Can you bring furniture to a nursing home?

According to a CDC study, nearly three-quarters of long-term care facilities allow residents to bring in large furniture. The ability to bring personal belongings, including furniture, is often a key factor in making a new space feel like home. The decision of whether you can bring furniture to a nursing home depends heavily on the specific facility's policies, room size, and safety guidelines.

Quick Summary

Bringing furniture to a nursing home is usually permitted, but policies vary widely between facilities due to safety regulations, available space, and specific room layouts. Always coordinate with the facility directly to understand their rules, measure the new room, and determine what personal items can safely and comfortably be brought to personalize the space. Considerations like fire safety, mobility clearance, and overall health and safety are paramount.

Key Points

• Facility Policy is Key: Always check with the specific nursing home, as policies on personal furniture vary widely due to safety and space regulations.

• Prioritize Safety: Bulky or unstable furniture can be a tripping hazard in a smaller room, especially for residents with mobility issues.

• Downsizing is Necessary: Moving to a nursing home almost always requires significant downsizing; plan early and be selective about which items to keep.

• Measure Carefully: Before moving anything, get the exact dimensions of the resident's room and any existing furniture provided by the facility.

• Emphasize Comfort and Familiarity: Bringing a few cherished items, like a favorite recliner or small dresser, can be vital for the resident's emotional well-being and adjustment.

• Consider Fire Safety: Upholstered furniture and personal electronics may be subject to fire safety regulations; confirm material and appliance rules with the facility.

• Involve the Resident: Including the senior in the decision-making process helps them feel a sense of control and reduces the stress of moving.

Policies on bringing furniture to a nursing home

Moving into a nursing home or other long-term care facility is a significant life transition for both the senior and their family. Making the new room feel like home can be a comforting and important part of the adjustment process. A big part of this is understanding the facility's policy on bringing personal furniture. While many places encourage personalization, they must balance this with safety, space limitations, and medical needs.

What to expect regarding furniture in most facilities

Generally, nursing home rooms are furnished with basic, essential items upon arrival. This typically includes a hospital bed, a bedside table, a dresser, and some form of seating. The provided furnishings are chosen for their functionality, durability, and ease of cleaning. However, most residents are allowed to bring some of their own items, particularly smaller pieces that help make the space feel familiar and cozy.

Policies can differ significantly, so it is vital to speak with the facility's administrators or a social worker beforehand. They can provide specific details on what is permitted, what items might be considered a safety hazard, and what furniture, if any, is already provided. Getting this information early allows for better planning and a less stressful transition.

Important considerations before the move

Before packing up a beloved recliner or cherished desk, there are several practical factors to evaluate. These ensure a smooth transition that prioritizes the resident's safety and comfort.

Room dimensions and layout

One of the most immediate concerns is the size of the new room. Rooms in nursing homes are often smaller than a private home, and over-furnishing can quickly lead to a cluttered space. A cluttered room can be a tripping hazard, particularly for individuals who use walkers or wheelchairs.

• Measure everything: Obtain the exact dimensions of the room, including the location of doors, windows, and built-in furniture. Measure the pieces you want to bring to ensure they will fit comfortably without creating obstacles.
• Consider mobility: Ensure there is enough clear space for mobility aids. The path from the bed to the bathroom, for example, must remain unobstructed.
• Review the floor plan: Creating a simple floor plan can help visualize the new layout and determine if large pieces of furniture are feasible. It also helps in deciding which items hold the most sentimental or practical value.

Fire and safety regulations

Nursing homes are subject to strict fire safety codes and regulations to protect residents. These rules often govern the type of materials allowed in the building.

• Fire retardant materials: Some facilities may require that all incoming furniture be made of fire-retardant materials. This is particularly true for upholstered items like chairs and sofas.
• Electrical items: Personal electrical appliances like space heaters, electric blankets, or oversized TVs may be prohibited due to fire risk. Always check the rules before bringing any such items.

Durability and cleanliness

Furniture in a care facility experiences frequent use and regular cleaning. It is essential that any personal items brought in can withstand this wear and tear.

• Sturdy construction: Choose items that are stable and well-made. Wobbly or unstable furniture can pose a falling risk.
• Easy to clean: Materials that can be wiped down easily are preferable. The upholstery on personal chairs should be stain-resistant and easy to sanitize.

List of what to bring and what to leave behind

To help with the decision-making process, a comparison table can be useful. It highlights common items and their typical acceptance status in nursing homes.

