Last Updated on February 25, 2023 by
Your elderly loved one will have spent a lifetime accumulating all their belongings and helping them pack is going to be an emotional experience. Their new home is likely to be a lot smaller than their old home, so there will be a lot of things they will have to leave behind, give away moving , or put into storage. Here are some packing tips to make your loved one’s transition smoother.
Consider Your Space
If you have found your elderly loved one in a local assisted living by researching something like San Diego assisted livingy facility and visiting your favorites in person, then ask if you can return and measure the space. Your elderly loved one will be able to take some of their creature comforts with them but until you have a good idea of the space, you may not know how much they can take.
Personal Items
It is important to help your elderly loved one pack some cherished items so that they can make their new residence feel like home. Items such as trinkets, ornaments, and their favorite bedding set will fit into their space and comfort them. Expensive items such as jewelry could get lost in their new home, so it could be a good idea for your loved one to put these items into storage or give them away to family or friends before they move.
Clothing
Wardrobe space may be limited, so check this in advance. There are likely to be laundry staff to take care of the washing and ironing so there is no need to overpack if your loved one can no longer manage these chores all the time. If this is a long-distance, move the climate around the assisted living facility might be different from what your elderly loved one is used to – bear this in mind when packing.
Medication
Medication should be packed in a prominent place so that your loved one can find it easily following the move. Alternatively, hand it to a member of the assisted living facility staff yourself so that you know it has been given to someone who can administer it. Make sure the residence staff have a list of the medication your elderly loved one is taking and the contact details of their medical practitioner.
Entertainment
Your elderly loved one will want to enjoy some downtime following their move, so make sure they take electronic equipment such as their TV, iPad, and phone with them. Don’t forget to take chargers for these items and pack them in a place where they can be easily found. These items can be left in your elderly loved one’s bedroom, as the facility will have a TV for communal use.
Pack anything that relates to hobbies that your elderly loved one enjoys such as crochet needles or their favorite books, especially if they are still planning to enjoy these hobbies after they move.
Follow these tips when helping your elderly loved one to pack for their move. Having their creature comforts around them will help them to feel comfortable and settle in.
