Key Takeaways
- Plan the move early and sort one room each day to keep things calm.
- Pack comfort items like a favorite chair, soft blanket, and labeled family photos.
- Choose washable, easy-fasten clothing and nonslip shoes.
- Leave out sharp objects, cleaning supplies, and loose rugs for safety.
- The ASAP program uses music, scent, and keepsakes to help your loved one feel at home.
How to Pack for a Move Into Memory Care
Moving a loved one into memory care can stir up a lot of feelings. Our team at Kauhale Pettigru knows you want the new space to feel warm and familiar from day one. And we’re here to help you do that.
Plan early, pack comfort items, and include daily essentials. Leave risky objects behind and lean on the memory care team. The tips below can make your loved one’s move smoother.
How to Plan Ahead for a Smooth Move
A little planning takes the pressure off everyone. Start by talking with the care team about how much space your loved one will have.
They can tell you which items tend to fit well and which ones are likely to get in the way. This one simple chat can save you from packing too much.
Combing through everything all at once can be stressful. Give yourself time by sorting one room each day. A slow pace keeps the whole process organized.
Downsize with Care
Downsizing feels easier when you use a simple guide.
Use the one-year rule if you’re not sure what items should make the move to the community. Items that have been used or worn in the past year belong on the packing list. The rest can stay at home unless they carry great sentimental value.
Alternatively, treasured pieces can go to friends, grandkids, or a local charity. Passing them along keeps the joy alive in a new way. For bulky furniture that cannot come along, snap a few photos. Your loved one can keep the connection without keeping the clutter.
Comfort Items That Feel Like Home
Familiar things bring instant comfort in a new space. Small touches signal safety and warmth right away.
Focus on the pieces your loved one reaches for most.
- A favorite chair, cozy blanket, or soft pillow they love
- Framed family photos labeled clearly with each person’s name
- A nontoxic houseplant that adds a little life
- Familiar lamps and wall art from their old bedroom
Labeling photos does double duty. They spark warm conversations and help your loved one recognize faces during visits.
Set Up the Space Before Arrival
Decorate the room before your loved one walks in. A ready space can greet them like a warm hug from an old friend.
Add a few night lights to soften dark corners after sunset. Contrasting colors also help. A bright blanket against a pale wall tends to catch the eye from the other end of the room.
Clothing and Daily Essentials to Pack
Everyday items keep routines smooth and simple. Comfort and easy movement matter most here.
Pack clothing and personal helpers that make each morning easier.
- Comfy, washable clothes with easy fasteners, labeled with their name
- Nonslip shoes without laces for steady steps
- Toiletries and daily grooming items
- Glasses, hearing aids, and any mobility helpers
Labeled clothes help everything find its way back after laundry day. Taking a bit of time to write your loved one’s name down can make everyday living a lot easier.
Things for Hobbies and Fun
Joy comes from doing what your loved one has always loved. Bring along the tools for their favorite pastimes.
A few ideas that spark fun and calm include the following.
- Books, simple puzzles, and a favorite music playlist
- A senior-friendly tablet or TV for easy viewing
- Art supplies, a small instrument, or indoor games
Music holds a special power for people living with dementia. A familiar song can lift the mood in seconds.
What to Leave Out for Safety
Some items may feel helpful but can actually create risk. Keeping these at home protects your loved one.
Leave the following behind or store them with the care team.
- Sharp objects like scissors and razors
- Cleaning supplies and medications
- Throw rugs that can slide underfoot
- Irreplaceable heirlooms and financial cards
Loose rugs are a common trip hazard, so avoid bringing those along. In addition, valuables and cards are safest kept with you at home.
How the ASAP Program Supports Your Loved One
The ASAP program shapes every moment of the day. It guides each interaction between our care team and your loved one. From the moment they wake until they drift off to sleep, they’re supported with compassion and respect.
This holistic approach aims to provide care to the whole person. Our team weaves in sensory touches that reach past words and speak straight to the heart.
Those touches can include the following.
- Beloved music that brings a smile
- Comforting scents tied to happy times
- Familiar keepsakes placed within easy reach
You can help our team connect faster by sharing a small photo album. Pictures of family and favorite trips give caregivers real stories to talk about and share a laugh over.
The Right Community and a Smoother Move
You don’t have to sort through the move alone. Our team at Kauhale Pettigru can help you through each and every part with patience and heart.
The most important part of planning a move is to first tour the community. You can see this village-inspired neighborhood with your own eyes. Schedule a tour today and take in the warm interactions between our residents and our team. We’re always here to give you and your loved one the right support.