Moving a loved one into memory care is emotionally difficult, and figuring out what to bring can feel overwhelming when you're already stressed. You want them to feel comfortable and surrounded by familiar things, but memory care facilities have specific requirements about what's allowed and what will actually be helpful for someone with dementia.
The goal is to create a room that feels familiar and comforting without overwhelming them with too many possessions. Most memory care rooms are furnished with basic furniture like a bed, dresser, and chair, so you'll mainly bring personal items, clothing, and meaningful objects that provide comfort and help them feel at home. Safety is a priority, so facilities restrict certain items like medications, electrical appliances, and anything that could pose a risk.
This guide provides a complete packing list organized by category, explains what not to bring and why, and offers practical tips for labeling, organizing, and making the transition smoother for everyone. For guidance on the broader transition process, see our articles on how to talk to family about moving to memory care and how to tell someone with dementia they are moving.
Key Takeaway
Pack approximately one week of comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing, essential toiletries, meaningful personal items like family photos and favorite music, and comfort objects that provide sensory familiarity, while avoiding valuables, medications, electrical appliances, and items prohibited by the facility for safety reasons.
If you only do 3 things before move-in day
Call the memory care facility to get their specific list of prohibited items, room dimensions, and whether they provide any furnishings or supplies, as policies vary significantly between facilities.
Label every single item with permanent marker or iron-on labels that include your loved one's full name, as clothing and belongings frequently get mixed up in communal laundry and shared spaces.
Create a simple photo book or poster with recent family photos labeled with names and relationships, as this helps staff connect with your loved one and provides a familiar reference point during the adjustment period.
What clothing should I pack for memory care?
Short answer:
Pack seven to ten days of comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing including elastic-waist pants, pullover shirts, slip-on shoes, and layering pieces, avoiding items with complex fasteners, dry-clean-only fabrics, or anything your loved one can't manage independently if they're still somewhat capable of dressing.
Clothing for memory care needs to prioritize comfort, ease of dressing, and laundering:
Everyday clothing essentials
- Seven to ten complete outfits (top and bottom) so there's always something clean while laundry is being done
- Eight to ten pairs of underwear and eight pairs of socks (extras are essential as items get lost)
- Two to three cardigans or zip-up sweatshirts for layering
- One light jacket or sweater for outdoor activities
- Comfortable loungewear or pajamas (three to four sets)
- Robe or housecoat if they typically wear one
- Slippers with non-slip soles for wearing in their room
Clothing characteristics to prioritize
Choose pants with elastic waistbands rather than buttons or zippers. Select pullover shirts, cardigans that zip, or button-up shirts with large buttons rather than complicated fastenings. Look for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or cotton blends. Avoid anything that requires dry cleaning, hand washing, or special care. Choose machine-washable items that can withstand facility laundering. Select clothing without drawstrings, which can pose a choking hazard. Pick items in colors and patterns your loved one has always worn, as familiar styles provide comfort. For more on personal care routines, see our guide on dementia bathing, dressing, and personal care tips.
Footwear
Bring two to three pairs of comfortable, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles and closed toes. Slip-on shoes or shoes with Velcro closures are easier than laces. Avoid backless shoes, flip-flops, or anything that could cause falls. Some residents do well with supportive sneakers or walking shoes. If your loved one shuffles or has an unsteady gait, facilities may recommend specific footwear or you may need shoes with additional support. For comprehensive fall prevention guidance, see our article on fall prevention strategies for dementia.
Special considerations
- If your loved one is incontinent, the facility typically provides briefs, but check their policy
- Avoid bringing favorite or sentimental clothing items as they may get lost, stained, or damaged
- Consider the climate and whether the facility tends to run warm or cool
- Bring options for different seasons if you're moving them during a transitional time of year
- Some residents feel more oriented when dressed in regular clothes rather than loungewear all day
What not to bring
Don't pack expensive clothing, delicate fabrics, clothing that requires ironing, items with sentimental value that cannot be replaced, or clothing in colors that show stains easily like white or very light colors. Avoid scarves, neckties, or loose belts that could pose safety risks.
What personal care items and toiletries do I need?
Short answer:
Bring basic toiletries your loved one currently uses including shampoo, body wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, and hairbrush, but check with the facility first as many provide these items or have restrictions on containers and products for safety reasons.
