At Dellwood Gardens Assisted Living, we provide safe, caring support for seniors in need of memory care. We know how important it is for our residents to lead fulfilling, enriched lives in a space specifically designed to meet the challenges of living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Each of our private apartments includes a kitchenette, ¾ bath, as well as individually-controlled heating and cooling units—all with the benefit of being in a secure space. Read on to learn more about what to pack when moving a loved one into memory care.

Keep it simple and avoid too much clutter.

While it might seem nice to surround your loved one with mementos and trinkets, too much stuff can often feel overpowering and upsetting for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Choose a small number of meaningful items instead, such as a special quilt, familiar artwork, a stuffed animal, and any important memorabilia.

Be mindful of valuables.

Isn’t it funny how our most valuable items are often small and delicate—and therefore, easily misplaced or broken? Consider replacing valuable jewelry with costume pieces instead.

Choose their clothing wisely.

Buttons and snaps can be finicky, making it difficult to get dressed in the morning. We recommend packing clothing that is easy to take on and off, such as elastic-waist pants and camisoles instead of bras. Choose non-slip footwear for added safety and look for slip-on or Velcro fasteners instead of laces. Add labels to all articles of clothing and don’t forget the clothes hangers!

Don’t forget about toiletries.

Our facility includes access to a beauty salon and barber, but we also suggest bringing along everyday toiletries for proper hygiene and grooming. Choose an electric or safety razor instead of a straight-edge blade for added safety. Pack their toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash, as well as any necessary incontinence products—but leave any medication (both prescription and over-the-counter) with the staff.

Leave certain items at home.

The care and safety of our residents is our top priority. Please leave any potentially dangerous items—including sharp scissors, knives, sewing needles, tools, small appliances, curling irons, and glass items such as mirrors and ceramics—at home. Lighters, candles, and small area rugs can also be a potential hazard and should be left behind.

Our mission is to make the transition to memory care or assisted living more fulfilling and financially feasible. Visit our website to learn more about our memory care apartments, or give us a call at 651-776-9511. We look forward to hearing from you!