Moving into a memory care community is a significant change for residents and their families. For many seniors living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, the transition to memory care can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. However, it can also be a new chapter filled with comfort, safety, and personalized care.
One way to make this transition easier is by preparing the right items for your loved one’s new living space. Creating a familiar and comforting environment can help your loved one feel more at home and settle in more easily. If you’re wondering what to bring with you or your loved one when moving into a memory care community, we’ve compiled a helpful guide to ensure you get the essentials.
Personal Clothing and Accessories
Clothing is essential for everyday living, but it’s vital to bring pieces that will make your loved one feel comfortable and familiar. Memory care communities typically provide laundry services, so there’s no need to bring overwhelming clothing.
What to Bring:
- Comfortable clothes: Choose soft, easy-to-wear garments for everyday use. Opt for elastic waistbands and slip-on shoes.
- Weather-appropriate gear: Jackets, sweaters, and shoes that will keep your loved one comfortable in all seasons.
- Undergarments and socks: Having a few pairs each is helpful, but don’t overpack.
- Personal accessories: Hats, scarves, or jewelry that have sentimental value.
Tip: Label everything with your loved one’s name to help avoid any mix-ups, especially if they have a lot of similar clothing.
Important Personal Items
In addition to clothing, personal items help create a sense of familiarity and emotional comfort for the new resident. These items should remind your loved one of home and give them a sense of control over their surroundings.
What to Bring:
- Photos: Framed pictures of family, friends, pets, and significant life events. Familiar faces can provide comfort.
- Favorite items: Special blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals with sentimental meaning. These personal treasures can help with the adjustment process.
- Books: Bring some of their favorite books or magazines if your loved one enjoys reading.
Tip: Avoid bringing too many items that might make the room overcrowded. Choose items that truly matter and help evoke positive memories.
Memory Aids and Tools
Since memory care residents often have trouble recalling daily details, memory aids can be invaluable. These tools can provide reminders and support, making it easier for residents to manage their daily routines and activities.
What to Bring:
- Calendars and clocks: Large-print calendars, clocks with the day of the week, or digital clocks that help with time management can help orient your loved one.
- Memory boards: A bulletin board with photos, names, and essential details about the family, pets, and hobbies can help spark conversations and provide orientation.
- Daily routine reminders: If your loved one has routine or specific things they need to remember each day (like medication), make visual reminders they can reference.
Tip: Work with the memory care community to learn about their guidelines for memory aids, as some communities may provide similar tools.
Toiletries and Personal Care Items
Though the community will provide basic toiletries, your loved one will likely feel more at ease using the products they’ve grown accustomed to at home. Bringing their favorite toiletries helps them maintain a sense of normalcy.
What to Bring:
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and other personal care items they typically use.
- Skin care products: Lotions, creams, and other skincare products that are part of their daily routine.
- Hair care tools: A comb, hairbrush, or other grooming items that your loved one uses regularly.
Tip: Avoid items that may not be allowed, such as aerosol products or sharp objects, which can present a safety risk. Check with the community for any restrictions.
Special Medical Equipment
Memory care communities typically provide excellent medical care, but if your loved one uses specialized medical equipment, bring it along. It’s essential to inform the community of any needs or requirements.
What to Bring:
- Hearing aids: If your loved one uses hearing aids, be sure to bring extra batteries and cleaning tools.
- Glasses: Extra pairs of glasses or prescription lenses, if needed.
- Mobility aids: If your loved one uses a walker, cane, or wheelchair, these should accompany them to ensure they remain mobile and safe.
Tip: Make sure the medical equipment is clearly labeled, and check with the community to ensure they can accommodate any specific needs.
Entertainment and Hobbies
Maintaining hobbies and staying mentally engaged is essential for memory care residents. Bring along items that can help keep your loved one stimulated and entertained.
What to Bring:
- Craft supplies: If they enjoy crafts, knitting, or painting, bring the necessary materials to continue these activities.
- Puzzles and games: Bring simple puzzles, board games, or cards to keep the brain active.
- Music: A favorite music playlist or a portable music player can bring joy and relaxation. Music has been shown to have a positive impact on people with dementia.
Tip: Check with the community to see if they offer any activities or supplies related to your loved one’s hobbies.
Comfort and Safety Items
Ensuring the safety and comfort of your loved one is a top priority. A few additional items can enhance their quality of life and help keep them safe in their new environment.
What to Bring:
- Non-slip slippers: To reduce the risk of falls.
- Adjustable lighting: Some seniors feel more comfortable with nightlights or a dimmer in their room to facilitate nighttime navigation.
- Extra blankets: A soft, familiar blanket can provide comfort and warmth.
Tip: Consult with the memory care staff to ensure any items brought to meet their safety standards.
Important Documents
Ensure all essential documents are accessible and kept in a safe place for the staff and healthcare providers to reference.
What to Bring:
- Identification: A valid ID, medical records, and insurance information.
- Power of attorney and legal documents: If applicable, provide any legal documents that relate to care and decision-making.
The Bottom Line
Moving into a memory care community can be challenging, but with the proper preparation, the transition can be a smoother experience for your loved one and the family. The goal is to create an environment that feels as comfortable and familiar as possible while ensuring safety and well-being. Your loved one can begin this new chapter with security and peace by focusing on personal comfort, memories, and essentials.
At The Village at Sugar Land, we understand the importance of making your loved one’s transition seamless. Our caring staff is dedicated to ensuring a supportive environment that promotes comfort and joy for every resident.
💬 If you have any questions or need assistance with the transition, please get in touch with us today!
📞 281-729-8800
#MemoryCare #SeniorLiving #DementiaCare #TheVillageAtSugarLand #SeniorCare #FamilySupport