Personal care items help maintain familiar routines:
Basic toiletries
- Shampoo and conditioner (many facilities require pump bottles rather than glass or aerosols)
- Body wash or bar soap
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and denture care products if applicable
- Deodorant
- Unscented or lightly scented lotion
- Hairbrush or comb
- Shaving supplies if needed (electric razors are typically preferred over disposable razors)
- Nail clippers (may need to be kept by staff depending on facility policy)
Additional items to consider
- Lip balm, especially if your loved one tends to have dry lips
- Tissues
- Feminine hygiene products if needed
- Glasses cleaning supplies and extra case
- Hearing aid supplies and cleaning tools
- Favorite fragrance if they've always worn one, though avoid strong scents that might bother others
What the facility typically provides
Most memory care facilities provide adult briefs, wipes, barrier cream for incontinence care, and basic toiletries. Ask specifically what's included so you don't duplicate. Some facilities prefer you use only their products to ensure consistency and reduce skin irritation.
Containers and safety
Facilities often prohibit glass containers due to breakage risk. They may require all toiletries to be in labeled plastic bottles. Aerosol cans may not be allowed. Mouthwash with alcohol content may be restricted if your loved one has a history of drinking non-beverage alcohol. Check the facility's specific policies before purchasing items.
Storage considerations
Memory care rooms typically have limited storage in the bathroom. Bring only what's currently needed rather than stockpiling months of supplies. The facility can notify you when items need replacing. Some facilities prefer to store certain items at the nurses' station and apply them during care rather than keeping them in the room.
What bedroom items and comfort objects should I bring?
Short answer:
Bring familiar items that provide comfort and orientation including family photos, a favorite blanket or pillow, meaningful but replaceable decorations, and sensory items like music or textured objects, while keeping the room simple and uncluttered to prevent confusion and agitation.
Creating a familiar environment supports adjustment:
Bedding and linens
Most facilities provide all bedding, but you can bring a favorite blanket, quilt, or afghan if it provides comfort. A special pillow they've always used can help with sleep. Consider bringing a bed-sized washable mattress pad if they're incontinent and the facility allows it. Don't bring items that are irreplaceable or have significant sentimental value, as they may get damaged or lost in facility laundering.
Photos and memory items
Create a small photo display with recent, clearly labeled pictures showing who's in each photo. Use unbreakable frames or consider making a photo poster board. Include pictures of immediate family members, pets, and the home they came from. Keep displays simple rather than overwhelming. A shadow box with three to five meaningful objects can provide talking points with staff. Consider a photo album they can look through with supervision, though loose photos may get lost.
Room decor
Hang a large wall clock with clear, easy-to-read numbers and hands. Bring a calendar if they used to refer to one, though it may need updating by staff. Consider a small bulletin board where staff can post activity schedules or reminders. Add a few familiar decorations like a favorite small plant (artificial is safest), seasonal decorations they always enjoyed, or meaningful but not valuable artwork. Avoid cluttering walls or surfaces, as too much visual stimulation can increase confusion. For more on creating supportive environments, see our article on creating daily routines for someone with dementia.
Comfort and sensory items
- Favorite music on CDs or a pre-loaded MP3 player (check if facility has players available)
- A soft stuffed animal or textured pillow that provides tactile comfort
- A few favorite books, magazines, or photo books (simple ones work best)
- Items with familiar scents like a sachet with their favorite fragrance
- Fidget items like soft balls, textured fabric squares, or activity aprons
- Religious or spiritual items if meaningful (rosary, prayer book, small religious statue)
Furniture considerations
Most facilities fully furnish rooms with bed, dresser, nightstand, and chair. Ask about dimensions and what's provided before bringing additional furniture. A favorite recliner or comfortable chair might be welcomed if there's space. Some families bring a small bookshelf or side table. Confirm what's allowed and measure the space first. If you're still evaluating facilities, use our memory care facility tour checklist to assess room size and furnishing options.
What not to bring
Avoid candles or incense (fire hazard), valuable items or collections, fragile decorations, items with personal or family significance that cannot be replaced, live plants that need care, or so many items that the room feels cluttered and unfamiliar.
What should I absolutely not pack or bring?
Short answer:
Never bring medications, money, jewelry, valuables, electrical appliances with heating elements, sharp objects, alcohol, cleaning products, or important documents, as these items pose safety risks or will be stolen, lost, or create liability issues.
