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! Katie H., admissions director at West Hills Health & Rehabilitation in Portland, OR., shares a list of what to bring–and what to leave at home.

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. Of course, you can also 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 (see note below about delicate fabrics)
• 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 wants to handle this for you, you’ll need to bring a basket to collect your 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 be aware that for sanitation reasons hot, hot water is used. So please do not bring any delicate fabrics. And label all your clothes.
  
  

OPTIONAL ITEMS TO BRING

• Linens. Everything will be provided, but you can still bring your own blanket and pillow if you prefer.
• Communications. There is Wi-Fi, so you can bring your phone, tablet, etc. and charger. There is a locking drawer where you can store them.
• Reading material. There may be an on-site library, but you can bring books, magazines, etc. from home as well.
• Personal mementos. Long-term residents, especially, like to bring homey touches such as photos to personalize their room. Seasonal lights and other decorations are encouraged, but only non-electric or battery-powered, please.
• Pets. No, your beloved dog or cat isn’t allowed to move in with you, but they are welcome to visit on a leash as long as they are well-behaved. We understand that pets are vital family members, and having them visit can brighten any day.

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME

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

Valuables such as jewelry, your watch, or credit cards. If there is no family member available to retain these for you, you can lock your wallet in a drawer. However, you won’t need money for anything as all your needs will be provided.

• Delicate fabrics (unless your family will be doing your laundry)
• Hair dryer–there is one in the shower and a CNA can assist you with this
• Heating pad
• Personal coffee maker–coffee and tea lovers can enjoy their favorite brew at meals and on coffee carts all day long

PERSONALIZED DAILY LIVING

Whether you’re coming for physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy or long-term skilled nursing care, the nursing team will work with your doctor to evaluate your situation and create a plan for you to recover and get back to being your best self.

The life enrichment team members also meet with each new patient/resident to learn more about you to help make your stay as homey and personalized as possible. Do you like crossword puzzles, certain magazines or books? Do you like to play bingo or join in other group activities?

Short-term patients and long-term residents will find plenty to do in between therapy sessions, and family members are welcome to join in. Some examples include exercise classes, happy hour, pet therapy visits, even off-site outings for those who are able to go.

So, come prepared with your must-haves and some optional items, if you wish, and the team do the rest to deliver the Platinum Service® you can expect in skilled care.