Moving your loved one with dementia into Memory Care is an extremely important decision. Whether they will be calling one of our Ebenezer communities home or moving into another Memory Care neighborhood, we understand that this is a big time for both of you, and we want to help. To assist with some of the practical stuff, we have listed out the items we suggest you bring for your loved one as they move into Memory Care.
First, we recommend trying to make Memory Care feel as much like home as possible. Keep in mind that most Memory Care rooms are relatively small. Larger spaces with too much clutter can be overwhelming or cause anxiety for people with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. For socialization and safety, we encourage residents to spend a considerable amount of time enjoying the common areas in their community.
Here are the items we always recommend bringing:
Approximately 10 labeled outfits, with duplicates of favorites
Items that are easy to put on and take off, such as pants with elastic waistbands, shirts that fasten in the front, and camisoles instead of bras
Non-slip footwear, preferably with Velcro fasteners
Clothes hangers
Lamps
Small sofa
Chairs
End tables or nightstands
Bedding
Dresser
Glider rocker
Surrounding your loved one with some familiar items can help them to feel at home. We suggest:
Costume jewelry to replace valuable jewelry
Favorite purse or wallet, with a small amount of money
Quilt
Throw pillows
Familiar artwork or posters
Books
Magazines
Memorabilia
TV
DVD player
CD player and favorite CDs
Headphones
Assistive devices like eyeglasses, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs
Copies of family photos or photo albums
Stuffed animals or dolls
Religious or spiritual books and images
Games, such as cards, puzzles, and board games
Craft supplies for knitting or crocheting
Wall calendar
Easy-to-read clock
Visitor’s book
Scrapbooks
Inexpensive and non-breakable keepsakes
Electric or safety razor
Nail clippers
Cologne or perfume
Lotions
Mouthwash
Dentures
Hearing aids
Alcohol (check with the staff at the community regarding restrictions)
Incontinence products as needed
Medications (prescription and over-the-counter) should be given directly to staff, and you can check with them for proper and safe storage of toiletries. Occupational or physical therapists can also help in assessing your loved one’s environment.
Many people may pass through a Memory Care resident’s room on a daily basis, and items can be easily misplaced. For the safety and well-being of everyone in the community, we generally ask that the following items not be brought to Memory Care. We also understand that some individual needs and preferences will conflict with these guidelines, and in our communities, we’re happy to discuss those preferences and see if exceptions are possible.
Tools
Knives
Sharp scissors, and any other sharp objects
Electrical appliances, such as coffee pots, electric skillets, toasters, Crockpots, and curling irons
Straight-edge razors
Sewing needles and pins
Poisons, either cleaning or household products
Weapons of any kind, including collector items
Valuables, including personal funds, jewelry, and credit cards
Jewelry and accessories with sharp points or edges
Any tables with sharp edges or glass
Mirrors or other glass items, china, or ceramic pieces
Small throw rugs
Lighters and candles
If you’ll be moving your loved one into an Ebenezer senior living community, thank you for trusting us to care for them. We understand what an important decision it is, and we don’t take your trust lightly. Your confidence in us is the greatest compliment, and in turn, we commit to loving our residents as our own family.
For more information about life in Dimensions® Memory Care, visit our website and the Ebenezer blog.