and month
  • Favorite recipes
  • Non-toxic houseplants

Don’t Forget to Ask About…

Every community is different, so check with yours to see if they allow pets or need you to provide other things, like:

  • Pet supplies or alternatives
  • Appropriate dining equipment or supplies
  • Items like incontinence supplies, gloves, sanitary wipes, adult briefs, toilet paper, paper towels, sheets, or bath towels

What to Avoid Packing

Avoid packing potentially harmful items your loved one might not be able to properly handle on their own:

  • Alcohol, cigarettes, lighters, and candles
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Everyday items like kitchen knives, letter openers, nail clippers, razors, scissors, and tweezers
  • Family heirlooms and valuable items
  • Financial items like checkbooks, credit cards, and Social Security card
  • Lots of remote controls
  • Nonessential decor that could be hazardous, such as a throw rug
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Toxic ingestible items like nail polish remover and paint

Learn more about your options for memory care with individualized resources based on your needs through our 5-minute survey powered by Roobrik here.

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.