Nursing Care Facility Admission Checklist For Seniors – Including Elderly Care Items

Are You Wondering What to take With You To The Assisted Care Facility:

Deciding to move a senior family member to a residential care facility is not an easy one. Seniors are afraid of the unknown and there are thoughts of apprehension and doubt. Family members may also go through the same feelings and sentiments because their loved ones will be in a new place with new people. Some of the most important questions that come to mind when it’s time to move your senior to a residential care facility:

• How to recognize signs it’s time for assisted living or nursing care facility?
• How to decide if a nursing home is necessary?
• Am I making the right decision to move my parents to a nursing home?
• How to tell my mom she needs to live in a nursing home?

These are some of the very common and meaningful thoughts that come to one’s mind when moving such decisions. Letting go is often more difficult for older people because they must leave their lifestyle, their home, and a familiar environment when making moving to a nursing care facility. This change can be drastic for a lot of people and can bring feelings of nostalgia, resentment, confusion, and regret. But if there is no option for your loved one and moving them to a nursing facility is necessary, it can be quite difficult not just for them but for their family members as well. Everyone around the senior person needs to be compassionate and understanding. 

What Goes into the Move?

The move may sound like a one-time incident, but it is a huge transition that requires organized steps. The preparation to move your parents to an acute care facility or skilled nursing facility can begin months before the actual move leading up to the day. A family member may have done their due diligence by doing all the research, planning, arranging and packing, but it takes time for the transition to start feeling complete. There are cases when family members must move their older loved ones to an extended care facility after their discharge from the hospital. In those cases, such admissions are known as hospital discharge admissions. 

When families are preparing for this transition to aging care or senior care facilities, what kind of things should they prepare for? What are some of the essentials and elderly care items they need to get for their loved ones?

Here is a nursing home admission checklist that may be helpful for you, your family or friends, and answer some questions you may have:

Personal Elderly Care Items for Nursing Care Facility:

Necessary items for one’s personal care top the list because these items are essential for every day. We all have a certain brand of shampoo, soap, toothpaste or cream that we are fond of and have used for years. When you are preparing their personal care kit, it would be great to include their favorite items, so they feel comfortable when they move to the senior care facility. Some seniors require denture holders, containers or cleaners and the absence of these can lead to dental issues or mouth infections.

How Can I Make Sure They Don’t Run Out of Essential Care Items?

Family members can ask the staff to update them when their senior loved ones run out of their essential elderly care items.

Do You Have the Correct Nursing Home Clothing?

It is never easy to pack all your belongings and move to an unfamiliar place. How does one pack so many items and how to decide which ones to choose? What will make life at a nursing home easier rather than hard? Seniors, as they age, need care clothing that’s hassle-free and requires less strenuous efforts to put on or take off. Seniors apparel should be easy to wear, and it should also withstand a lot of washing and drying. Silverts Adaptive Clothing is made especially for seniors who are wheelchair-bound or suffer from arthritis or other diseases that have lowered their mobility due to pain or discomfort. Silverts also lists their elder care clothing products based on “Shop by Need” where you can choose clothing type based on your loved one’s unique needs, such as diabetic footwear or amputee clothing, among many other options. 

Do You Need Any Accessories for the Assisted Care Facilities?

It is always good to be prepared and to keep all important accessories and gadgets such as phone chargers and headphones in one place for easy accessibility. Other important accessories that can be very helpful for seniors include heart rate monitors, dental supplies, hand heating pads, alarm clocks or hearing aids. Other clothing accessories like scarves, hats or gloves could be helpful for chilly days and can help keep your senior loved ones warm. Leg warmers and arm warmers are also excellent for providing extra warmth! 

Do They Have Any Hobbies You Can Nurture?

Some older people like doing craft-based activities such as painting, crochet, jewelry making, or they love writing hand-written notes. Make an interest-based package for them that includes creative items so they can use these elderly care items and nurture their hobbies. Do they love going for short walks? Invest in a pair of good walking shoes for them so they can wear them indoors or outdoors. Family members can also get adaptive footwear that’s slip-resistant to prevent seniors from slipping or falling.

Favorite Quilt or Blanket:

Although there may be so many comfortable items to choose from, check with your senior loved ones and pack their favorite quilt or blanket that could keep them warm and cozy. If your elderly parent is wheelchair-bound, you can also gift them a handy fleece wheelchair blanket that comes with large patch pockets for hands or other small belongings. This blanket also snaps on to the wheelchair handles to keep it in place and it’s just long enough not to get stuck into the wheels. 

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Have They Got Reading/ Writing Material?

