Why a Thoughtful Memory Care Packing List Matters

Transitioning a loved one into memory care can feel overwhelming. The right items can bring comfort, reduce anxiety, and make the new space feel like home. A clear memory care packing list helps you focus on what matters most, avoid overpacking, and honor your loved one’s routines. Memory care packing list: Know what to bring and what to leave at home. Get caregiver-approved essentials, safety tips, and space-savers – download our checklist now. At Great Lakes Senior Living, our teams in Beloit, Milton, and Waterford guide families through this process with compassion and practical support, so every resident arrives feeling seen, supported, and safe.

Start With the Basics: Documents and Information

Begin your memory care packing list with essential documents. Having these items ready ensures a smooth admission and uninterrupted care.

• Photo identification for the resident
• Insurance cards and Medicare or Medicaid information
• Advance directives, power of attorney, and guardianship paperwork
• Emergency contact list with names, relationships, and phone numbers
• Current medication list with dosages, timing, and purpose
• Allergy list and major medical history
• Physician and pharmacy contact details
• Copy of the latest care plan or hospital discharge summary, if available

Caregiver-Approved Essentials for Daily Comfort

Clothing and Footwear

Choose familiar, easy-fit clothing that is comfortable and simple to manage. Soft fabrics, elastic waistbands, and layers work well. Aim for enough items to cover 7 to 10 days.

• 7 to 10 tops and 7 to 10 bottoms that mix and match
• 2 to 3 sweaters or cardigans for layering
• 1 to 2 light jackets and 1 warm coat
• 7 to 10 sets of undergarments, including bras and undershirts
• 7 to 10 pairs of socks, including non-slip socks for safety
• 1 to 2 pairs of comfortable shoes with rubber soles
• 1 pair of slippers with non-slip soles
• Sleepwear for one week
• Seasonal accessories like hats, scarves, and gloves

Toiletries and Personal Care

Keep personal care routines intact by bringing familiar brands and scents. Choose fragrance-free options if your loved one has sensitive skin.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss
• Hairbrush or comb, hair clips or ties
• Deodorant and body lotion
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Razor or electric shaver
• Facial tissues and cotton swabs
• Lip balm and hand cream
• Incontinence products if needed, labeled with the resident’s name
• Nail care kit with blunt nail file and clippers, if allowed

Bedroom and Linens

Comfort in the living space matters a lot. Check with the community about provided items to avoid duplicates.

• 1 to 2 sets of sheets, if not provided
• Favorite blanket or throw to add a personal touch
• 2 to 3 pillowcases and 1 pillow if preferred
• Bath towels and washcloths if the community does not supply them
• Laundry bag or small hamper
• Small lap blanket for chair or wheelchair use

Comfort and Familiarity Items

Personal items help ease the transition and support memory cues, which can reduce stress and confusion.

• Framed family photos labeled with names and relationships
• Small memory box with meaningful mementos
• Favorite books, magazines, or a Bible or devotional
• Weighted blanket, if calming and approved by care team
• Stuffed animal or plush pillow for comfort
• Clock with large numbers and a simple calendar

Health, Mobility, and Safety Items

Bring items that support wellness and independence. Always consult with the care team at Great Lakes Senior Living to coordinate medications and assistive devices.

• Medications in original pharmacy packaging, as directed by staff
• Glasses and case, hearing aids with batteries, and dentures with labeled case
• Walkers, canes, or wheelchairs labeled with the resident’s name
• Compression stockings if prescribed
• Adaptive clothing or shoes if recommended by occupational therapy
• Nightlight for safe nighttime navigation
• Personal alert pendant if compatible with the community’s system

Technology and Communication

Simple technology can keep your loved one connected to family and engaged in favorite activities.

• Basic cell phone or senior-friendly phone with large buttons
• Tablet with preloaded apps for video calls, music, and photos
• Headphones or a small speaker with volume control
• Chargers clearly labeled and organized in a small pouch
• List of frequently called numbers taped next to the phone

Activities and Engagement

Meaningful engagement supports cognitive health, comfort, and joy. Choose items that match long-time interests and current abilities.

• Photo albums with captions to spark conversation
• Simple puzzles or large-piece jigsaw puzzles
• Adult coloring books and easy-grip colored pencils
• Knitting or crochet supplies, if safe and appropriate
• Music playlists of favorite songs and eras
• Cards or simple board games that staff can facilitate

What to Leave at Home for Safety and Simplicity

Every memory care community has safety guidelines. At Great Lakes Senior Living, we protect residents by removing risks and simplifying the environment. When building your memory care packing list, plan to leave these items at home unless the care team approves them.

