Some medical procedures require patients to go through an inpatient rehabilitation process. Such will be dependent on the type and seriousness of the disease, but the main objective is for the patient to get a total treatment. It may include different programs like occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy, among others.
Packing for a stay at Congregate Living Health Facility (CLHF) homes may last longer than initially expected. That’s why it’s recommended to pack all the necessary things that the patient will need. This way, they can have the most comfortable time at a nursing home.
Due to the length of stay in CLHF homes, it’s essential not to miss packing the patient’s essentials. Checking the treatment programs may help determine packing essentials too. Are they going to be doing some speech therapy? How about physical therapy, wound care? Below are some recommended items per identified category.
Personal Hygiene Products
Personal hygiene is important to maintain when staying in CLHF homes. If a patient is refreshed and feels clean, it can impact the treatments they are undergoing, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc.
Note that CLHF homes have their own toiletries that the patient can use. It can include soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste. However, it is still recommended to pack the patient’s own products to add a more personal feel to the room. The presence of these products may help them feel more at home.
Some of the personal hygiene products they can bring include:
- Shampoo
- Body wash
- Hairbrush
- Deodorant
- Razor
- A few makeup items
Whatever is included in the patient’s everyday personal hygiene routine should be packed for his/her stay at CLHF homes. It’s best to leave scented products like lotion, perfumes, or even cologne at home because some of the patients and staff members may be allergic to them.
Clothing
When it comes to clothing, the overall rule is to pack comfortable garments. This way, the patient can easily achieve tasks and get through different treatments like speech therapy, medication management, and physical therapy. Choose clothing items made out of soft and stretchable fabric. Pack the following:
- Sleepwear or pajamas
- Underwear
- Loose-fitting lounge pants or shorts
- Treaded socks
- A light jacket or sweater
In case the patient has difficulty with zippers or buttons, consider packing these types of garments so they can practice using them in the CLHF homes. Putting on these types of clothes can be part of their rehabilitation therapies.
Personal Medical Equipment
For some patients who suffer from sleep apnea, it is recommended to bring their own CPAP machine. Does the patient need a wheelchair, cane, or walker to move around? Make sure to pack these items too.
Don’t forget dentures, glasses, hearing aids, and other items that will make the stay more comfortable and worry-free. For any medications from home, make sure to check with the care provider for guidance and confirmation before packing them. Some medical equipment like oxygen concentrators and tanks will be provided by the nursing home.
Entertainment
The time spent at a nursing home is the perfect time to catch up on the patient’s reading list. Packing books, magazines, some crossword puzzles, and even a deck of cards may help pass the time. Nursing homes also allow cellphones. (And don’t forget to bring along a phone charger!)
Nursing homes may offer free internet service (Wi-Fi), which means the patient may also bring a laptop or tablet for entertainment. These gadgets can be used to connect with family members and friends. Remember to pack the electric cords and chargers for these gadgets too.
Important Documents
Be sure to pack relevant documents for an extended stay at a nursing home. These documents include the following:
- Advance care directive: make sure to provide a copy to the attending doctor and nurse
- Living will: provide also a copy to the patient’s doctor or nurse. The patient can also ask help to draft the will in the nursing home in case this is not yet available before their scheduled stay.
- Insurance cards
- List of current medications plus the dosage and time when they are taken
- Name and contact details of the patient’s personal physician
- Emergency contact information
- Phone numbers of family and friends
The above information can give the patient peace of mind, making their stay more comfortable in the nursing home. It is also recommended to bring a pen and a notebook so the patient has somewhere to write treatment details like speech therapy schedule and physical therapy progress. It’ll be easier to remember the details if it’s all written down.
To make packing easier, call AvaCare Medical at 1-877-813-7799 to replenish necessary medicines or to order some new medical equipment such as a wheelchair, cane, or walker. Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to be of assistance!