Memory Care Packing List: What to Pack to Create the Feeling of Home Sweet Home

There’s so much to think about when you’re helping a loved one prepare to enter a memory care community. 

You want to make their transition as smooth as possible, so they’ll feel at home from the start — but when it comes to knowing what to pack and what to leave behind, the process quickly becomes overwhelming. 

Let us help make an often-difficult process as easy as possible. We’ve compiled this memory care packing list, complete with items to pack — and those you’ll want to skip — to support your loved one’s comfort and well-being.

Table of Contents

• What To Consider Before Creating a Memory Care Packing List
• Memory Care Packing List: 10 Essentials to Help Ease the Transition
• What Should You Not Bring to Memory Care?
• Senior Services of America: Providing Memory Care for Seniors Across the Pacific Northwest 

What To Consider Before Creating a Memory Care Packing List

Before you grab a pen and paper and start putting together a memory care packing list, there are a few things you’ll want to do, including: 

• Checking with the memory care facility to see if there are any items they recommend bringing along. They may also have restrictions about bringing specific personal belongings. 
• Considering any current or potential therapy needs. For example, if your loved one participates in music or art therapies, pack the supplies they’ll need. 
• Clearly labeling everything, including all clothes, toiletries, and other items. 
• Prioritizing familiarity and comfort by packing items to help your loved one feel safe, secure, and at ease. 
• Decluttering and downsizing to avoid overwhelming your loved one during the process of packing and moving. 

Memory Care Packing List: 10 Essentials To Help Ease the Transition

#1: Sentimental Items

The word ‘home’ means something different to each of us. Create a special feeling of home by packing your loved one’s favorite items, such as: 

• Family or travel photos
• Books
• Decorations; and
• Knick-knacks

Be sure to pack anything that’s important to your loved one, even if it doesn’t make sense to you. Having their most cherished possessions can help provide a sense of peace and comfort during what may be a difficult transition. 

Arranging sentimental items in a familiar way in their new room can help your loved one think back to happy memories and bring joy and peace to their everyday life.

H3: #2: Important Paperwork

All necessary paperwork should be stored in a safe location, such as a file box, for easy access. Include crucial documents such as: 

• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Driver’s license and federal ID
• Medical records
• Vehicle titles
• Insurance paperwork
• Passport

H3: #3: Clothing

Begin with choosing the clothing items your loved one wears most often. Do they have a treasured cardigan or a favorite pair of slippers? Send them along. Not only do you know they’re comfortable wearing these items, but they’ll also provide an added measure of familiarity once they arrive at their new home.

If your loved one finds it difficult to dress themselves, consider buying special adaptive clothing to help make this daily task as easy as possible. You’ll also want to skip packing clothing that needs to be dry-cleaned or hand-washed since the staff is likely unable to accommodate those requirements.

Perfect clothing options for a memory care packing list include:

• Underwear and socks
• Shirts and pants with hook-and-loop fastenings 
• A light and heavier cardigan sweater or sweatshirt
• A heavy jacket and raincoat
• Hats, gloves, scarves
• Comfortable, non-slip shoes with hook-and-loop fastenings to help prevent falls
• Comfortable pajamas, a robe, and non-slip slippers
• Comfy loungewear

#4: Personal and Hygiene Items

While your loved one is moving into memory care, they’ll still have their normal, daily needs. Include these everyday items on your memory care packing list:

• Shampoo and conditioner (or an all-in-one to make bathing even easier)
• Soap
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Perfume or cologne
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Comb, brush, hair accessories
• Aromatherapy oils or other favorite scents
• Over-the-counter and prescription medications
• Purse or wallet
• Sentimental jewelry or items worn daily like a watch
• Eyeglasses
• Hearing aid
• Cane, walker, or wheelchair

It’s also a great idea to pack an essentials bag for the first night that includes a change of clothes, pajamas, toiletries, medications, and anything else they may need when they arrive.

#5: Hobbies and Entertainment

It’s likely your loved one will want to continue with their favorite hobbies and entertainment activities once they’re settled into memory care.

Studies suggest that, in healthy older adults, engagement in hobbies can play a fundamental role in ensuring higher levels of well-being while slowing cognitive decline.