• Large amounts of cash, credit cards, or valuable jewelry
• Heirlooms and irreplaceable keepsakes
• Cleaning chemicals and aerosols
• Sharp tools and knives
• Open-flame candles or wax warmers
• Extension cords or multi-plug adapters that are not approved
• Heavy furniture that could reduce safe mobility
• Fragile decor and glass collectibles
• Medications that are not preapproved and managed by staff

Space-Saving Strategies and Packing Tips

Many memory care suites are designed for safety and ease of movement. Thoughtful packing helps keep the space calm and clutter-free.

• Label everything with the resident’s full name using laundry-safe labels
• Choose a limited color palette for easier outfit matching
• Use soft bins or baskets inside closets for socks and accessories
• Store seasonal items at home and rotate as needed
• Bring duplicates of favorite basics like sweaters or slippers
• Avoid hard-to-clean or delicate fabrics
• Place a simple photo or symbol on drawers to cue what is inside
• Keep surfaces clear and limit decor to a few meaningful pieces

Move-In Day Checklist

1. Confirm final paperwork and care plan details with the community
2. Walk the room with a team member to review safety features and layout
3. Unpack clothing and organize the closet by type and color
4. Set up the bed with familiar linens and a favorite blanket
5. Arrange photos where they are easy to see and discuss
6. Plug in and label chargers, set up the clock and calendar
7. Review mealtime preferences and routines with staff
8. Take a calming stroll around the community to meet team members
9. Share a brief life story and interests list with caregivers

Seasonal and Climate Considerations in Wisconsin

Families moving into Great Lakes Senior Living communities in Beloit, Milton, and Waterford should account for Wisconsin’s changing seasons. A few smart additions keep your loved one comfortable year-round.

• Light layers for spring and fall, including cardigans and windbreakers
• Winter coat, warm hat, scarf, and insulated gloves
• Non-slip winter boots for outdoor walks, as approved by staff
• Breathable clothing and a sun hat for summer
• Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for supervised outdoor activities
• Humidifier or skin lotion for dry winter air if recommended

How Great Lakes Senior Living Supports a Smooth Move

Great Lakes Senior Living is a trusted Wisconsin provider with memory care and assisted living communities in Beloit, Milton, and Waterford. Since opening our first community in Milton in 2001, we have grown thoughtfully while staying true to our mission: to provide compassionate care with dignity and respect to every person who enters our doors. Each of our locations is Diamond Accredited by the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association, which reflects our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Our memory care neighborhoods are designed for safety, predictability, and comfort. Residents benefit from person-centered routines, secure spaces, and engaging daily activities. Families benefit from open communication, guidance on packing and move-in, and support from a compassionate team. At Great Lakes Senior Living, we help you personalize your loved one’s space so it reflects their life story and preferences.

• Assisted Living: Comfortable one or two bedroom apartments with support as needed
• Memory Care: Specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia
• Activities and Lifestyle Services: Stretch classes, arts and crafts, social events, and more to support physical, mental, and social well-being

Locations: Beloit Senior Living and The Gardens at 2250 W Hart Rd, Beloit, WI 53511. Milton Senior Living at 600 W Sunset Dr, Milton, WI 53563. Waterford Senior Living and Memory Care at 301 S. 6th St, Waterford, WI 53185.

Your Personalized Memory Care Packing List

Every person is unique. Use the outline below to personalize your memory care packing list for your loved one’s needs and preferences. Keep the list handy when shopping, labeling, and packing. For a printable version, download our checklist.

• Documents and contacts: Identification, insurance, care plan, contacts
• Clothing and shoes: 7 to 10 outfits, non-slip shoes, layers, sleepwear
• Toiletries: Hair and oral care, skin care, incontinence supplies
• Room comforts: Sheets, blanket, lap throw, laundry bag
• Familiar items: Labeled photos, memory box, favorite books
• Health supports: Mobility aids, glasses, hearing aids, nightlight
• Technology: Phone or tablet, headphones, labeled chargers
• Engagement: Music playlists, puzzles, crafts, photo albums
• Seasonal gear: Weather-appropriate outerwear and accessories
• Safety exclusions: No valuables, chemicals, open flames, or sharp tools