What to Bring to Assisted Living: A Checklist for a Smooth Transition

Moving to an assisted living community is the beginning of a new chapter, full of possibilities for connection, joy, and a fulfilling lifestyle surrounded by new friends and engaging activities. While it’s an exciting journey, we understand that you might be wondering, “What should they bring to assisted living?” to help your loved one feel at home in their new space.

This thoughtful checklist is designed to answer that question and help you curate a collection of belongings that will not only meet their practical needs but also bring a sense of familiarity and warmth to their new surroundings. 

We’ll cover everything from essential everyday items to cherished mementos that will infuse their new space with those personal touches that make it truly their own.

Essential Items for Your Loved One’s Assisted Living Journey

As your loved one prepares for their new home in assisted living, let’s help them bring along the familiar things that make them feel comfortable and at ease. In addition to bringing basic furniture such as a bed and sofa or chair, these suggestions can make their new place feel like home from the very first day:

Clothing

• Everyday Comfort: Bring plenty of your loved one’s favorite outfits – the soft pants, comfy shirts, cozy sweaters, and maybe a few comfy outfits they love to wear for different activities and types of weather. And don’t forget their favorite pajamas and loungewear for relaxing evenings.

• Special Occasions: Include a few dressier outfits for social events, outings or family gatherings.

• Footwear: Make sure they have their most comfortable shoes for everyday wear, some cozy slippers for padding around indoors, and a good pair of shoes for taking walks or enjoying activities outdoors.

• Seasonal Wear: You’ll want to pack for all kinds of weather, from cozy jackets, warm hats, and gloves for chilly days to cool, light clothes for when the sun shines.

Toiletries

• Daily Essentials: Pack their shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, and any other personal care items they use regularly.

• Grooming Supplies: Bring their comb or brush, shaving supplies, makeup, and any other items they need for their personal grooming routine.

Medications

• Prescription Medications: Pack enough of your loved one’s prescription medications to last until they can get them refilled at a pharmacy near their new home.

• Over-the-Counter Medications: Include any over-the-counter medications they take regularly, such as pain relievers, allergy medications, or vitamins.

Assistive Devices

• Mobility Aids: If they use a walker, cane, wheelchair or other mobility aids, be sure to bring them along so they can explore their new community freely.

• Hearing Aids/Glasses: Don’t forget to pack extra batteries for your loved one’s hearing aids and an extra pair of glasses, just in case of any unexpected mishaps.

• Daily Living Aids: Don’t forget those little helpers that make a big difference, like button hooks, reacher-grabbers, sock aids, or specialized utensils. Pack them in a convenient pouch so they’re always within reach.

Comfort Items To Make Your Space Warm and Inviting

While essentials are practical, comfort items are the heart of any new home. They bring joy, spark memories, and provide a sense of continuity during your family member’s transition. Consider these categories, keeping in mind that your loved one’s community offers a wide array of activities and resources for them to enjoy:

Favorite Bedding

• Familiar Sheets and Blankets: Bring the sheets, blankets, and pillows that your loved one already sleeps with. Their familiar feel can make their new bedroom feel instantly cozy and welcoming.

• Comforter or Quilt: If they have a favorite comforter or quilt, be sure to bring it along. It can add a personal touch to their bed and make it feel like their own.

Familiar Décor

• Framed Photos: Surround your loved one with pictures of loved ones, cherished memories or favorite places. These visual reminders can bring comfort and warmth to their new living space.

• Special Mementos: Don’t forget to pack a few small mementos that hold sentimental value. They could include a beloved figurine, a travel souvenir or a family heirloom.

• Throw Pillows and Blankets: Bring along decorative pillows and blankets that add personality and warmth to your loved one’s living space.

• Artwork and Wall Hangings: Decorate their walls with artwork, photographs or other wall hangings they enjoy.

• Knickknacks and Trinkets: A few small decorative items like vases, candles, or figurines can add a personal touch to their shelves and tabletops.

Books and Hobbies

• Favorite Books: Bring along a few cherished books to enjoy during leisure time. The Delaney^® at The Vale also has a well-stocked library with a wide variety of reading materials.

• Hobby Supplies: If they have a favorite hobby, bring along the essential supplies they need to continue pursuing it. Our community offers various activities and clubs, so your loved one might discover new interests as well!

Practical Items for a Smooth Transition

Beyond the essentials, there are a few practical items that can make their transition even smoother:

Electronics

• Tablet or Laptop: Staying connected with loved ones and accessing entertainment is important. A tablet or laptop can be helpful for video calls, emails, browsing the internet, and enjoying digital books, movies or music.

• Phone and Charger: Don’t forget to pack their phone and charger. This way, they can easily keep in touch with family and friends, share photos and stories, and access important information on the go.

• E-reader: If they’re an avid reader, a lightweight e-reader can be a wonderful companion, offering access to a vast library of books without taking up space. 

• Television: A small flat-screen TV to watch their favorite shows and movies works well in an assisted living residence. Many communities also offer televisions in common areas for shared viewing experiences.

• Coffee Maker or Electric Kettle: If they enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea to start their day, a compact coffee maker or electric kettle can bring a touch of home and comfort to their new living space.

Personal Touches

• Favorite Mug and Water Bottle: Bring a favorite mug for their morning coffee and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

• Small Fan or Electric Blanket: A small fan or a soft, comforting electric blanket can help your loved one create their ideal sleep environment.

• Night light: A night light can be a reassuring presence, casting a warm glow for safe nighttime navigation.

Remember, space might be limited, so prioritize items that they use regularly and that will make their daily life easier. If you’re unsure about bringing a specific item, feel free to ask the staff at your new community for guidance.

What To Leave Behind

While we encourage you to personalize your loved one’s new space, there are a few items best left behind for safety and convenience:

• Throw Rugs and Loose Carpets: These can pose a tripping hazard, especially for those with mobility challenges. Communities like The Delaney^® provide safe, non-slip flooring throughout the community.

• Large or Heavy Furniture: Space in assisted living apartments is designed to be comfortable and functional. Bringing oversized furniture can make the space feel cramped and difficult to navigate.

• Items that can be provided by your community: The Delaney offers a wide range of amenities, including dining services, a fitness center, and social activities. This means our residents can leave behind bulky exercise equipment, excess kitchen supplies, or duplicate items our community already provides.

The goal is to create a safe, comfortable, and clutter-free living space where your loved one can thrive. By focusing on the essentials and cherished personal items, you can make the most of your new retirement lifestyle.

Tips and Considerations for a Seamless Move to Assisted Living

As you and our family member prepare for their move, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Review Floor Plans: Look at your loved one’s floor plan online or ask their community for a printout. This will give you a better idea of the available space and help you decide what furniture and belongings to bring.

• Label Everything: Labeling boxes and belongings clearly will make unpacking much easier. This is especially important for items like medications, toiletries, and important documents.

• Add Gradually: You don’t have to bring everything at once. Start with the essentials and a few cherished items, and then add more belongings as your family member settles in.

A Checklist for a Vibrant Retirement: Find It All at The Delaney at The Vale 

Your loved one’s new residence awaits, filled with opportunities for connection, joy, and personalized care tailored to their unique needs. At The Delaney at The Vale, we understand that every resident is different, and we’re committed to providing a supportive environment where they can thrive on their terms.

Ready to experience the warmth, comfort, and individualized attention that sets The Delaney at The Vale apart? Contact us online or call 781-417-5765 to schedule a personal visit and discover how we can help your family member create a fulfilling lifestyle in our senior living community.