Understanding restrictions prevents problems:
Prohibited items in nearly all facilities
Medications of any kind, whether prescription or over-the-counter, must be managed by facility staff. Cleaning supplies, chemicals, or aerosols are prohibited due to ingestion risk. Sharp objects including scissors, knives, razors (unless electric and kept by staff), or craft tools are restricted. Lighters, matches, candles, or incense are fire hazards. Space heaters, heating pads, hot plates, or any appliances with heating elements are not allowed. Alcohol in any form is typically prohibited. Weapons of any kind including pocket knives are strictly forbidden.
Items that shouldn't be brought
Cash, checkbooks, or credit cards will likely be stolen or lost. Jewelry, watches, or other valuables frequently disappear despite best efforts. Important documents like Social Security cards, birth certificates, or legal papers should be kept elsewhere. Car or house keys are no longer needed. Cell phones are often lost, damaged, or cause confusion. Computers, tablets, or other electronics are usually not practical unless your loved one is in early-stage memory care and still uses them independently.
Items that create problems
Furniture with sharp edges or corners poses fall risks. Heavy items that could fall on residents aren't safe. Extension cords are tripping hazards and usually prohibited. Anything made of glass that could break is typically not allowed. Items requiring batteries may not work when batteries die and can frustrate residents. Food items attract pests and spoil, and most facilities prohibit keeping food in rooms. Clothing or items belonging to a deceased spouse can sometimes increase confusion or distress.
Facility-specific restrictions
Every facility has its own policies. Some restrict stuffed animals. Others don't allow any personal furniture. Some limit the number of items on walls. Ask for the facility's complete written list of prohibited items before packing. Don't assume something is fine without checking first.
What to do with restricted items
Keep medications at home or dispose of them properly through a pharmacy take-back program. Store valuables, important documents, and sentimental items safely at your home. Keep any money or financial items with the designated family member managing finances. Return house or car keys to family members. Secure jewelry in a safe deposit box or at home.
How should I label everything?
Short answer:
Use permanent fabric markers or iron-on labels on all clothing with your loved one's full first and last name, and label all personal items including glasses, hearing aids, shoes, and room decorations with large, clear text using waterproof methods that can't be easily removed.
Proper labeling is essential in memory care:
Clothing labels
Label every single piece of clothing including underwear, socks, and even shoes. Use iron-on labels with full name placed in a consistent location like the back collar or waistband. Permanent fabric markers (like Sharpie) work but may fade over time. Commercial labeling services can provide durable tags. Write the name large enough to be easily readable. Use first and last name, not just initials, as multiple residents may share initials. Check and refresh labels every few months as they fade.
Why labeling matters
Communal laundry facilities mix items from many residents. Even with careful sorting, mistakes happen constantly. Clothing without labels will be lost or end up in someone else's room. Staff cannot return items to the right room without clear identification. Facilities are not financially responsible for unlabeled lost items.
Other items to label
- Glasses and glasses cases
- Hearing aids and cases
- Dentures and denture cases
- Shoes (write inside or on the sole)
- Walkers, wheelchairs, or mobility aids
- Back of picture frames
- Bottom of decorative items
- Hairbrushes and personal care items
- Books or magazines
Labeling methods
Use waterproof permanent markers for non-fabric items. Apply clear packing tape over paper labels to protect them. Use engraving tools for hearing aids or glasses if possible. Consider color-coding by using the same color labels or markers for all items. Take photos of labeled items for your records. Keep a list of everything you brought in case items need replacing.
Ongoing maintenance
Check labels when you visit and refresh any that have faded. Immediately label any new items brought to the facility. Ask staff to notify you if they find unlabeled items. Replace items with faded or missing labels promptly.
How can I make the room feel familiar without overwhelming them?
Short answer:
Choose five to ten meaningful items that provide comfort and orientation, arrange furniture to mirror their previous room layout if possible, use familiar colors and patterns, and keep surfaces mostly clear to reduce visual clutter and confusion.
Creating the right environment supports adjustment:
Principles of room setup
Less is more in memory care. Too many items create visual confusion and can increase agitation. Focus on quality over quantity, choosing a few meaningful items rather than trying to recreate their entire previous space. Maintain clear pathways for safe movement. Keep frequently needed items easily accessible. Create one or two focal points rather than decorating every surface.
