Father with dementia moving to nursing home

[HermioneWeasley]

He’s moving from a community hospital to a nursing home. He’s got dementia and very limited mobility. My mum is putting his name in his clothes. What else should we be thinking about?

thanks

Some familiar things from home like bedding, cushions for a chair, comfy slippers with a hard sole, his own familiar toiletries, photos, a clear clock, some people like a calendar.

An 'all about me' photo print for the wall with pictures of all the close family members and a little bit of text like 'This is CMOTSmum {current photo}, before she retired she was a teacher {old photo}and loved to sew. Janice, CMOTsmums sister, lives in York and played rugby' sort of thing. It gives the carers a chance to see the person, but also to work out who people are which photos in a frame don't help them to.

I'm sorry you are going through the OP. It can be such an upheaval for all concerned. My nan was 98 when she moved to a care home with declining cognition. We assumed she would decline further, but in fact she loved the social aspects and lived another 4yrs until 102!

I wouldn't leave anything sentimental with him such expensive watch, rings etc. My nans drawers was often raided by another resident so chocolates, toiletries etc would disappear!

Assume that despite the name labels, clothes will go missing and he will acquire ones that aren't his! I agree with providing some familiar things. An easy to read clear clock and some family photos.

I know it’s summer, but warm clothes .
vests, t-shirts, sweatshirts, pull up trousers layering to keep warm and easy to launder.
at least 5 pairs of pyjamas so he will always have a clean set at bedtime.

A couple of nice fleece blankets or throws.
nothing too expensive, as sometime the laundry can mix up items sometimes , this is normal until he’s been there a while .

Once he is in the home and you will get a feel of what he needs and maybe chat to other residents families for tips.
A water bottle he can manage to lift and use to keep him hydrated although the care provider usually makes sure and monitors food and fluid intake.
favourite books or some photos perhaps?

it’s sad, however it is exhausting trying to care for someone with dementia as you are only to well aware.
Ask to chat to the manager to discuss what he’s routine will be.
make a point of getting to chat to the carers when you visit , as they have more insight that most nursing staff on his general well being .
And don’t forget to BREATHE 🧘 big change for you all . Sending hugs to mum and you .

Thanks for your kind messages. Good ideas

Spare glasses, they’re always getting broken! DGM has a couple of spares on at the home and one that my DM keeps.

Don't have spare anything as things disappear and get broken. Take things as and when needed.

No precious heirlooms, ornaments or rings etc.

The care home will have everything he needs except clothes, slippers and toiletries.

A spare pair of slippers is useful in case the main pair get soiled.

Don't have any clothes that will fall apart on a 60 degree wash, so no wool etc.

Put his name on glasses and false teeth, if applicable.

Thanks for the suggestions