What to Bring to a Memory Care Facility

Preparing for the move to a memory care facility is no easy task. Not only can it stir up a whirlwind of emotions, but there are also a lot of logistics to consider. One major thing that you'll have to figure out is what to pack and bring for your partner's stay in the facility. After all, you want to make sure that your partner feels comfortable and "at home" in their new place. In this blog post, we'll cover some of the essential items you should consider packing to ensure your partner has an easier transition.  

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Before moving in, it can be helpful to evaluate the layout and dimensions of the space your partner will be moving into. It will give you an idea of what will fit and what storage may be necessary for your partner's items. This, will be especially important if your partner has a shared room vs. a private room. Additionally, be sure to communicate with facility staff to understand any specific guidelines or restrictions regarding personal belongings. You can also ask them if they have a packing list!

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The stage of dementia your partner is in upon transitioning into a memory care facility will also influence the items you should consider bringing, as their needs will vary accordingly. Therefore, this blog presents a general list of the essentials.

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What you should consider bringing:

1. Familiar Items: People living with dementia thrive off of familiarity and consistency. Therefore, you want to bring items that they recognize and that bring them comfort.

• Photographs: Bring framed photos of family members, friends, and fun memories to help your loved one stay connected to their past.
• Comfort items: This could include items such as favorite blankets, pillows, stuffed animals that bring them comfort.
• Entertainment: This could include bringing their favorite reading materials, playlist of music with headphones or accessible radio, puzzle books or coloring books, puzzles, craft supplies, games, or sensory items that your partner enjoys.
• Clothing: Now may not be the best time to replace your partner's wardrobe. Be sure to pack their favorite clothing items that are a comfortable and easy to wear, non-skid socks, bathrobe, supportive tennis shoes, and closed-back slippers. It may also be necessary to bring hangers and and a labeled hamper for dirty clothes. You may also want to label your partner's items so that they don't get mixed up with other residents' items.
• Non-perishable snacks and beverages: Ask facility about their policy on outside food and snacks. Also, the facility may or may not provide or allow a mini refrigerator, so it's always a good idea to check.

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2. Daily Essentials:

• Toiletries: Be sure to pack personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion and sunscreen, shaving supplies, creams and ointments, shampoo/conditioner and/or shampoo caps and no-rinse hair care, hand soap, hair combs/brushes, body wash and/or no-rinse products, incontinence supplies and wipes, and cosmetic items (all dependent on what's necessary for your partner). Also, keep in mind that some facilities don't allow these items to be kept in the room for safety reasons and will hold onto these items for residents.
• Medications: Check with care facility on how both over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs are handled. Medications will most likely need to be in their original bottles.
• Glasses, dentures, hearing aids, and other assistive devices (e.g., cane, walker, wheelchair)
• Communication board (if your partner uses one for communication)
• Dementia-friendly cell phone with charging cables (if necessary;  have you heard of the RAZ Memory Cell Phone?)
• Digital clock
• Trash can

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3. Important Information:

• Provide the facility with a list of allergies, if relevant.
• Provide the facility with a list of emergency contacts, including family members, physicians, and other involved members.
• Facilities will also want a copy of the residents photo ID, social security card, Medicare card, and any other supplemental health insurance cards.
• Facilities will also want a copy of Health and Financial Power of Attorney documents and a living will (if relevant).
• Provide the facility with any advance directives, MOST/POLST forms, and/or DNR forms.

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4. Furniture: Often times, memory care facility rooms can be unfurnished meaning that you will need to bring your own furniture. If possible, it can be helpful to set up and arrange your partner's new room in a way that resembles their previous living space. Again, familiarity and consistency is important. This includes the layout of the furniture, the furnishings themselves and any linens, and the decorations. Please make sure that all furniture is accessible and safe for your partner (e.g., safe bed height, dresser than can open/close, sofas/recliners/chairs with armrests they can stand up from and sit down in, a lamp they know how to use, TV with an accessible remote, etc.)

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5. Kitchenette Supplies: Some memory care facilities have kitchenettes. It will be important for you to determine what items are allowed and will be safe and necessary for your partner to have (e.g., unbreakable or plastic/paper cups, paper towels, utensils, coffee maker, dish soap).

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This list is not exhaustive, but should give you a good starting point for things to consider bringing to a memory care facility. Again, remember to check with the facility for any specific guidelines or restrictions regarding personal belongings.

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To learn about 8 Memory Care Community Considerations check out this blog here.

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