Strategic item placement
Position the bed similarly to how it was at home if possible, as this spatial familiarity helps with orientation. Place familiar photos at eye level where they can easily see them from bed or their chair. Keep the area around the bed clear to prevent falls during nighttime movement. Position the most comforting item (favorite blanket, stuffed animal, photo) where they'll see it immediately upon entering the room. For more on creating safe environments, see our guide on home safety checklist for dementia.
Using familiar patterns and colors
Bring bedding or decorative items in colors they've always preferred. Use similar patterns they had at home, whether florals, stripes, or solids. Maintain their usual style (traditional, modern, country) in your choices. Avoid dramatic changes in aesthetic that might feel disorienting.
Reducing confusion
Keep dresser tops mostly clear with just one or two items. Limit wall decorations to three to five pieces rather than covering every wall. Choose photos showing one to three people rather than large group shots that are harder to process. Use simple, uncluttered designs rather than busy patterns. Ensure any words or signs are large and easy to read.
Adjusting over time
You can always bring more items later if the room feels too sparse. Watch how your loved one responds to the environment. Remove items that seem to cause distress or confusion. Add sensory items if they seem to need more stimulation. Let staff guide you on what seems to work best. Remember that their needs may change as their dementia progresses. For understanding progression, see our article on dementia staging and progression.
Working with facility aesthetics
Some facilities encourage heavy personalization while others prefer minimal additions. Work within their guidelines while still adding familiar touches. Coordinate with what the facility provides rather than duplicating. Ask staff for suggestions based on what they've seen work well.
What should I bring on move-in day versus later?
Short answer:
Bring essential clothing, toiletries, a few comfort items, and important paperwork on move-in day, then add personal decorations, photos, and other items gradually over the first few weeks once you see how your loved one is adjusting and what they actually need or use.
Phasing the move-in reduces overwhelm:
Day one essentials
Pack a bag with three to five days of clothing so you're not rushing to do laundry immediately. Include all necessary toiletries and personal care items. Bring eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, or any medical equipment they use daily. Include one or two primary comfort items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Pack pajamas, robe, and slippers for immediate use. Bring any necessary paperwork the facility requested.
First week additions
Once they've settled for a day or two, add remaining clothing. Bring photos after you see where they might best be displayed. Add familiar room decorations after observing the space. Include music or sensory items once you understand the room setup. Bring books or activities after seeing what space is available.
Benefits of gradual approach
You can assess what they actually need rather than guessing. You'll understand the space better after seeing it set up. You can gauge their adjustment and bring items that would be most comforting. Staff can advise what residents typically use and what usually just creates clutter. You avoid overwhelming them with too many changes and new items simultaneously.
What to keep at home initially
Leave seasonal clothing at home until needed. Keep backup supplies of toiletries ready but not at the facility. Store extra photos and decorations that you might rotate in later. Save secondary comfort items that can be introduced if needed. Keep important documents and valuables at home indefinitely.
Adjusting based on observation
During visits in the first few weeks, notice what they use, look at, or reach for. Ask staff what items they interact with or seem to notice. Remove items they ignore or that seem to cause distress. Bring additional items that fill gaps you notice. Continue adjusting as their needs evolve.
What paperwork and information should I bring or have ready?
Short answer:
Bring copies of medical records, medication lists, insurance cards, advance directives, power of attorney documents, emergency contacts, and the completed admission paperwork the facility provided, while keeping originals of important legal documents in a safe location at home.
Proper documentation ensures smooth admission. For comprehensive guidance on legal preparation, see our article on power of attorney dementia checklist and advance directives and living wills for dementia.
Essential documents for admission
- Completed facility admission paperwork and contracts
- Copy of photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental, or long-term care insurance)
- Social Security card or number
- Recent physical exam results (usually required within 30 to 60 days)
- Tuberculosis test results (usually required and recent)
- Current medication list with dosages and prescribing physicians
- Medical history summary including diagnoses, allergies, and past surgeries
- Physician's orders for care
Legal documents (copies, not originals)
- Healthcare power of attorney or healthcare proxy
- Durable power of attorney for finances
- Advance directive or living will
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order if applicable
- POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) if applicable
- Guardianship papers if applicable
Contact information
Create a document with complete contact information for the primary family contact, alternate emergency contacts, primary care physician and specialists, pharmacy name and phone number, previous residence address, religious affiliation and preferred clergy if applicable, and family members who are authorized to receive information or make decisions.
