What should you bring to a memory care facility?

Items to bring to a memory care facility include framed photos, decorations and furniture. Moving your loved one to a long-term care facility can be a big change, and bringing along special personal items is a great way to ease the transition. Your loved one’s room starts as a blank slate in need of personal touches.

You won’t be able to take all of your loved one’s belongings to the memory care facility. And, you may be tempted to purchase new personal care items such as combs, brushes and cosmetics, but we encourage you to bring your loved one’s familiar belongings, even if the items are older. During the transition, even a cherished blanket could provide sufficient support.

Specific personal care items to include on your checklist:

• Comfortable clothes
• Non-skid slippers or socks
• Favorite shampoo, soap and lotion
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Eyeglasses and a storage case
• Dentures and denture cream

For the facility’s benefit in keeping track of belongings, be sure to label everything.

Framed photos, artwork and even favorite furniture can significantly enhance the comfort of your loved one’s new living space. For example, incorporating familiar items like their habitual bedside lamp can be profoundly comforting. This lamp, integral to their daily routine, not only offers a sense of familiarity but also aids in maintaining a consistent routine, which is vital for individuals with memory care needs.

While it’s important to personalize your loved one’s space, consider the nature of the items you choose. Highly valuable or irreplaceable items, such as jewelry, might be better kept secure at home. Instead, you can create a welcoming and familiar environment with safer alternatives. For instance, consider using high-quality photocopies of family photos or artwork. These can add a personal touch without the worry of losing precious family heirlooms. This way, you can ensure your loved one is surrounded by comforting memories in a practical manner

Although memory care facilities usually provide basics such as pillows and blankets, having ones from home is preferred. Your loved one may have a handmade quilt, favorite pillow or even a stuffed toy or doll that offers comfort.

Comfort items can extend beyond physical comfort. Maybe your loved one completes a word search each day or enjoys reading the newspaper. Having these items readily available can reduce frustrations, especially through the transition period as your loved one adjusts to a new home and routine.