Prioritizing Familiarity and Comfort
Moving into a new residence is a major life change, and for someone with memory loss, familiarity is a key factor in reducing stress and confusion. By surrounding your loved one with cherished and familiar items, you can help create a sense of comfort and continuity.
Creating a Home-like Environment
- Favorite Bedding and Pillows: A beloved quilt, bedspread, or a familiar pillow from home can make the new bed feel cozier and more personal.
- Familiar Furniture: Many facilities allow residents to bring a favorite chair, small table, or dresser. A cherished recliner or armchair can provide a familiar and comforting place to sit.
- Framed Family Photos: Display framed pictures of family and friends at eye-level. Labeling the names of people in the photos can assist staff with reminiscence therapy and help spark conversations.
- Meaningful Decor: Items like artwork, a favorite lamp, or non-toxic houseplants can personalize the space. Avoid intricate, busy patterns on curtains or bed covers, as these can sometimes be confusing for those with cognitive changes.
The Importance of Labeling
Because items can be misplaced or mixed up with other residents' belongings during laundry or cleaning, it is critical to label everything. Use permanent markers for clothing labels and engrave or discreetly tag personal items. This simple step can prevent frustration and loss.
Health, Safety, and Personal Essentials
A thorough move-in checklist includes more than just sentimental items. Focusing on practical necessities ensures your loved one's health and well-being are a top priority.
Clothing and Apparel
Pack comfortable, season-appropriate clothing that is easy to put on and take off. Consider these specific items:
- Adaptive clothing: For individuals who struggle with dressing, clothing with Velcro closures or larger buttons can increase independence and ease daily routines.
- Comfortable shoes: Non-slip shoes or slippers without laces are crucial for preventing falls.
- Daily wear: Soft pajamas, robes, and comfortable loungewear are essential. Pack enough for at least two weeks.
- Outerwear: Include sweaters, jackets, and hats for varying temperatures.
Toiletries and Personal Hygiene
Many facilities provide basic toiletries, but bringing familiar products can be very comforting. Always check the facility's policy on personal items.
- Favorite soaps and lotions: Familiar scents can be very soothing and help cue daily routines.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste: Having their own familiar brand is a small, but important detail.
- Haircare: Combs, brushes, and simple hair accessories.
Important Documents
While you won't bring all legal documents, some copies are essential for the facility. Keep originals stored in a safe place at home.
- Power of Attorney
- Emergency contact list
- Current medication list
- Recent photo of your loved one
Activities and Engagement
Engaging a loved one's mind and senses is vital for their cognitive health. Pack items that can support these activities.
Sensory and Memory Stimulation
- Music Player: A simple music player with pre-loaded favorite songs from their younger years can be very effective in reducing anxiety. Headphones can be helpful in a shared room.
- Memory Boxes: Create a shadow box or small prop box with meaningful objects, photos, and items from their life. This provides an excellent tool for reminiscence therapy.
- Craft Supplies: Simple supplies for hobbies like knitting, painting, or adult coloring books can keep hands busy and minds engaged.
Comparison Table: What to Bring vs. What to Leave
| What to Bring | What to Leave at Home |
|---|---|
| Familiar blanket, pillows, and bedding | Bulky, oversized furniture |
| Favorite, comfortable armchair | Valuables, expensive jewelry, heirlooms |
| Framed family photos (labeled) | Sharp objects (scissors, letter openers) |
| Easy-to-wear clothing (Velcro, large buttons) | Clothing that requires special care |
| Non-slip shoes and slippers | Throw rugs and long cords (tripping hazard) |
| Simple music player with favorite tunes | Hazardous items (candles, space heaters) |
| Memory box with personal mementos | Excessive clutter or unnecessary decor |
| Important copies of legal documents | All original financial and legal paperwork |
What to Confirm with the Facility First
Before you pack, always communicate with the memory care facility staff. Ask about their specific policies and room limitations. Some facilities may provide certain items or have restrictions on furniture size, electrical appliances, or even specific toiletries.
The Move-in Box: Day-of Essentials
To ensure a smooth move-in day, prepare a special box with items needed immediately. This prevents scrambling through boxes for critical items.
- Change of clothes: Pack a comfortable outfit and pajamas.
- Medications: The first few doses, as the facility staff will take over management.
- Toiletries: The basics for that evening and the next morning.
- Important Documents: Hand over the necessary copies to staff.
- A favorite snack: Check dietary restrictions with staff, but a favorite treat can offer comfort.
By carefully planning and packing with empathy, you can help create a comforting and familiar environment that will support your loved one's well-being. For more information on transitioning to a memory care community, the Alzheimer's Association offers helpful resources and support, such as their article on moving a person with dementia. Following these steps will help make the move less stressful for everyone involved.
Conclusion
Moving a loved one to memory care is an emotional process, but with thoughtful planning, it can be a positive step. By focusing on personal comfort, safety, and meaningful engagement, you can help them feel secure in their new home. A well-organized move, centered on familiarity, can lay the groundwork for a smoother adjustment and a higher quality of life for your loved one.
