Just like any life transition, readiness can bring emotional and practical advantages. Moving a loved one into a nursing home presents challenges in choosing what to bring and what to leave behind. It is essential to prioritize their comfort in unfamiliar surroundings and ensure all necessary items are included to facilitate a smooth transition.
To assist with this transition, we have developed a detailed packing list and moving guide tailored for seniors and their caregivers entering nursing homes. This guide includes information on residents’ rights, essential questions to inquire about before moving in, and advice on determining necessary items versus unnecessary ones.
Understanding Federal Nursing Home Regulations
Nursing homes certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid must comply with federal regulations overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS Manual specifies that nursing homes must provide all residents with the following:
- A room with an exterior window for natural light
- A bed that is suitable in size and height
- A mattress that is clean and comfortable
- Bedding appropriate for the weather or climate
- Furniture designed to meet the resident’s needs, including a dedicated closet or clothing storage area
Key Information to Prepare for Move-In Day
- Before move-in day, it's crucial to visit their future room or a similar one to get a sense of the available floor and storage space in your loved one's new residence.
- Be sure to inquire about the items and services covered by the monthly fee. Understanding these specifics can assist in deciding which supplies may need to be bought or kept at home.
- Ask questions such as the following:
- Does the room have cable, and is it included in the monthly cost?
- Does the room have a telephone? If so, does each resident have a direct telephone line in their room?
- Are personal lockboxes provided for residents to store valuable items in their rooms?
- Is public and/or secure Wi-Fi access available?
- Are laundry services provided?
- Does the facility label the residents' clothes?
- Are cork boards or whiteboards provided in resident rooms for posting activity calendars, menus, reminders, and pictures?
- Are wall clocks, TVs, or any personal care products provided?
- Are residents permitted to keep a small refrigerator in their room?
Each nursing home varies, but typically, facilities offer this information either on admission day or in their Resident Handbook. Feel free to inquire and request this information beforehand to ensure you have all the necessary details.
Nursing Home Packing List
The specific items needed for nursing home residents may vary based on what the facility already provides. However, our list serves as a helpful starting point for packing.
Clothing and Accessories
- When packing clothes for a nursing home, opt for items that are easy to clean and in good condition. Consider choosing pieces that can be layered and worn in various ways. Sweatshirts, vests, and jackets are great options, as they can be mixed and matched with different outfits to provide versatility and comfort.
- The amount of clothing to bring will depend on who will handle the laundry and how often it will be done. We recommend having about 10-14 days' worth of clothing to ensure there's enough for the facility's laundry service or for family members to clean and return items. For residents who may experience incontinence, it's a good idea to pack extra outfits to accommodate their needs.
- Whenever possible, bring only the clothing appropriate for the current season. This approach helps keep the resident's room uncluttered and minimizes the risk of items being misplaced or lost.
- Choose clothing that is easy to put on and take off and can endure frequent washing and drying. To protect delicate fabrics, avoid items made of wool, silk, or other materials that may not withstand regular laundering without risk of damage.
- Seniors often feel colder, so dressing in versatile layers is the best approach. Make sure your loved one has warm, comfortable clothing to help them stay cozy.
- If feasible, it’s helpful if the person handling the laundry returns the clothes to the closet organized and grouped together as complete outfits.
- Accessories are a great addition! However, avoid bringing anything too valuable or with sharp points or edges.
Personal Care Items
Most nursing homes provide the following basic toiletries:
- Soap & Bodywash
- Shampoo
- Toothbrushes & toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Disposable razors & shaving cream
- Antiperspirant
- Denture cleaner
- Hair Brushes & Combs
However, like anyone, seniors have established preferences. To help your loved one maintain a sense of normalcy and familiarity, we recommend packing their favorite toiletry brands.
Ben Linens
- Nursing homes usually supply essential linens like bedding and towels. However, including some personal linens and towels in your packing list can help make your loved one feel more at home.
- Make sure these items are machine washable and sturdy enough to handle frequent washing.
Electronics & entertainment
Transitioning to a nursing home often means your loved one will have more free time than they’re used to. To keep them engaged and connected, electronic entertainment options can be very beneficial.
- In rooms without televisions, family members usually provide a small TV. It's a good idea to check with the facility for any recommended styles or sizes, with 32 inches often being suggested.
- Wireless headphones can be particularly useful for those with roommates, allowing them to watch TV at any volume and time without disturbing others.
- Many residents enjoy using smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Verify if the facility offers WiFi and if the bandwidth is adequate for streaming videos.
- Finally, be sure to label all electronic devices with the resident's name to prevent any mix-ups.
Hobby Supplies
Most nursing home facilities provide a variety of entertaining and social activities, but it's also valuable for residents to continue hobbies they enjoyed at home. Consider bringing the following items:
- Subscriptions to newspapers and magazines, as well as books or audiobooks on CD or downloaded to an MP3 player, can be enjoyable.
- Religious items, including texts and any prayer aids, may also be meaningful.
- Bring supplies for their favorite art or craft activities, such as knitting, crocheting, or painting.
- For puzzle lovers, pack large-print books of word-finds, crossword puzzles, and Sudoku, along with classic jigsaw puzzles.
Sentimental Items
For nursing home residents, having items that carry personal significance, bring back happy memories, and stimulate the senses can be incredibly uplifting. Family photographs are a must-have—they can be displayed on a bulletin board, shown in a digital picture frame, or arranged in a collage on the wall. Other cherished items might include a favorite stuffed animal or doll, sports memorabilia or items in team colors, or small pieces from a personal collection. These familiar touches can help make their new environment feel more like home.
Key Packing Tips for Moving into a Nursing Home
- Label Everything: Clearly mark all items with the resident's first and last name. This includes clothing, blankets, bedding, and anything that will be laundered, as well as glasses, hearing aids, denture cases, personal care items, medical equipment, electronics, entertainment items, accessories, furniture, and hobby supplies.
- Inventory Management: Some nursing homes conduct an inventory of a new resident’s belongings upon move-in. If they do, notify the staff when new items are introduced so they can update the inventory list. If the facility doesn’t manage inventories, consider creating your own tracking form to monitor your loved one's belongings.
- Keep Receipts: Save receipts for any items you purchase or bring into the facility. This can be useful if items are lost or misplaced, allowing you to seek reimbursement if needed.
- Secure Valuables: Make sure your loved one has a locked drawer or lockbox in their room to safely store valuables.
What should you avoid?
- Valuable Items: Avoid bringing items of significant value, such as large amounts of cash or precious sentimental items like jewelry.
- Hazardous Items: Refrain from bringing hazardous items that could pose safety risks, including glass objects, electric blankets, hot plates, space heaters, rugs, scented plug-ins, open flames (such as candles), extension cords, and weapons.
- Large Furniture: Do not bring large furniture items without first obtaining approval from the nursing home facility.
