A Checklist Of Items To Bring To Senior Living

Are you getting ready to make the move to a senior living community? Possibly you have a loved one making the move, instead. Either way, the question may arise, “What items should be moved from the present home to the new community?" There is a difference between what people can bring with them versus what they should bring.

For senior living, many of the items needed to run a household won't be required anymore. Things that have sentimental value, with some exceptions, are likely to make the move. In some cases, furniture may accompany the move, but not always. Let's take a look at some of the things your loved one may choose to bring, what's encouraged, and what should go in the rummage sale or donated to a nonprofit.

Downsizing

Even if your loved one is moving from an apartment to an independent living apartment or an assisted living space, they simply won't need to move everything. Before you start rummaging through photos, keepsakes, family treasures, furniture, and more, here's some advice:

• For starters, look at a copy of the floor plan. In person, if possible, measure the new living space (either a room or apartment). This will help decide what’s “too much” when moving possessions.
• Find out what’s already included in the new space. You don’t need repeats.
• Ask if there are any rules as to what cannot be brought into the space/community (i.e., expensive jewelry, coffee maker, etc. are prohibited in some communities). Whatever you move from one residence to the new community should be labeled clearly.
• Talk to current residents. They've already gone through the moving process and may have some pointers for you. They may recommend putting certain pieces of furniture in storage, or to donate them, leave them behind, etc.

Note: Approximately 73% of communities let their residents bring things like a dining room table, bed, couch, etc. with them to their new residence (according to a study done by the Centers For Disease Control).

Stylize in Your Surroundings

To ease the transition and give your loved one’s new surroundings a "homelike" feel, suggest bringing smaller positions. Possibly a treasured family photo, beloved collectibles, a favorite piece of furniture (singular) will help make everything a little easier.

So that it reflects how your loved one has always lived and their personality, decorate accordingly, considering their personal style. Choose colors to enhance friendliness and warmth. For personal flair, add the window treatments, bedspreads, throw pillows, lamps, artwork, etc. that they love.

The bringing of small furniture is allowed by approximately 97% of today's senior living communities (according to a Center for Disease Control survey).

Some Things You Should Leave Behind

While pets and cars are allowed by some senior living communities, a car will likely not be needed. Check with the community you're considering for pet-friendliness if your loved one wants to bring their pet.

The following should not be moved to the senior living community:

• Boxes of stored items
• Excessive numbers of handbags, coats, bathroom accessories, appliances, and coffee mugs
• Seldom worn, expensive jewelry
• Wheeled chairs
• Tripping hazards like area rugs, throw rugs, etc.
• Due to limited surface space, lots of figurines or curios

Entering a Senior Living Community? Contact Discovery Commons At Wildewood

To find out what your loved one should bring with them, or can bring with them, and to answer any other questions you may have about senior living, amenities, or our specific community, please speak with one of our Senior Lifestyle Counselors.

In fact, let Discovery Commons At Wildewood treat you to a delectable chef-prepared lunch – on us, of course – when you schedule a tour of our community. To contact us, call 301.960.3895, or fill out our convenient online form.