What Should You Take to Assisted Living?

Items you should take to assisted living include personal belongings, electronic or medical devices and select pieces of furniture, decor and household goods. Unfortunately, downsizing is inevitable when you move to a senior care facility. However, how much you downsize depends on the community you’re moving to, the services they provide, the layout and size of your apartment and whether it’s already furnished or not.

Each facility has a list of requirements and recommendations of what you should and shouldn’t bring, and by knowing what to expect, you can pack more effectively for your move to assisted living.

You will need to take your personal belongings such as clothes, toiletries, medications, glasses, a wallet, hearing aids, legal documents and walking or mobility aids. You may also wish to bring the jewelry or watch you wear every day and special mementos. If your new room or apartment is not already furnished, you also have to take a bed, bedside table and lamp, as well as a recliner or comfortable chair. If there’s enough space, you could also consider taking a dressing table and small couch.

Assisted living facilities usually offer many scheduled activities, but there may be times you’d rather just relax in your apartment. For these times, be sure to bring your books, puzzles, electronics, board games, playing cards, hobby supplies or anything else you enjoy doing at home.

For comfort and safety reasons, there are some items you should leave behind. Chairs that have wheels or lack armrests could be dangerous, so do not bring those. Avoid cluttering your apartment with oversized or excessive pieces of furniture so that you have enough room to move about freely and safely with a walker or wheelchair. You may wish to leave valuable items that could get broken or stolen with loved ones or in a safe deposit box. Area rugs and scatter rugs could pose a trip hazard, so avoid bringing those to your new assisted living home.

To make your new assisted living residence cozy, consider decorating your space like home. Decorate your room or apartment with your own curtains, favorite artwork and photographs of loved ones. Use familiar towels and bedding, and if your living quarters have a kitchenette, bring utensils and appliances to prepare the occasional meal, snack or cup of coffee.