Moving to a personal care home in Pennsylvania can be an overwhelming experience, especially for retirees who have spent most of their lives in their own homes. One of the biggest challenges is deciding what to bring and what to leave behind. Fortunately, with a little planning, the process can be made easier. In this article, we’ll provide you with a checklist of what to pack when moving to a personal care home in Pennsylvania.
Important Documents
Before anything else, make sure to pack all important documents such as your identification card, social security card, Medicare and Medicaid cards, health insurance policies, and any other legal documents you may need. Keep them in a safe and accessible place so you can easily access them when needed.
Medications and Medical Supplies
Make sure to bring all necessary medications and medical supplies, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and medical equipment. Be sure to have a list of all medications, doses, and instructions for each medication, and provide this information to the staff at the personal care home.
Clothing and Personal Items
When packing your clothing and personal items, it’s important to consider the climate, the size of your new room, and the activities you’ll be participating in. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:
- Comfortable, casual clothing for everyday wear
- Dressy outfits for special occasions
- Pajamas, nightgowns or robes, and slippers
- Comfortable walking shoes and dress shoes
- Coats, hats, gloves, and scarves for cold weather
- Personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and lotion
- Prescription medications and over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, vitamins, and supplements
- Eyeglasses, hearing aids, and other assistive devices
Furniture and Decorations
Most personal care homes provide basic furniture, but you may want to bring some of your own to make your room feel more like home. Before you bring any furniture, check with the center to make sure it’s allowed. Here are some items you may want to consider bringing:
- Your favorite chair or recliner
- Bedding such as sheets, blankets, and pillows
- Family photos, artwork, and other decorations
- A small TV or radio
- Books, magazines, and puzzles
Items to Leave Behind
When packing for your move, it’s important to remember that personal care homes have limited space. Here are some items that you may want to leave behind:
- Large pieces of furniture that won’t fit in your new room
- Appliances such as a microwave or hot plate
- Valuable jewelry or other expensive items
- Large collections of items such as books, CDs, or DVDs
- Excess clothing or personal items that won’t fit in your new room
Moving to a personal care home in Pennsylvania can be an emotional and overwhelming experience, but with early preparation and correct planning, it can also be a positive one. By using this checklist, you can ensure that you have everything you need to make the transition as smooth as possible. Don’t forget to label all your belongings to ensure they don’t get lost during the move. Lastly, remember that personal care homes are designed to provide a comfortable and safe environment for retirees, and the team is there to help you make the adjustment.
