Housing

Assisted Living - Moving In

When I admitted mom into Assisted Living Facility (ALF), I wasn't sure what to expect.  There were several forms to complete and sign.  Mom shared a room with another patient because single rooms were too expensive.  In Florida, Assisting Living rent averages around $4000 (more info here).  As mom's primary contact and caregiver, the ALF would contact me for a variety of reasons. 

The ALF provided 24-hour care, gave mom her medications on a schedule, did her laundry, assisted her with bathing, dressing and other similar basics.  Mom was 90% blind and so she needed assistance with everything.  But I had to bring in supplies such as shampoo, toothpaste, and other essentials.

Here is a comprehensive list of items your loved one may need when moving into an Assisted Living Facility.  It's extremely important that you LABEL EVERYTHING with your loved one's name at the very least.  Personal items can and do get lost in the facility and staff will not have any idea where the items are.  Staff changes often and they are too busy to keep track of all of your loved one's items.  LABEL EVERYTHING!!!

Clothing

  • Everyday Clothing
    • Comfortable pants, shorts, or skirts
    • Shirts or blouses (longsleeve and shortsleeve)
    • Sweaters or cardigan
    • Casual dresses (for women)
    • Pajamas or nightgowns
    • Bathrobe
    • Undergarments (bras, underwear, socks)
    • Slippers (nonslip)
    • Comfortable shoes
  • Seasonal Clothing
    • Jackets (light and heavy)
    • Winter coat, hat, gloves, scarves
    • Swimwear (if the facility has a pool)
  • Special Occasion Clothing
    • Formal wear for special events or outings

Toiletries

  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Body wash or soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Denture cleaner (if applicable)
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Hair styling products (e.g., gel, hairspray)
  • Deodorant
  • Moisturizer and lotion
  • Razor and shaving cream
  • Nail clippers, emery boards
  • Tissues
  • Lip balm
  • Incontinence products (if needed. Note that the ALF may provide these at an additional cost)
  • Makeup and skincare items (if desired)
  • Personal hygiene wipes

 

Bedding and Linens

  • Bed sheets (size according to bed in the facility)
  • Comforter or blanket
  • Pillows and pillowcases
  • Mattress protector
  • Extra blankets
  • Towels (bath towels, hand towels, washcloths)

 

Medical Supplies & Equipment

  • Prescribed medications (and a list of all medications)
  • Overthecounter medications (pain relievers, antacids, etc.)
  • Walker, cane, or wheelchair (if needed)
  • Hearing aids and batteries (if applicable)
  • Glasses or contact lenses (plus cleaning solution)
  • Blood pressure monitor, glucose meter, or any other necessary health monitoring devices
  • Personal emergency alert system (if not provided by the facility)

 

Personal and Comfort Items

  • Family photos or framed pictures
  • Favorite books, magazines, or puzzles
  • Journals or notebooks with pens
  • Phone and charger
  • TV remote control
  • Glasses or reading glasses
  • Hobby materials (e.g., knitting supplies, art supplies)
  • Radio or music player
  • Calendar and clock

 

Furniture and Décor (Check with the facility first)

  • Small personal chair or recliner
  • Bedside table or nightstand
  • Lamps
  • Throw pillows or decorative blankets
  • Picture frames or wall art
  • Small area rug

 

Kitchen and Snacks (Depending on facility rules)

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small snacks (crackers, cookies, etc.)
  • Coffee mug, cup, or water glass
  • Small refrigerator (if allowed)
  • Personal utensils, plates, or bowls (if desired)

 

Important Documents

In mom's case, I kept all of her important documents, including her ID.  The facility did not require that she have ID or insurance information on her.  The hospitals that she was transported to had her information in their electronic medical record.  The ALF also had her emergency contacts information on file.

  • Health insurance cards
  • List of emergency contacts
  • Copy of advanced directives or living will
  • Copy of the power of attorney (medical and financial)
  • Any legal or financial paperwork
  • ID or driver’s license
  • List of known allergies (to food or medication)

 

Electronics

  • Cell phone and charger
  • Laptop or tablet (with charger)
  • TV (if not provided by the facility)
  • Headphones or earbuds
  • Alarm clock