Once you or your loved one decides to move to an assisted living retirement community, the next step is to determine which belongings stay and which ones go. Can you take all your furniture? Is it wise to take all of your valuables?
These guidelines can help you or a loved one decide on how to make this transition to an elder care facility easier by keeping as many personal belongings as possible. However, the new residence is probably a downsize from the current one, so chances are there isn't enough room for everything.
Can You Bring Your Own Furniture?
There are several styles of assisted living retirement homes available ranging from shared-bedroom group homes to single living studio apartments. Unless you are coming from a small apartment to begin with, you probably can't bring all of your own furniture to your new home.
To get an idea what you can bring, take a good look at your living space and if possible, get a detailed floor plan or go in and have a friend or family member measure the room (or rooms). Many times, the residences already come furnished with beds, dressers, lamp tables, etc. Even if you move into a board and care style facility, the home is already furnished by the owner. However, if permitted, feel free to bring a special piece of furniture such as a rocking chair, television or mini-refrigerator.
Ditch Some of the Clothes?
You may not have a lot of closet space in your new community, so choose your wardrobes wisely. All of the clothing and shoes you bring to your new home needs to fit in the alloted dresser and closet space.
Since there is limited available space, even in a one-bedroom apartment, consider leaving some off-season clothing with a friend, relative or in storage. As a rule, you should have enough clothing for two full weeks, including nightwear, undergarments and hosiery. If housekeeping does laundry once a week, then you still have at least seven more days of clothing left.
Should You Worry About Your Valuables?
Comfort is key when it comes to moving to any new home. However, you also want to make sure your valuables don't go missing either. Some jewelry, prized possessions, photographs, books and other treasures are good to take. They will help you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings. Nonetheless, be careful of the amount of jewelry you bring. If you are going to wear it, then bring it. If not, then leave it behind in storage or hand it down to a family member as an heirloom.
As for cash, some retirement facilities allow residents to carry it for shopping trips, on-site vending machines, hair appointments, etc. However, many places recommend that residents bring very little money to their new home. Many assisted living facilities also have a "bank accounts" so their residents can withdraw small amounts of money when needed.
What About Toiletries and Medication?
You or your loved one should bring many of the necessary toiletries including shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. Hygienic products such as incontinence supplies are typically provided when prescribed by a physician. Some assisted living facilities have caregivers to dispense prescribed and over-the-counter medications while others allow residents to keep them in their rooms. You will need to check the facility's policy on this.
Final Note: Label Your Belongings
Everything -- from socks to bookmarks -- has a label with the resident's full name and room number. Use a Sharpie or label maker. Especially if you or your loved is having memory impairment issues, it's best to have all the belongings marked if they go missing.
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