What to bring when moving into a care home

Packing for a move into a care home is a mix of practical things and the personal things that make a room feel like home. Ask the home first what is provided and how much space there is.

Clothes

• Enough comfortable clothes for a week or two, including layers
• Nightwear, a dressing gown and slippers with a good grip
• Shoes that are easy to put on
• A coat and something for the garden

Label everything with the person’s name. Clothes that are easy to put on and wash are best.

Toiletries and personal care

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and denture care
• Hairbrush, comb and any hair products
• Shaving things or make-up
• Favourite soap or perfume

Health

• All current medicines, in their original packaging
• An up-to-date list of medicines from the GP or pharmacy
• Glasses, hearing aids (with batteries) and walking aids

Documents

• NHS number and GP details
• Any lasting power of attorney
• A list of family contacts
• Any care plan or hospital discharge letter

Things that make it home

• Photos of family, friends and pets
• A favourite chair, cushion or blanket, if there is room
• Pictures for the walls
• Books, music, a radio or a television
• Ornaments, a clock or other familiar things

At Cedar House, residents and relatives are welcome to decorate and furnish the room to their own taste. Read making a care home room feel like home.

What to leave behind

Leave valuable jewellery and large sums of cash at home, or ask the home how it keeps money safe. At Cedar House, residents can get to their pocket money during office hours, or through a safe key holder at other times.

See also: the first few weeks in a care home.