Our Helpful Guide to Packing

We understand that it is very daunting to plan for your family member to go into a care home. We have devised a helpful guide of things to consider when packing belongings to take to their new home.

Understandably it is hard to let go of belongings which have been gathered over a lifetime. Try to reassure your loved one by agreeing, among different family members, to home some of their most valuable possessions if needed. This may help to ease the process. Then you’ll need to consider packing items from different areas: clothing, personal care, linens, electrical items and technology, furniture, decorative items, hobbies, and favourite things.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

It is unlikely that your loved one will need their entire wardrobe from home. Instead, focus on clothing which is easy to put on and take off. For example, elasticated waistbands and buttoned cardigans.

It is worth packing layers as elderly residents, especially with limited mobility, can find it difficult to regulate their temperature.

Slippers are a must have item! Make sure they are well-fitting with a sturdy sole with good grip.

We also encourage residents to have a coat for outdoors. We have a minibus outing a few times a week and we encourage our service users to get out into the fresh air.

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

Your relative probably has their favourite toiletries. By bringing a small supply of these with them to the care home you can help them to feel more at home quicker.

Staff should keep an eye on when they are running low and arrange for replacements, or you can bring these at visiting times.

BED LINEN

We provide bed linens and towels but your loved one may feel more comfortable with their own. If this is the case, then feel free to pack this.

We recommend choosing a fleecy blanket which is soft and warm yet easy to wash. Avoid complicated patterns if your loved one has any signs of dementia as patterns can cause anxiety and confusion.

ELECTRICAL ITEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

Every room comes with a TV ariel connection and most with a TV. In addition, your loved one may like to bring a DVD player and/or a radio. Your relative may also like to have their own mobile phone, tablet, or laptop. We have good WIFI around the home which is supported by boosters.

At this point, it is also worth noting that your loved one may continue to benefit from certain subscriptions whilst in a care home. An obvious example is using Audible for audiobooks.

FURNITURE

Care Home Furniture: At Ashton Care, all functional furniture is provided including a wardrobe, chest of drawers and a bedside table. We’ve taken care to invest in comfortable high-quality furnishings which are suited to the needs of our residents.

However, your relative may wish to bring a favourite chair or other items of furniture, Just check with the home manager before hand to ensure there is enough room for the items.

PERSONAL AND DECORATIVE ITEMS

We really encourage your loved one to come with their unique personal and decorative items. These help enormously as your loved one settles in and makes our home their new home.

Such items include photo frames, albums, pictures and wall hangings or ornaments.

It’s also important that your loved one has their favourite things with them. These differ for everyone, but any objects that prompt happy memories are valuable.

When your loved one first moves into a care home, it can be useful to bring some of their favourite snacks along too. Having these available to them will help them feel more in control at this time of change.

HOBBY ITEMS

It is our goal to provide plenty of stimulation and opportunities for socialisation within our residential and nursing homes through a varied programme. However, there are periods of time when residents can read, play games, watch TV or do other hobbies.

Therefore, it is important that residents have the items needed to do their own appropriate hobbies. For example, they may want to bring along knitting or a craft project they enjoy.

OTHER ITEMS

Consider the likes and preferences of your loved one as well as space. In addition to the items above, you should also consider packing some additional items.

Your loved one will also probably appreciate you packing a notepad and a few pens. A diary or calendar, with birthdays and visits marked can be helpful too.

If your loved one uses a mobility aid then of course, this should go with them. Make sure you also pack medical equipment, hearing aids (and batteries), glasses and similar items. (Hand medicines over to the staff on arrival).

It is worth labelling items as then we can safely return them to the correct owner if they are left in communal areas of the home or after being laundered.

Ask For Help

The staff will be more than happy to support you and their new resident at this time of transition.