What to Bring for Your Spouse’s Move to Memory Care

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.

Try to Avoid Clutter

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.

Bring Necessities

Here are the items we always recommend bringing:

Clothing

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

Furniture

Lamps

Small sofa

Chairs

End tables or nightstands

Bedding

Dresser

Glider rocker

Miscellaneous Items for Comfort

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

Toiletries

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.

Items to Leave

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

We’re Here to Help

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.