Essentials: The Seven-Day Rule and Beyond
When packing for a nursing home, thinking in terms of seven-day increments is a practical starting point, but it's important to be flexible based on the resident's personal needs and the facility's services. While most nursing homes offer laundry, it may only be done once or twice a week and can take several days to be returned. Having a few extra outfits is wise, especially if the resident experiences incontinence or is prone to spills.
Recommended Clothing Quantities
- 7-10 shirts or tops: Choose comfortable, loose-fitting options like t-shirts, polo shirts, or button-up shirts. Consider button-ups with Velcro or magnetic closures for easier dressing.
- 5-7 pairs of pants or skirts: Elastic waistbands are highly recommended for comfort and ease of use. Stretchy track pants or sweatpants are excellent choices for physical therapy and daily wear.
- 10-14 pairs of underwear: Having extra pairs is crucial, particularly if incontinence is a concern.
- 10-14 pairs of socks: Include non-slip socks for added safety, especially when walking on facility floors.
- 4-5 sets of pajamas or nightgowns: Choose soft, breathable sleepwear for comfort.
- 2-3 sweaters or sweatshirts: Seniors often feel cold due to changes in body temperature, so layers are essential. Cardigans and zip-up options are easy to put on and take off.
- 1-2 robes or housecoats: A comfortable robe provides modesty and warmth.
- 2 pairs of non-slip shoes: One pair should be comfortable, non-slip athletic shoes for activities and physical therapy. The other can be non-skid slippers or slip-ons for indoor use.
- 1 all-weather jacket or coat: For outings or sitting outside, a jacket is necessary.
Practicality vs. Durability: A Wardrobe Comparison
When choosing clothes, consider how they will hold up to the rigors of institutional laundry and their ease of use for both the resident and caregivers. Heavy-duty, high-temperature washing is standard, so delicate fabrics are not a good fit.
| Feature | Practical/Durable Clothing | Delicate/Impractical Clothing |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Polyester, cotton/poly blends, durable cottons, fleece | Silk, lace, cashmere, delicate knits |
| Closures | Velcro®, snaps, large buttons, zippers with large tabs | Small buttons, hooks, thin zippers |
| Fit | Loose, comfortable, stretchy fabrics | Tight, restrictive, form-fitting |
| Maintenance | Machine wash, tumble dry | Hand wash, delicate cycle, line dry |
| Labeling | Easy-to-mark fabric, built-in tags | Tagless, difficult-to-mark material |
Adaptive Clothing: Enhancing Independence and Comfort
For residents with limited mobility, arthritis, or cognitive impairment, adaptive clothing offers significant benefits by prioritizing independence and dignity. These garments are specially designed to make dressing easier for both the wearer and the caregiver. Options include open-back shirts and dresses that fasten with snaps or Velcro at the shoulders, allowing the resident to be dressed while sitting or lying down. Adaptive pants with side zippers or back openings are available for easier toileting and changing.
Labeling and Management: Keeping Track of Belongings
One of the most important steps in preparing a nursing home wardrobe is labeling every single item. In a busy, communal laundry setting, clothes can easily get lost or mixed up.
- Labeling methods: Use permanent fabric markers, iron-on labels, or sew-on tags. Some adaptive clothing brands even provide a designated area on the tag for a name.
- Information to include: Clearly write the resident's full name, and possibly room number, on each item.
- Coordination with staff: Before labeling, confirm the facility's preferred method and policy for marking residents' clothing.
- Regular inventory: Perform a clothing inventory every few months to ensure all items are accounted for.
Conclusion
Determining how much clothing for a nursing home requires balancing practical needs with personal preferences. A baseline of at least a week's worth of durable, comfortable, and easy-to-wear clothing is a solid starting point. However, the best approach is to communicate with the nursing home staff about their laundry schedule and any specific resident needs. Incorporating adaptive clothing can greatly improve a resident's comfort and confidence. By carefully curating and clearly labeling the wardrobe, families can ensure their loved one's belongings are protected and that they always have appropriate attire. For further information on managing long-term care, visiting Caring.com can be helpful.
Final Checklist
- Everyday wear: 7-10 tops, 5-7 pants/skirts.
- Undergarments: 10-14 pairs of socks and underwear.
- Sleepwear: 4-5 pajama sets, 1-2 robes.
- Outerwear: 2-3 sweaters/sweatshirts, 1 jacket/coat.
- Footwear: 2 pairs of non-slip shoes, 2 pairs of non-skid slippers.
- Specialty: Any needed adaptive clothing.
- Labels: Permanent fabric markers or labels for all items.
