Tips for Helping Your Nursing Home Residents Downsize
Posted: 09.04.2015
When a senior is ready to move into a nursing home, assisted living, or independent living facility—downsizing is often one of the largest challenges. Over the years we all accumulate more than we realize, and the things we accumulate are part of what makes our home. We must remember this when helping our seniors downsize. Regardless of the size of a senior’s new residence, making it feel like home is a must. Below are a few tips to suggest to seniors and their families when downsizing or to use if you are helping them downsize if they bring too much with them when they move into your facility.
Take Room Measurements
Even if you’ve viewed the nursing home room, it’s a good idea to take a few measurements. Some nursing homes allow residents to bring small furniture, such as an additional dresser or a comfortable chair. You’ll want to make sure the furniture isn’t too large for the room. With the measurements, head over to your local home organizational store to see the latest in closet, drawer, and vertical storage solutions.
Create a List
Your list should be divided into two categories: “need to have” and “like to have.” Start by identifying the “need to haves” such as dentures, bathrobe, socks, underwear, and framed family photos. Then create the “like to have” which gets into the more specific amount of clothing to bring, books, entertainment items, and some of the more personalized comforts of home—such as a plant, throw blanket, and décor. Think less generally when doing this, and consider the items used on a daily or weekly basis.
Leave the Valuables with Family
It’s not recommended that jewelry, large amounts of cash, family heirlooms, or other valuables are moved into a nursing home or shared residents. These items are best kept with trusted friends or family, or in the safe of the nursing home. However, the wedding bands or the daily earrings or necklace your senior prefers may be a non-negotiable. Also make sure there’s a photo copy of all essential documents and family photos brought to the residence in case they are damaged or misplaced.
Begin Sorting
Sorting through an entire home is an emotional experience. It may even be easier to hire a caregiver or home health aide to assist with this process. They are more familiar with what items will make a senior’s new living space most comfortable. They’ll also be compassionate, but unbiased.
Create An Inventory
It’s an excellent idea to create an inventory of every item a senior moves in with, as well as to add a permanent label to every item. Update this inventory as new items are purchased and old times are donated or thrown away.
Consider Renting a Storage Space
The fact of the matter is, you and your family may not be able to part with everything or divide belongings amongst family. Renting a storage space is an excellent solution. Keep in mind there are many alternatives to traditional storage spaces, that allow you to rent out space for even a handful of boxes. This is also a great option for keeping your senior’s seasonal clothing and holiday decorations—or even to rotate books, décor, and mementos.
As adults, we’re used to having more than we need, which can make downsizing tricky. With a well-thought list and the right organizational tools—a nursing home or smaller senior residence can truly fee like home.
Take Room Measurements
Even if you’ve viewed the nursing home room, it’s a good idea to take a few measurements. Some nursing homes allow residents to bring small furniture, such as an additional dresser or a comfortable chair. You’ll want to make sure the furniture isn’t too large for the room. With the measurements, head over to your local home organizational store to see the latest in closet, drawer, and vertical storage solutions.
Create a List
Your list should be divided into two categories: “need to have” and “like to have.” Start by identifying the “need to haves” such as dentures, bathrobe, socks, underwear, and framed family photos. Then create the “like to have” which gets into the more specific amount of clothing to bring, books, entertainment items, and some of the more personalized comforts of home—such as a plant, throw blanket, and décor. Think less generally when doing this, and consider the items used on a daily or weekly basis.
Leave the Valuables with Family
It’s not recommended that jewelry, large amounts of cash, family heirlooms, or other valuables are moved into a nursing home or shared residents. These items are best kept with trusted friends or family, or in the safe of the nursing home. However, the wedding bands or the daily earrings or necklace your senior prefers may be a non-negotiable. Also make sure there’s a photo copy of all essential documents and family photos brought to the residence in case they are damaged or misplaced.
Begin Sorting
Sorting through an entire home is an emotional experience. It may even be easier to hire a caregiver or home health aide to assist with this process. They are more familiar with what items will make a senior’s new living space most comfortable. They’ll also be compassionate, but unbiased.
Create An Inventory
It’s an excellent idea to create an inventory of every item a senior moves in with, as well as to add a permanent label to every item. Update this inventory as new items are purchased and old times are donated or thrown away.
Consider Renting a Storage Space
The fact of the matter is, you and your family may not be able to part with everything or divide belongings amongst family. Renting a storage space is an excellent solution. Keep in mind there are many alternatives to traditional storage spaces, that allow you to rent out space for even a handful of boxes. This is also a great option for keeping your senior’s seasonal clothing and holiday decorations—or even to rotate books, décor, and mementos.
As adults, we’re used to having more than we need, which can make downsizing tricky. With a well-thought list and the right organizational tools—a nursing home or smaller senior residence can truly fee like home.