It can be a daunting task, especially when it’s your first going into a care home or taking a loved. This guide will help make the task at hand easier for you.
all our care homes in Leicester and across the Midlands are required to provide a safe, clean, comfortable and above all homelike environment. But you can never be too sure.
Before Moving In
Visit the room your loved one will be staying in or a similar one. This will give you an idea of what is provided, what you will need to bring, and the floor space and storage available. Find out if any of the furniture inside the room will remain or will be removed.
Some of the critical questions you can ask during your first visit to help you come up with a checklist include:
- Does the facility provide beddings and towels?
- Can you bring appliances like a small refrigerator or TV?
- Is there a whiteboard for posting pictures, calendars and reminders?
- Can you bring personal care products?
- Are personal laundry services available?
- Is there public or secure WiFi?
- Does your loved one have access to long-distance telephone services?
- Are the linens laundered?
Asking these questions will not only help you determine what you need to pack when reporting to the facility, but you will also understand any potential costs that had not been mentioned before.
What You Need to Pack
Packing is a tedious and often emotional part of moving to a care home. Making the right decisions ensures your loved one has an easy transition, but sometimes, you also have to do away with what isn’t allowed in the care home, and that presents a problem.
Clothing and Accessories
When packing the clothes, you have to decide which ones you can bring to the home and how much you need to carry. When picking the clothes, remember the following:
- The clothes should be easy to wear and remove.
- They should withstand a lot of washing and drying.
- Some of the clothes should be multi-layered to keep your loved one warm.
- Opt for a variety that includes comfortable jackets, vests and sweatshirts that can be paired with multiple outfits.
Personal Care Products
The family is responsible for providing their loved one with these items. Their personal care products list should include lotion, soap, shampoo and toothpaste. Make a point of picking their favourite brand and fragrances to make the experience more comfortable.
Linens and Bedclothes
Most of the basic items like towels and beddings are provided for by the facility. If your loved one would like to carry an extra blanket or a quilt to add comfort and colour to their room, you should consider packing one.
A lap blanket or throw is also a nice addition but make sure the items you pick can withstand constant washing and drying.
Electrical Items and Technology
If the facility allows, you can bring a small TV and a DVD player for your loved one. Be sure to pack a pair of spare batteries and clearly label everything. If the rooms are shared, consider buying wireless headphones as well.
If WiFi is available, you can also pack a smartphone, laptop or tablet and enquire about any fees associated with the WiFi.
Conclusion
You can also bring a few items that add a decorative touch to the room to make your loved one feel at home. However, you have to enquire what is permitted and prohibited. A few more favourite items like photographs shouldn’t miss in your list.