If your senior is fond of reading newspapers or magazines,you can subscribe and have the reading material delivered to the assisted living facility. A notebook or a diary can be a very helpful elderly care item for your  father, mother or grandparents. It can help them jot down notes, reminders or messages. There are many benefits of writing by hand as the process fully engages the brain, calms the body, alleviates anxiety and enhances focus. There are so many notebook options to choose from and small handy diaries can easily fit into their bags or a wheelchair pouch.

Linen/ Bed covers:

A little color never hurt anyone. Maybe your senior loved one has a preferred bed set, sheets or comforters that they just love. Using those items from home may make them feel more comfortable at the nursing care facility. Family members can also ask if laundry service is included or if it is available at an additional cost. Asking all these questions will make the move easier for the seniors as well as their family members. 

Do They Use Any Tech Products?

Many seniors are fond of health tracking devices as it helps them keep a count of their activity, heart health, and other useful options. Help them stay organized by syncing their device. Apple Watch has a larger screen than before which can be helpful for your older parents or relatives who are moving into a nursing home. The watch can track readings that can be sent to the doctor. One of the most important features in the Apple Watch is the fall detection functionality. 

Decorative items for Assisted Living Facility:

Your senior loved one may have numerous items they must be fond of or have an emotional attachment to them. It is hard to pack each elderly care item due to space constraints but talk to your senior and discuss what they want to take with them. It could be a framed picture, a painting, an ornament, or an album. You can also plan to decorate their room at the senior care facility. Any holiday that is coming up or any special family event can become an excuse to bring festivity and cheer to their room.

What Makes Good Decorations?

Home-made wall décor can make the best gift or an everyday door decoration that could bring a smile to their face. Small bouquets and fresh flowers are also something to consider provided your elderly loved one is not allergic to certain flowers or plants. 

Here’s More! A Helpful List Of Elderly Care Items and Gifts  For Seniors In Residential Care Home:

• Toiletries
• Soft Socks
• Writing/ Art Supplies
• Attractive blanket
• Bathrobe
• Decorative Items
• Games/ puzzles
• Adult coloring books
• Handmade post cards
• Fleece Throw
• Desk Calendar
• Stuffed animal

When families are preparing for the transition of their aging loved ones to a senior care facility, what kind of things should they prepare for? What are some of the essentials and elderly care items they need to get for their loved ones? This is a nursing home checklist that may be helpful for you, your family or friends.

Nursing Home Admissions Process: Key Information to Consider

Transitioning a loved one into a nursing home can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. It’s a path filled with important decisions and numerous details. Below is crucial information that can guide you through this significant transition.

Understanding the Types of Nursing Facilities

The term ‘nursing facility’ encompasses various types of care homes, from assisted living facilities to skilled nursing facilities and long-term care homes. Each type offers different levels of care:

• Assisted Living Facilities provide support for personal care needs while encouraging independence.
• Skilled Nursing Facilities offer more intensive medical care and are staffed with healthcare professionals, including registered nurses and certified nursing assistants.
• Long Term Care Facilities are designed for individuals who need ongoing personal and medical care.

The Admission Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The admission process can vary, but generally, it includes:

• Assessment of Care Needs: Understanding the prospective resident’s medical and personal care needs is vital. This involves reviewing medical records and discussing with your healthcare provider.
• Financial Planning: Determine the financial implications, including the potential use of Medicaid services and long term care insurance.
• Selecting the Right Facility: Consider factors like the healthcare professional to resident ratio, staff qualifications, and the types of care provided. 
• Completing Paperwork: This includes the admission agreement, medical history forms, and possibly, documentation like a living will.

Key Considerations for Future Residents and Families

• Care Plan Development: Once admitted, a care plan tailored to the resident’s specific needs will be developed, involving input from skilled nursing staff and family members.
• Preparing for the Move: Organizing personal items, understanding what the facility provides and what you need to bring, and setting up the living space to feel like home.
• Building a Relationship with the Staff: Establishing communication with the nursing home staff, from nurses to the admissions coordinator, ensures that your loved one’s care is a collaborative effort.
• Understanding Resident Rights: It’s important to be aware of the rights and protections afforded to nursing home residents, including privacy, respect, and freedom from discrimination.

Emotional and Practical Support

Moving to a nursing home is not just a logistical change but an emotional transition for both the resident and their family. Open communication, regular visits, and engaging in the facility’s community can ease this transition. Additionally, seek support when needed, whether it’s from other family members, friends, or professional counselors.For those new to the nursing home admission process, knowing the right information can make a world of difference. By understanding the various aspects involved—from selecting the right facility to engaging with the staff and preparing for the emotional aspects—you can help ensure a smooth and respectful transition for your loved one.