When family members speak with the intake teams at The Goodman Group’s managed communities, they often ask what their loved one should bring with them when they come for skilled nursing care. It’s a great question! To help families prepare, we've created a Skilled Care Packing Checklist that covers everything from essential documents to comfort items.

Katie H., admissions director at West Hills Health & Rehabilitation in Portland, OR., offers more insights to help you pack smart.

SKILLED CARE SERVES THOSE WITH MEDICAL NEEDS

Skilled care patients and residents go to health and rehabilitation communities for different reasons, and they have different needs.

Rehabilitation: Someone who has been released from the hospital following a stroke, accident, heart attack or other health event can come for a short-term stay in a transitional setting where they receive additional, round-the-clock care to ensure they are well-prepared to return home. Transitional care typically includes physical, occupational and/or speech rehabilitation therapy as well as medications or wound care.

Respite: At-home caregiving is a labor of love, but it is a demanding job. When caregivers need a break, their loved one can stay at a community during that respite period. They receive the medical and personal care they require in a caring, homey environment and that gives everyone peace of mind.

Long-term stay: For others, skilled care provides long-term medical support in an environment that aims to be as much like home as possible. 

WHAT TO BRING

Each new skilled care patient or resident receives a Welcome Kit that contains personal essentials including a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant and a basin. You're also welcome to bring your own preferred toiletries. Non-skid socks and denture cases and tablets are also provided, if needed.

You will definitely need to bring:

• Insurance documents for the business office to make copies of
• Comfortable clothing, including clothes suitable for therapy sessions 
• Solid, sturdy shoes–sneakers, for example, nothing like clogs or slides with open backs

When it comes to laundry, you have a choice.

• DIY: If a family member will be handling your laundry, please bring a laundry basket for collecting dirty clothes. Your family member can take it away and bring back clean clothes as needed. The team will be notified that you will be doing your own laundry.
• We’ll do it for you: There are on-site laundry facilities, so the team usually handles this on behalf of patients and residents. Please note that for sanitation reasons hot water is used. Avoid bringing delicate fabrics, and label all your clothes to prevent mix-ups.

SEASONAL ITEMS TO BRING

When packing clothing, consider the season and climate:

• Summer months: Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics, short-sleeve shirts and comfortable shorts or capris 
• Winter months: Include warm sweaters, long-sleeve shirts and comfortable pants. A light jacket for outdoor therapy sessions or activities 
• Year-round: Always include a light sweater or cardigan as indoor temperatures can vary

OPTIONAL ITEMS TO BRING

• Linens: All bedding and towels will be provided, but you can still bring your own blanket and pillow for extra comfort if you prefer.
• Communications: Wi-Fi is available, so feel free to bring your phone, tablet or other devices, along with chargers. There is a locking drawer where you can securely store them.
• Reading material: While there may be an on-site library, you're welcome to bring books, magazines or other reading materials from home.
• Personal mementos: Especially for long-term residents, adding personal touches like framed photos or familiar decorations can help make the space feel more like home. Seasonal decor is encouraged, but just be sure it's non-electric or battery-powered.
• Pets: While your beloved dog or cat isn’t allowed to move in with you, well-behaved pets are welcome to visit as long as they are on a leash. We understand how meaningful those visits can be—pets are family, too.

To stay organized during your stay, label all belongings with your name and pack items in clear plastic bags for easy identification. Keep frequently used items like eyeglasses and hearing aids easily accessible, and consider bringing a small organizer for toiletries.

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME

Primarily for safety reasons, there are certain things you should not bring with you.

Valuables, such as jewelry, watches, wallets and credit cards. If there is no family member available to hold onto them, you may lock them in your drawer. That said, you won’t need money for anything as all your needs will be provided.

• Delicate fabrics (unless your family will be handling your laundry)
• Hair dryer–there is one available in every shower area, and a CNA can assist you if needed
• Heating pad
• Personal coffee maker–these are not allowed, but coffee and tea lovers can enjoy their favorite brew with meals and from coffee carts throughout the day

PERSONALIZED DAILY LIVING

Whether you’re coming for physical, occupational or speech therapy–or for long-term skilled care, the nursing team will work closely with your doctor to evaluate your situation and create a plan for you to support your recovery and help you feel your best.

The life enrichment team also meets with each new resident to get to know you better and help make your stay as homey and personalized as possible. Do you enjoy crossword puzzles, certain magazines or books? Do you like playing bingo or joining in other group activities?

There's always something for short-term patients and long-term residents to do between therapy sessions, and family members are welcome to join in. Some examples include exercise classes, happy hour, py visits, even off-site outings for those who are able to go.

So, pack your essentials—and any favorite extras—and the team take care of the rest to deliver the Platinum Service® experience you can expect in skilled care.