The Essential Care Home Packing List: What to Bring When Moving into a Care Home
When the time comes for yourself or a loved one to move into a care home, it can be a huge transition. One of the things that can make the process smoother is to ensure that all the right essentials have been packed, so it can be advisable to put together a well thought out packing list to ensure comfort, familiarity and practicality.
We have put together an essential guide on what to bring when moving into a care home although it is important to remember that every care home has different policies on what is allowed, so it is always best to check with them before you start.
Before Moving into a Care Home
Before you start any packing, you should do a little bit of homework in advance. It is advisable to view the room that you will be moving into so that you can work out its size and layout. This will also show you how much storage is available and will give you a good idea of how much can realistically be packed.
Some care homes will provide a certain amount of furniture, bedding or toiletries, so you should check what is included with your package before you start planning. You also need to ask about any policies the nursing home might have about what you can bring with you. There may be certain items that are not permitted, or some which might need safety checks such as electrical testing.
What to bring with you
Ideally, you should be packing clothing that will last for at least two weeks, covering day, night, activities and events. These should be comfortable, easy to put on and take off, and withstand frequent washing and drying. There should also be plenty of toiletries and personal care items in your packing to make sure that you have all your favourite brands and items.
Most care homes will provide bedding, but you might have your own specific items that you want to have with you, such as a treasured quilt, throw or cushion to make it feel more like home.
Safe electronic devices can also be a good way to stay connected to family and friends, as well as providing entertainment and information, so if they are not already provided, you could look at packing a TV, radio, tablet or mobile phone.
If you are permitted to bring your own furniture, then you may want a lounge chair, wardrobe, nightstand or even a lamp. You could also bring ornaments, paintings, photographs and books to help give the space a more familiar and comfortable feel.
What NOT to Bring
There are lots of things that you might want to bring with you, but there are also a few items that are not permitted due to safety, security, or space limitations. It is therefore advisable to avoid taking any large amounts of cash, valuables or sentimental items with you as there are no guarantees that these will be secure.
Try to avoid taking any large furniture with you as it may not fit into the room. You may be able to take some electrical items with you, but these must be safety checked.
Everyone wants to move into a care home to go as smoothly as possible which is why careful planning is so essential. Most difficulties can be avoided by checking with the care home in advance for any specific policies and by considering the limitations of the room that is available.
It is important to encourage loved ones to be part of the packing process to help ease the transition and allow them to make their own choices about what home comforts they would like to have with them.
Contact our team
The move to a nursing home can be daunting, but here at Ambleside Nursing Home we are here to help make it as straightforward as possible. Which is why we have put together a checklist of all the essentials to take with you when moving into a care home.
Get in touch with our teamby phone 01934 642 172, email info@amblesidenursinghome.co.uk or by filling out our contact form.