Hobbies and entertainment that can keep your loved one’s brain and body active in memory care include: 

• Books that contain large pictures of scenery or your loved one’s favorite pastimes
• A TV, possibly with a streaming service that carries favorite shows
• A senior-friendly tablet 
• A speaker to play their favorite music
• Puzzles that can be completed with little or no assistance
• A golf putting mat, ball toss, or other indoor-friendly game the sports enthusiast
• Supplies for hobbies like yarn for knitting and crocheting, binoculars for birdwatching, musical instruments, or paints and watercolor paper

#6: Assistive Devices

Safety is first and foremost for an individual moving into memory care. If there’s anything your loved one requires to move around conveniently and safely, add it to your memory care packing list. This may include a cane, walker, or other mobility assistance. 

Visiting the memory care facility ahead of time will allow you to see exactly how it’s set up to ensure your loved one has what they need to get around safely and securely. 

H3: #7: Household Items

When someone is moving into memory care, the goal is to create an environment that feels as much like home as possible. 

Help them personalize their surroundings by asking whether specific things are meaningful. If there are items you know can’t possibly make the move, don’t mention them, suggesting movable items instead. Consider adding these household items to your memory care packing list:

• Framed family photos
• A favorite recliner or loveseat
• Decorations like lamps and artwork
• A special houseplant (nontoxic, of course)
• A comfy blanket or quilt for the bed
• A favorite throw blanket

It’s also a great idea to check with the memory care community to see if you can furnish and decorate the new living space before moving day so it feels like home when your loved one arrives.

#8: Electronic Devices

Electronic devices of all kinds can be helpful for adults in memory care for both convenience and enjoyment. Pack any electronics your loved one may use, including: 

• An alarm clock
• A digital photo frame
• An Alexa or other similar device
• Electric kettle for making tea or a small Keurig for coffee lovers
• A tablet or cell phone for keeping in touch with their friends and family (Be sure to pack an extra charger, just in case!)

#9: Pet Supplies

Research reveals that having a pet may help fight cognitive decline in some elderly adults. 

If your loved one is taking their beloved pet to their new home, your memory care packing list should include everything they might need to ensure their pet is healthy, happy, and well cared for in their new home. 

Depending on the type of pet, make a note to bring:

• Pet food and treats
• Bowls for food and water
• Favorite toys
• Crate
• Litter box and scoop
• Dog or cat bed
• Collar and leash
• Necessary pet medications

#10: Items to Assist With Therapies

Your loved one may currently be doing therapies or may be scheduled to begin them once they’ve become a part of their memory care community. These therapies often include music or art therapy, aromatherapy, or reminiscence therapy.

Add to your memory care packing list anything you know they may need, including:

• Arts and craft supplies they’re accustomed to using
• An Alexa or other speaker device to play music
• Favorite essential oils, lotions, or balms to maintain familiar scents
• A memory prop box filled with keepsakes that inspire happy memories
• A photo album to leaf through filled with their favorite friendly faces

What Should You Not Bring to Memory Care?

The memory care community will likely have a list of safety guidelines for objects that aren’t safe or wise to bring when moving into care, so be sure to check with them to find out the specifics.

In general, items you’ll want to leave off your memory care packing list include things like:

• Family heirlooms or other valuables, including jewelry 
• Clothing items that require special care
• Throw rugs or other decor that could be a tripping hazard
• Scissors, nail clippers, tweezers, letter openers and other sharp objects

Senior Services of America: Providing Memory Care for Seniors Across the Pacific Northwest

Caring for a loved one with memory loss can be one of the most difficult challenges of your life. Our memory care neighborhoods and purpose-built communities offer experienced, compassionate help.

Whether your loved one is moving to memory care from assisted living or making a whole new transition, the experienced teams at our communities understand. We’ve helped thousands of families throughout the Pacific Northwest enable their loved ones to join our communities, create feelings of purpose and belonging, and preserve their self-dignity. 

Providing the best possible customer service to each resident is our unending goal. It’s our pleasure to serve senior adults and those who love them by offering:

• Independent living
• Assisted living
• Memory care; and 
• Respite care

Find a nearby community today.