What To Bring to a Skilled Nursing Facility

When packing to move to a skilled nursing facility, it helps to know what a skilled nursing facility is. Skilled nursing facilities are medical facilities where residents receive post-hospital care, recover from an illness or injury, or learn how to manage a chronic health condition after a recent diagnosis.

Although residents typically return home or relocate after a few months, moving to a skilled nursing facility is similar to moving to a nursing home because it means leaving your home to receive personalized care.

Knowing what things to take to a nursing home can help you pack effectively, and once you’re at the skilled nursing facility, having the right things with you can ease the transition and make you feel at home during your stay.

What Essential Clothing And Personal Care Items Should You Pack?

With Medicare, you can receive coverage for 100 days of skilled nursing facility (SNF) care; however, you may recover and return home, or relocate, in less than two months.

Knowing whether you’re going for short- vs. long-term skilled nursing care will help you pack the appropriate amount of clothing. You should have enough clothing to wear a new outfit each day for a week. You may need to pack more if you’re going to a SNF during a seasonal change; however, prioritizing clothes you can layer and taking extra cardigans can help.

Ideal clothing for a SNF is comfortable. Your outfits should be easy to put on and remove, particularly if you’re dealing with an injury that limits your mobility.

Other clothing and items you should pack include sleepwear, undergarments, footwear, outdoor attire, and personal care items.

Sleepwear

Take five to seven pairs of pajamas with you to ensure you have enough to last a week. You should also pack a robe and slippers.

Undergarments

Determine how many undergarments you typically wear in a week. Take enough for a week, with a few extras.

Undergarments include:

• Bras
• Boxers
• Briefs
• Long johns
• Socks
• Undershirts
• Underwear

Footwear

Slip-on shoes are easy to put on. You can increase your safety by wearing shoes with non-slip soles. You may also want to bring a pair of walking shoes. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, depending on the season and local weather, you may want to bring a pair of boots.

Outdoor Attire

Pack an appropriate coat to wear outdoors. Depending on your location and the season, you may also need a hat, gloves, and a scarf.

Personal Care Items

Personal care items nursing home residents need include:

• Body care:
  • Body wash
  • Deodorant
  • Face wash
  • Sunscreen
• Dental care items:
  • Floss
  • Mouthwash
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
• Hair care items:
  • Brush
  • Comb
  • Conditioner
  • Hair clips or ties
  • Shampoo
• Personal grooming items:
  • Nail clippers
  • Razors
  • Shaving cream
  • Tweezers

What Medical Documents, Insurance Information, And Identification Should You Bring?

Essential medical and personal documents you should take with you include:

• Identification, such as a driver’s license
• A doctor’s referral
• Insurance or Medicare cards
• Medical assessments
• Social Security card

You should also bring any legal documents related to your health care, such as a living will or healthcare and financial power of attorney documentation.

Should You Bring Medications, Medical Equipment, Or Assistive Devices?

You should bring all the medications you need to take with you when going to a SNF. SNF staff will provide medication management and ensure you get your medication each day.

You should also take essential medical equipment and assistive devices, such as canes or walkers. If you’re uncertain about whether to bring any specific items, you can refer to the skilled nursing facility FAQ or contact your SNF to verify which items to bring.

What Personal Comfort Items Can Help Make The Transition Easier?

Referring to a guide about moving a parent to skilled nursing will help family members know how to help a loved one adjust to skilled nursing care. Understanding what life is like at a nursing facility will also help with packing because it ensures you know what personal touches are welcomed and encouraged.

Displaying family photos can help you feel more at home during your stay. Having some of your favorite personal items can also help you feel at home.

Personal items you should bring include:

• Books
• Craft supplies for hobbies
• Seasonal decor
• Smartphone and charger

What Valuables And Prohibited Items Should Stay At Home?

Although it’s natural to want to bring personal items that mean a lot to you, it’s a good idea to leave valuables at home.

Things you should not bring to the SNF include:

• Candles
• Excessive amounts of cash
• Heirlooms
• Valuable jewelry
• Weapons

What Can Patients Expect During The Admission And Intake Process?

When you arrive at your SNF, you’ll go through an intake process that involves reviewing your documents and ensuring the facility has all the necessary medications, medical equipment, and assistive devices for your care.

The SNF will then verify your insurance coverage, introduce you to staff, and help you settle in a room.

How Can Family Members Help Their Loved One Adjust To A Skilled Nursing Facility?

Family members can help loved ones adjust to a SNF by ensuring they have cherished personal items with them, such as photos, books, and decor. Perhaps your loved one has a favorite quilt or blanket; adding it to their bed at the SNF can help it feel more like home.

Family members can also help with the transition by being involved with the care team. Monument Health encourages family members to attend care meetings and be actively involved in their loved one’s care.