Deciding to move into a care home can be incredibly tricky, and your friends and family have lots of questions. You’ve had to consider your existing condition, your physical limitations, and your financial capabilities. You have concluded that placement in a care home is the best option for everyone involved.
Of course, that doesn’t make the decision any easier. Moving to a care home is an admission that there are some things you can no longer do by yourself. But that doesn’t mean that the transition to senior assisted living has to be equally stressful as well. A new chapter of your life is about to start, and it’s up to you if you want to make your time count.
Just like moving to a new home, you need to plan and pack what you want to bring carefully. Here are a few things you should bring to help you prepare for your new life in a care facility.
1. Clothing
Bringing all your clothes to the facility isn’t recommended, and in many cases, not an option. Closet space at the facility will most likely be limited so that you’ll have to plan the clothing and accessories you want to bring with you.
For instance, you might want to choose pieces of clothing that are easy to wear and remove. It’s advisable to spend a few hours at the facility to get a feel for the temperature. If it’s a bit on the colder side, bring a few jackets or sweatshirts to supplement your everyday wear, as well as comfortable socks to keep your feet warm.
The amount of clothing you’ll bring also depends on the frequency of washing. Having ten days’ worth of outfits is a good place to start, especially if the laundry is done weekly. It pays to have a few spare outfits handy in case of delays.
2. Personal care and hygiene
Just because you’re moving to a care home doesn’t mean you have to give up your creature comforts. You can still bring your favorite personal care and hygiene products, whether it’s for skincare, haircare, or even just your favorite toothpaste. Bringing your personal care products is often better as the ones from the facility might not be as good and can cost extra.
Don’t just bring one or two bottles of your preferred shampoo, though. If possible, bring a stash of your favorite brands in case you run out, and no one’s around for a supply run.
3. Linen
Most care homes provide their towels and beddings, but you’re free to bring your own. Pack a few of your favorite blankets to add a personal touch to your room. The linen you bring should be machine washable, though. Make sure to have a few stored in the closet so you’ll have one at the ready in case of spills.
The first few weeks at a facility can be a stressful time for you, and your room at a care home will never compare to the one you had in your old home. But with planning or preparation, you can bring a piece of home with you. In time, you’ll even find a new home as well.