Seniors For Living

Stamps, snacks, antibacterial hand gel, disinfectant wipes, and a stock of batteries for the cordless phone, alarm clock, and television remote: these are among the items that may not be top of mind when packing for an assisted living transition but are essential nonetheless.

Some assisted living communities may have a policy that prevents residents from storing food in the apartment or room, but if it does not, keeping some granola bars, nuts, potato chips, or other quick snacks on hand is not a bad idea, especially if your loved one does not eat much at meal times or rises well before breakfast and needs a quick morning pick-me-up.

Yes, housekeeping services are typically provided in assisted living, but in between visits, disinfectant wipes are a handy item for keeping the bathroom and other germ-friendly surfaces (the TV remote is actually one of the worst) throughout the apartment clean and sanitary. Antibacterial hand gel is good to have given the community setting; there are always flu bugs, infections, and common colds to guard against.

Access to the post office may not be easy, so a provision of stamps for letters, cards and bills is beneficial too. As we covered in a recent post — Can You Go Shopping in Assisted Living? — procuring these and other goods may fall to a family caregiver if the community does not furnish shopping trips or have a general store on campus.

Your turn: What items would you add to the “what to bring” list?