Long-Term Care | Moving In

Once you’ve settled on a long-term care facility, it’s time to move forward with the transition process and focus on the move-in.

This part of any senior’s journey can be nerve-wracking for both them and their loved ones. Be sure everyone involved with the transition communicates clearly and frequently with another and the key members of the facility’s management team.

During the packing process, use this checklist as a guide: 

• Clothing: Pack enough for two weeks that will last in between laundry days. Include clothes for day-to-day living, social and fitness activities, and other specialized events. These items encompass comfortable tops and bottoms, coats for both mild and cold days, sleepwear, slippers, indoor shoes, outdoor shoes, robes, underwear, socks and/or tights, activewear, hats, scarves, and gloves. 
• Personal hygiene: Take all the products that will make you feel more at home in your new space. These can include prescription medicine, supplements, soap, shampoo and conditioner, makeup, perfume or cologne, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body lotion, moisturizer, shaving products, and more.
• Bedding: Bringing your own bedding can make you feel more at ease, especially if you have a specific personal preference. For example, you may want to bring your own blanket, comforter, throw, pillow, and pillowcase. 
• Electronics: Bring all the essentials like a smartphone, tablet, computer, TV and remote, camera, headphones, and the chargers and cords for all the items.
• Bedroom furniture: The care home may provide these items, but double-check with management to see if you can bring your own desk, drawers, nightstand, bookshelf, or lamp.
• Personal items: items like framed photos, photo albums, books, movies, puzzles, games, and other decorative items can help ease the move.

Labeling all items not provided by the retirement home is highly recommended, just in case they get lost, mixed up with communal items, or if you have cognitive limitations.