Financial and insurance information
Bring documentation showing how care will be paid for. Include information about long-term care insurance policies, Medicaid approval letters, VA benefits documentation, or private pay arrangements. Have information about who is responsible for payment.
Personal history and preferences
Many facilities request information about your loved one's life history, preferences, routines, and personality. This helps staff provide personalized care and connect with your loved one. Include information about their career, hobbies, family structure, preferences for food and activities, sleep routines, past coping mechanisms, and behavioral triggers or soothing techniques. For more on communicating preferences, see our guide on communication strategies for talking to someone with dementia.
Keeping records organized
Use a binder or folder system to keep all documents organized. Make copies of everything for your own records. Provide the facility only with copies, never originals of important documents. Keep a list of what documents you've provided to the facility. Update information as things change, particularly medication lists or emergency contacts.
How do I handle the emotional aspects of packing and moving day?
Short answer:
Allow yourself to grieve this transition while focusing on creating comfort for your loved one, involve them in decisions when possible without overwhelming them, prepare family members for what to expect on moving day, and recognize that the first few weeks are an adjustment period for everyone.
The emotional weight of this transition is significant. For comprehensive guidance on this difficult decision, see our article on how to know when it's time for memory care.
Processing your own emotions
Moving a loved one to memory care often brings up intense feelings of guilt, sadness, grief, and failure, even when you know it's the right decision. Packing their belongings can feel like dismantling their life or giving up. These feelings are completely normal. Allow yourself to grieve without judgment. Talk to other caregivers who have been through this. Consider speaking with a counselor who specializes in caregiver issues. Remember that seeking appropriate care is an act of love, not abandonment. For support processing these complex emotions, see our guide on coping with grief and ambiguous loss in dementia.
Involving your loved one appropriately
If your loved one still has some awareness, involve them in choosing which items to bring, like asking them to pick their favorite blanket or photos. Keep choices simple with two to three options rather than overwhelming them. Frame the move positively by focusing on the activities they'll enjoy or the care they'll receive. Be honest but gentle, avoiding long explanations about why they're moving. If they have no awareness or would find the process distressing, it's okay to make decisions without their input. For guidance on this conversation, see our article on how to tell someone with dementia they are moving.
Preparing family members
Discuss who will be present on moving day and what each person's role will be. Prepare everyone for the likelihood that your loved one may be confused, upset, or resistant. Decide in advance how long you'll stay on move-in day. Brief everyone on the plan so you present a united, calm front. Consider having one person stay with your loved one while others handle unpacking and setup. If you're facing family disagreements about this decision, see our article on how to talk to family about moving to memory care.
Managing moving day
Arrive when planned, not excessively early, which increases anxiety. Stay calm and positive even if your loved one is upset. Let staff take the lead as they're experienced with transitions. Set up the room while your loved one gets oriented with a staff member if that works better. Keep the visit relatively short, perhaps one to two hours, rather than staying all day. Leave while things are going reasonably well rather than waiting for a perfect moment.
The first few weeks
The adjustment period varies widely. Some residents settle quickly while others take weeks or months. Expect some regression in behavior or function initially. Resist the urge to visit constantly during the first week, as this can prevent adjustment. Follow staff guidance about visiting frequency. Expect yourself to feel guilty, sad, or second-guess the decision. These feelings typically diminish as you see your loved one adjust and receive good care.
Self-compassion
You're doing the best you can in an impossibly difficult situation. There is no perfect way to handle this transition. Small imperfections in room setup or packing choices don't matter in the long run. What matters is ensuring your loved one receives appropriate care. Give yourself permission to feel whatever you're feeling. Seek support when you need it. For more on maintaining your wellbeing, see our article on how to take a break from caregiving without guilt.
How CareThru can help with the memory care transition
Moving a loved one to memory care involves coordinating with multiple family members, tracking what's been packed and what still needs to be purchased, remembering facility requirements and move-in dates, and keeping everyone informed about the transition plan.
CareThru provides a central place to create and share your packing checklist, ensuring nothing essential gets forgotten and multiple family members can see what's already been gathered. You can store the facility's specific requirements list, prohibited items, room dimensions, and contact information so everyone has access to the same information.