Item Category	Typically Allowed	Often Restricted or Discouraged
Seating	Small, sturdy armchair or recliner, chairs with solid armrests	Swivel chairs, chairs on wheels, oversized recliners that impede movement
Storage	Small dresser, tall narrow bookshelf, decorative shelving	Large armoires, bulky storage units that take up too much floor space
Bedding	Personal quilt, pillows, sheets, and blankets	Overly bulky comforters, multiple sets of linens that clutter limited storage
Electronics	Small TV, tablet, radio, clock	Extension cords, electric blankets, space heaters, multiple duplicate devices
Decor	Framed photos, sentimental trinkets, small decorative items	Throw rugs or area rugs (tripping hazard), candles or items with open flames

The downsizing process: what to do with extra belongings

Even if you can bring some furniture, the move will likely involve significant downsizing. This can be a challenging emotional process, but it can also be an opportunity to streamline and organize.

A step-by-step guide to downsizing

1. Start early: Begin the downsizing process at least a few months before the move. This gives ample time to sort through items without feeling rushed.
2. Categorize items: Sort items into three piles: keep, donate/sell, and discard. Be realistic about what will fit and what is truly necessary.
3. Involve the senior: If possible, involve the resident in the decision-making process. This provides a sense of control and helps them prioritize the most cherished items.
4. Digitize memories: For valuable photographs and documents, consider digitizing them to preserve the memory without taking up physical space.
5. Distribute keepsakes: Encourage the senior to pass on sentimental items or family heirlooms to family members. This keeps the item in the family while decluttering the living space.
6. Use a moving company: Hiring a professional moving company that specializes in senior moves can significantly reduce the stress of the physical move itself.

The emotional importance of familiar items

Beyond the practicalities, there is a deep emotional benefit to bringing personal belongings. Familiar furniture and objects can provide a sense of comfort, continuity, and dignity during a stressful time.

• Connection to home: A favorite armchair or a familiar painting can help the new room feel more like home, easing the transition and reducing feelings of homesickness.
• Sense of self: Personal items are a link to one's identity and life story. Displaying cherished belongings can reinforce the resident's sense of self and create conversation starters with staff and other residents.
• Mental well-being: Feeling settled and surrounded by comforting items can have a positive impact on a senior's mental health, reducing anxiety and promoting a feeling of security.

Conclusion

While it is often possible to bring furniture to a nursing home, the process requires careful planning and communication with the facility. Always prioritize the safety and comfort of the resident by measuring the room, understanding the facility's regulations, and choosing items that are both meaningful and appropriate for the new environment. By thoughtfully curating a personal space, you can help make a new nursing home room a true home.

For more information on resident rights regarding personal property in long-term care facilities, the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care is an excellent resource: https://theconsumervoice.org/issues/recipients/personal-possessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step before bringing furniture to a nursing home?

The very first step is to contact the nursing home's administration directly. Request a copy of their resident handbook or discuss their specific policies regarding personal belongings and furniture. Every facility has different rules, so communication is critical.

Are there typically limits on the number of items I can bring?

Yes, most nursing homes impose limits based on the size of the room and safety concerns. They want to ensure there is enough space for staff to provide care and for residents to move around safely. Large, bulky items are often restricted.

Can I bring a recliner to a nursing home?

A recliner is a common item residents wish to bring. Many facilities allow it, but only if space permits and it doesn't create a fire or mobility hazard. Check for specific weight or size restrictions and consider a wall-hugger model for smaller rooms.

What kind of furniture is generally not allowed in a nursing home?

Items typically not allowed include oversized or unstable furniture, electric blankets, space heaters, and throw rugs, which are a major tripping hazard. Furniture with sharp edges might also be discouraged for safety reasons.

How can I make the new room feel like home if I can't bring all the furniture?

You can personalize the space with smaller, sentimental items. Examples include favorite photos in frames, a familiar bedspread, a small radio or tablet, cherished books, and a favorite desk lamp. Homelike scents, if allowed, can also be comforting.

Do I need to check for fire safety with my furniture?

Yes, this is very important. Many facilities have strict fire safety regulations. For upholstered items, you may be required to show proof that the material is fire-retardant. Some facilities may have restrictions on types of materials or electrical devices.

What happens to the furniture we can't bring to the nursing home?

Any furniture that doesn't make the move can be handled in several ways. Options include selling, donating, placing items in storage, or distributing family heirlooms to other relatives. Starting the downsizing process early helps with these decisions.