Moving has been rated one of the most stressful events in life. When family members and friends participate in moving an older loved one into a new home, they too are subject to the same pressure and anxiety with this process. While there is no guaranteed way to completely eliminate this stress, with the right preparation you may be able to reduce some of the strain typically experienced on moving day.

The following list contains recommended items to bring into your loved one’s new home prior to the day of the move. This list is intended to make the admission day run as smoothly as possible. Remember that each care facility has individual rules and regulations and you should check with the facility administrator prior to bringing any item. Additionally, depending upon the level of care your loved one will be receiving, not all of the following suggestions will apply.

Documents
· Social Security card
· Medicaid card
· Medicare card
· Medicare supplemental insurance
· Advance directives

Personal Care Items
· Comb, brush
· Tissue
· Lotion, powder
· Shampoo, conditioner
· Other essential toiletries

Clothing
· Comfortable clothing for 5-7 days
· 2-3 pairs of comfortable shoes
· Sweater or Jacket
· Socks
· Pajamas
· Robe
· Slippers

Furnishings
· Telephone
· Television
· Chair
· Lamp
· Pillow
· Blanket
· Radio
· Clock/Clock radio
· Pictures
· Plant(s)
· Other meaningful items to the resident

Leisure
· Books
· Magazines
· Activity (puzzles, crosswords, crocheting supplies)
· Address/Telephone book
· Calendar
· Photo Albums

Consider these other helpful tips:
· Most paperwork can be filled out in advance of your arrival. This will allow you to devote your time to helping your loved one get settled.
· Plan the time of your arrival. Avoid mealtime or when shifts are changing.
· If the new home will be doing laundry for your loved one, make sure to label all garments.
· Arrange for a house warming “shower” the day of arrival to be attended by family and friends offering gifts.
· Find out if the care facility has a “welcoming committee” or a “buddy system” to help your loved one adapt to their new home and to answer any questions.
· Learn about the activities offered in the facility and encourage your loved one to participate in the activity(ies) of interest to them. This will help to lessen the isolation, promote meeting other residents, and help integrate your loved one into their new home.
· Find out if the family members of those living in the care facility ever meet as a group. In nursing homes this is often called a “Family Council.” Plan to attend so that you can meet others sharing your circumstances.

Explore all the different ways that you can help make your loved one’s transition into a new home a smooth one. Understand that there will be a time of adjustment for each of you, but knowing that you have done everything possible will help to ease some of your stress.