Use CareThru to coordinate who's bringing what on moving day, who will be present to help with setup, and what everyone's responsibilities are. Create a task list for everything that needs to happen before move-in, from labeling clothing to gathering documents, with reminders so nothing falls through the cracks during this stressful time.
After move-in, document what worked well and what you wish you'd done differently, creating a reference for future adjustments. Track which items your loved one actually uses or responds to positively during your visits. Share updates with family members who couldn't be present, including photos of the room setup and notes about how the first days are going.
Store copies of all the paperwork you provided to the facility, the admission agreement, and emergency contact information in CareThru so any family member can access it if needed. Keep a running list of items that need to be brought, replaced, or taken home based on what you observe during visits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for Memory Care
How many clothes should I bring to memory care?
Plan for seven to ten days of complete outfits including tops, bottoms, underwear, and socks. This provides enough clothing that your loved one always has clean options while laundry is being processed, which typically happens once or twice per week. Include at least eight to ten pairs of underwear and eight pairs of socks, as these items get lost most frequently. You can always bring more later if needed, but starting with one to two weeks of clothing is usually sufficient.
Can I bring furniture to a memory care facility?
Most memory care facilities provide all essential furniture including bed, dresser, nightstand, and chair. Some allow you to bring a favorite recliner, comfortable armchair, or small side table if there's space and it meets safety requirements. Contact the facility before moving day to ask about their furniture policy, room dimensions, and what's already provided. Any furniture you bring should have rounded edges, be stable and tip-resistant, and fit comfortably in the room without creating obstacles.
Should I bring a TV or electronics to memory care?
This depends on the individual and the facility policy. If your loved one still watches and enjoys TV, it may provide comfort and familiarity. However, many residents with dementia become confused by TV content, thinking programs are real or becoming upset by news content. Some facilities provide TVs in all rooms, while others don't allow them in individual rooms. Other electronics like computers, tablets, or cell phones are rarely useful in memory care, as residents typically can't operate them independently and they often get lost or damaged.
What if my loved one wants to bring something that's not allowed?
Explain gently that the facility has safety rules to protect all residents. Offer alternatives when possible, like printing a photo of a prohibited item, bringing a similar item that meets safety requirements, or keeping the item at home where they can see it during visits. If the item is essential for their comfort and seems low-risk, discuss it with the facility director to see if exceptions can be made. Sometimes creative solutions exist, like staff keeping certain items and bringing them out during supervised times.
How do I decide what's most important to bring?
Think about what provides sensory comfort and familiarity rather than just what seems important to you. Consider items they touch, look at, or interact with regularly. Choose things connected to long-term memories rather than recent events they may not remember. Ask yourself what would help them feel safe and calm in an unfamiliar environment. When in doubt, staff at the facility can often advise based on what they've seen work well for other residents with similar needs.
Should I bring family photos from throughout their life or just recent ones?
Bring photos from the era they remember best, which is typically young adulthood through middle age for people with dementia. Photos of themselves as young adults, their children as kids, and significant life events from those decades often resonate most. Include recent photos of close family members with clear labels showing who each person is. Avoid photos that might be confusing, like pictures of people who are now deceased, unless you're certain these bring comfort rather than distress.
What if they already have too much stuff in their current home?
You don't need to replicate their entire home environment. Select meaningful items strategically rather than trying to bring everything. Store or distribute other belongings to family members. Some families find it helpful to take photos of rooms or special items so they can show them to their loved one if needed. Remember that less cluttered environments often work better for people with dementia. You're not erasing their history by being selective about what moves with them.
How often will I need to replace lost or damaged items?
Despite best efforts, items get lost regularly in memory care. Clothing may disappear in laundry, even when labeled. Small items may be misplaced or taken by other residents. Budget for replacing socks, underwear, and basic clothing items every few months. Choose items that are affordable and replaceable rather than expensive or sentimental. Keep a list of what you've provided so you can replace things quickly when needed. Some families keep backup supplies at home of essentials like comfortable pants and slip-on shoes.
Informational disclaimer:
This article provides general guidance about packing for memory care and is not a substitute for the specific requirements of your chosen facility. As of December 2025, facility policies vary significantly and should be verified directly. Always consult with your memory care facility's admissions coordinator for their complete list of requirements, prohibited items, and recommendations specific to their community before packing or purchasing items.