The move into an assisted living facility is a significant life change for you, your older family member, and the rest of your family who may no longer live near their loved one. One way to ease the nerves of the senior in your life during this transition is by carefully selecting what to bring along for the initial move. The right items can act as a saving grace that provides emotional comfort and helps make the new space feel more like home. Here is a move-in checklist created by experts to help you organize and bring those items most important to your loved one.
Items To Bring – Initial Move-In Checklist
Essential Items: While most of our discussion today will focus on items that are a good idea to bring along, some things are too important to leave behind. Managing health is a top priority for seniors, and that often includes taking prescribed medications. Packing a sufficient supply of all daily medications, along with a detailed medication list, is essential. Additionally, medical records, identification cards, insurance information, and legal documents such as living wills or powers of attorney shouldn’t be left at home. When readily available, these documents ensure that the transition into the facility goes smoothly and that any medical or legal needs can be promptly addressed.
Comfortable and Familiar Furniture: When settling into a new space, familiar furniture can make a world of difference. Bringing along a favorite chair or a cherished bedside table adds a touch of home that can’t easily be replicated. No move-in checklist is complete without including a well-loved chair that can provide a sense of continuity and emotional security, making the adjustment to a new living situation a bit easier.
Favorite Clothing: From casual wear for everyday activities to slightly formal attire for special events or dinners, having a well-rounded wardrobe can make your loved one feel more at home. Don’t forget to include comfortable sleepwear, seasonal clothing for the rare cold Florida days, and appropriate footwear like non-slip shoes. A wide selection of their favorite clothing will provide a sense of normalcy and comfort for your loved one in their new environment.
Personal Care Items: Toiletries and personal care products are another category to consider. Pack your loved one’s preferred brands of shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and other hygiene products. Also, include any specialized items they might need, such as denture care products, hearing aid batteries, or specific skincare items. While an assisted living facility can provide these items when needed, most people prefer to stick with what they know, at least in the short term.
Bedding and Towels: While assisted living facilities provide bedding and towels, bringing your own can offer extra comfort and familiarity. Your loved one’s favorite blanket, pillow, or set of sheets can make their new space feel more like home. The tactile experience of their own bedding can be reassuring and contribute to better sleep, which is essential for overall well-being.
Electronics: In today’s digital age, devices like smartphones, tablets, or laptops can be lifelines to the outside world. They allow your loved one to stay connected with family and friends through video calls, social media, or email. Additionally, these devices can offer entertainment options like games, movies, or audiobooks that can make downtime more enjoyable. While there may be other avenues to stay in touch with family through facility devices, learning a whole new system or device in the early, stressful days of a move isn’t something most seniors want to deal with.
A Banyan Residence is an assisted living and memory care center located in Venice, Florida. If you ae looking for a professional and compassionate assisted living residence, we welcome your call.
