What items does mom need in the resident care side of the nursing home?

I brought my mom blankets often from home. I would end up throwing it out after a few weeks, but she had so many blankets. Glasses, Dentures, Hearing Aids. Sweaters because it gets cold for them in there. Toothbrush and her favorite soaps and shampoos. Anything from home helps. You could bring her favorite photos to hang on her walls. My mom was very confused, so we put photos of her and her family above her bed to remind her that was her bed. Her favorite slippers and nightgowns and robes. Her clothes. If you are going to have the nursing home do her laundry then I would suggest bringing her clothes up little by little. They use really hot water and a hot dryer. So something that can withstand that kind of washing without shrinking. Write her name in all her clothes. Only bring things that she can slip in and out of easily. I went and bought my mom some capri yoga / sweatpant type pants. She will need shoes for when she is transported to the doctors when she has appointments. Maybe some money on her account to get her hair cut. (That cost extra) Some have little shops. A BIBLE. Magazines or books. Playing cards (if you feel she is well enough at times to play solitaire). The adult diapers that they use are cheaper ones, so if you want her to have some extra protection, you have to bring in your own diapers. Flowers from her yard. A pillow that she likes. Again, you may want to throw it out after awhile and just bring up another one from home. Oh...a BIG laundry bag. It will smell like home to her when she gets it. Do not bring up anything that you are going to be upset about if she doesn't have it anymore. Things get lost sometimes...not often, but it does happen. Depending on her diet, you can bring in life savers or her favorite candy and put it in her drawer. I saw a roommate of my moms have earphones on his head. I think he listened to music. If you know that this will be the last place your mom will stay, just try to make her as comfortable as you can. You will be happy you did everything you could to make her comfortable...even if you know she won't appreciate it or that you think she won't even know it is from home due to the dementia. Trust me...You will be happy that you gave the effort to make her small area a comfortable place. Don't worry if you forget something. You won't know everything she needs until she has been there for awhile. Again, most important thing is to remember the clothes are comfortable and easy to get in and out of. Her name is in them and that you aren't too attached to whatever it is that you bring up. FLOWERS from her yard or a small house plant. Hope that helps. I really do miss my mom so love on yours even if you think she is a being difficult. LOVE and HUGS!

Thank you.:)

Hi Spooky62, you and I are in the same boat now. Deardaugher had terrific suggestions. It was very emotional for me to pack up two rolling cases for her from a life time of clutter and "stuff." I just said to myself, take it slow, you don't have to bring everything up to her, just get her what she will need now. I packed good flannel pjs, a good robe or two, loads of tee shirts that she can use as undervests, I do not make her wear a bra, just a good tee shirt to keep her secure. Turtle necks, and some nice big sweaters. I got her pants that she can just slip on and off, elastic waistbands, no buttons, no zippers, no belts. Heavy leggings are great with a turtle neck and large sweater. Comfy colourful socks. I brought two pairs of sturdy running shoes, keeps her on balance she is a fall risk. One pair of sturdy ankle boots, her coat, scarf, two hats, she likes the woollen cap and if out she has a heavy bonnet scarf hat. I figured this would keep her going for now. I also did not send up any lamb or wool sweaters, they'd just ruin them in the laundry, so everything will endure an industrial washing and they will label her clothes in this place. I brought up her holy pictures for the wall, important to her and not me, I brought her glasses and toilet articles, body wash, powder, tooth brushes, tooth paste, other stuff she likes. I made sure that they took her expensive ring and pearls and put them in the safe, I told them she will take this ring off that my dad gave her to wash her hands and misplace it and I do not want an insurance claim nor have any one accused of taking it. I will take them home with me. I brought her some knitted blankets from home. So, I guess it is trial and error. Just bring her what will bring her comfort and don't try to do it all at once, least that is what I am doing.