If you are preparing to take your family member to a nursing home, you must make sure that you equip them with all the basic things they will need to make their stay in the nursing home worthwhile.
The truth is that aside from the basic things that are expected of anyone who wants to be admitted to a nursing home to come along with, other personal effects are allowed for residents to bring along with them when coming to a nursing home.
In case you are at a crossroads on what you should pack for your family member who is going to a nursing home, we will look at some of the most needed items for nursing home patients and what they are used for.
Most Needed Items for Nursing Home Patients
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Comfortable Clothing
When we talk about comfortable clothing, we are talking of clothes that are easy to wear; clothes that a sick person will not struggle to wear or remove.
Any clothes that give comfort to residents should be what they should be wearing at all times. That is why clothing for elderly residents in nursing homes is usually simple, comfortable, and without buttons, lace, or snaps, ensuring ease of wear and enhancing the dressing routine.
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Non-Skid Slippers or Shoes
The reason why non-skid slippers or shoes are needed for patients in a nursing home is because they ensure the safety of the patients. Non-skid footwear is designed for stability and to prevent falls.
The soft terry cloth keeps the foot warm whilst the latex-free rubber sole is non-skid helping to prevent falls, which means it is perfect for wearing throughout the day. The bright colors that the slipper is available in means the staff can easily identify patients at risk.
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Toiletries (Personal Hygiene)
Personal hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, and grooming supplies should not run out of supply in a nursing home because they are needed daily.
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Adaptive Utensils
Adaptive utensils are special needs utensils designed to help people with disabilities to dine independently. They facilitate independent eating with utensils designed for seniors with mobility or dexterity challenges. Specialized forks and spoons and other adaptive cutlery have built-up handles that are either heavier or lightweight.
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Blankets and Bedding
There is no nursing home that does not have blankets and bedding because they are necessities. This is why it is common to find the management of nursing homes providing warm and cozy blankets since they provide comfort, warmth, and a sense of security during rest.
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Assistive Devices
Assistive devices are external devices that are designed, or adapted to assist a person in performing a particular task. Many people with disabilities depend on assistive devices to enable them to carry out daily activities and participate actively and productively in community life.
Examples of assistive devices are mobility or walking aids, such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, crutches, prosthetic devices, orthotic devices, hearing aids, or eyeglasses to support mobility and sensory needs.
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Entertainment and Activities Items
The fact that people are admitted to a nursing home does not mean they are immune from being entertained or engaged in any activities that will bring joy to them.
that reason, entertainment items such as books, puzzles, games, or other forms of stimulation and recreation are needed by patients in a nursing home.
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Family Photos and Personal Items
Family photos and personal items are also some of the most needed items that patients in a nursing home should not be deprived of.
This is because these family photos and personal items encourage a sense of familiarity and the emotional well-being of the residents.
Note that aside from family pictures, personal items could be anything such as favorite books, mementos, stuffed animals, personal electronics, special blankets or quilts, personal hygiene products, favorite clothing, hobby supplies, letters or cards, pillows, and cushions.
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Easy-to-Hold Cups and Plates
Other most needed items by patients in a nursing home are easy-to-hold cups and plates. The reason why patients in a nursing home will need easy-to-hold cups and plates is because they facilitate independent dining.
With adapted cups and plates designed for easy gripping, you can easily allow old people to comfortably drink and feed themselves without needing any assistance.
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Medical Alert System
Patients in nursing homes benefit from medical alert systems because they help in ensuring their safety and well-being. A medical alert system offers immediate access to assistance in emergencies, providing peace of mind to both residents and caregivers.
Examples of medical alert systems are wearable devices like Life Alert, mobile apps with panic buttons, and home-based systems like Philips Lifeline, each of these medical alert devices is equipped with features like fall detection or two-way communication to ensure prompt response and support during critical situations.
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Personalized Care Items
Personalized care items are yet another most needed item that patients in nursing homes will need. The fact that each person in a nursing home may be faced with specific needs means that making available personalized care items for them will make it easier for you to care for them.
When budgeting for personalized care items, you should consider individual needs, such as hearing aids, dentures, or eyeglasses, and also make sure they are always readily available and properly maintained.
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Incontinence Supplies
Incontinence supplies include items like adult diapers, pads, and protective undergarments designed for individuals experiencing urinary or fecal incontinence. Patients in nursing homes may need these supplies to manage and maintain dignity while dealing with incontinence.
Providing such products ensures comfort, and hygiene, and helps prevent skin irritation or infection, promoting a higher quality of life for residents who require assistance with bladder or bowel control.
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Medical Records and Medications
Medical Records and Medications of each patient are yet another item that are needed by patients in a nursing home. You must be able to keep medical records and medications organized. Doing this will ensure that residents receive the necessary healthcare support.
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Rehabilitation and Exercise Equipment
The fact that some patients in a nursing home will need rehabilitation means that rehabilitation and exercise equipment are needed in a nursing home.
Rehabilitation and exercise equipment in nursing homes includes items like resistance bands, therapy balls, and stationary bikes. These tools are essential for residents’ physical well-being, aiding in mobility, strength, and flexibility.
Regular use of such equipment supports rehabilitation efforts and contributes to improving the overall health, and the quality of life for patients in nursing homes.
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Adequate Lighting
Patients in nursing homes need all the lighting they can get. This is why providing adequate lighting is very important in a nursing home.
Installing adequate lighting in a nursing home facility will ensure all the facilities are well-lit, which in turn will assist those with visual impairments and create a safe environment for everyone.
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Therapeutic Lap Blankets or Shawls
Therapeutic lap blankets or shawls are part of the items that are needed by patients in a nursing home. A therapeutic lap blanket can be used to cover cold or achy knees and legs.
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Communication Devices
Communication devices in nursing homes, such as hearing aids or communication boards, play a pivotal role in facilitating effective interaction for residents with speech or hearing difficulties.
These tools bridge communication gaps, enabling residents to express needs, participate in social activities, and engage with caregivers.
Communication devices contribute to residents’ mental well-being, fostering a sense of connection and reducing isolation which is a common phenomenon in a nursing home.
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Emergency Preparedness Kit
An emergency preparedness kit is an essential item that is needed by patients in a nursing home. When we talk about emergency preparedness kits, we are talking about items such as first aid supplies and evacuation information. It is important for swift and organized responses during crises such as fires, natural disasters, or medical emergencies.
These kits ensure that staff have the necessary tools to provide immediate assistance, manage injuries, and guide residents to safety. By having these kits readily available, nursing homes will be able to effectively handle any emergency in their facility.
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Memory Aids
The reason why memory aids are needed is because a good percentage of patients in nursing homes are suffering from memory loss. Memory aids in nursing homes, such as memory books or calendars, assist residents with memory loss.
These tools serve to enhance cognitive function, provide orientation, and improve overall mental well-being by offering visual cues and reminders of personal or daily life events, fostering a sense of familiarity and reducing confusion.
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Bible or Religious Book
As people grow old, they want to connect with their creator and any material that will help them achieve this will be welcome.
For patients who are Christians, having a bible is a must, and for patients who are of other religions of faith, having books of such religion will also help.