What Items Do Nursing Home Patients Need?

Essential Items for Nursing Home Residents

When transitioning to a nursing home, it's important for residents to have essential items that provide comfort and promote engagement. These items can help create a sense of familiarity and personalization in their new living space. Before packing, it's recommended to consult with the nursing home administrators about any specific guidelines or restrictions regarding personal belongings.

Personal Belongings for Comfort

Key items that nursing home residents should have are personal belongings that provide a sense of well-being and significance. These items help residents feel more comfortable and at ease in their new environment. Some examples of personal belongings that can bring comfort include:

• Familiar clothing: Pack a variety of clothing options, including comfortable everyday wear, sleepwear, and seasonal clothing. Choose clothing that is easy to put on and take off, and consider any specific needs or preferences of the resident.
• Bedding and pillows: Bringing familiar bedding and pillows can contribute to a sense of comfort and improve sleep quality. Residents can choose their preferred pillows, blankets, and sheets to create a cozy and personalized sleeping space.
• Photographs and mementos: Displaying photographs of loved ones, friends, and cherished memories can provide emotional support and serve as a reminder of the positive aspects of life. Small mementos or keepsakes can also help create a sense of familiarity and identity.
• Favorite books or magazines: Reading materials can be a source of relaxation and entertainment. Bringing a selection of favorite books, magazines, or other reading material can help residents stay engaged and provide a sense of continuity with their hobbies and interests.

For more insights on preparing for a loved one's move to a nursing home, including additional packing suggestions, you can refer to our article on what do nursing homes cost?.

Hobby Items for Engagement

Encouraging engagement and maintaining hobbies is crucial for the overall well-being of nursing home residents. Hobby items not only provide entertainment but also promote social interaction and cognitive stimulation. Here are some hobby items that residents may consider bringing:

• Craft supplies: Items such as knitting or crochet materials, painting supplies, coloring books, or puzzles can be enjoyed individually or as part of group activities. These activities can help residents stay engaged and foster a sense of accomplishment and creativity.
• Musical instruments: If the resident plays a musical instrument, bringing it to the nursing home can provide a way to continue their musical pursuits. Whether it's a guitar, keyboard, or another instrument, it can offer a creative outlet and a means of self-expression.
• Games and playing cards: Board games, card games, or puzzles can be enjoyed with fellow residents, family, or caregivers. These activities promote social interaction and can help residents maintain cognitive function.
• Gardening supplies: For residents with a green thumb, small potted plants, gardening tools, or indoor gardening kits can bring the joy of gardening indoors. It offers a sense of purpose and connection with nature.

By bringing personal belongings for comfort and hobby items for engagement, nursing home residents can create a familiar and enjoyable living space. These items contribute to their overall well-being and help make the transition to a nursing home a smoother and more fulfilling experience.

Managing Belongings in Nursing Homes

When a loved one transitions to a nursing home, managing their belongings becomes an important aspect of ensuring their comfort and well-being. This includes tracking and removing unnecessary items and facilitating a smooth transition to the nursing home environment.

Tracking and Removing Unnecessary Items

It is advisable to keep track of the items brought to the nursing home and periodically assess their usefulness and relevance to the resident's needs. As time goes on, it may become evident that certain items are not needed or wanted, and removing them can create space for more important belongings. This helps to maintain a clutter-free living environment and ensures that the resident's living space is optimized for their comfort and safety [1].

Creating a list of the resident's belongings, assigning each item a number, and labeling them with the resident's name can help in identifying and organizing their possessions. Additionally, keeping an inventory of belongings can provide a comprehensive record of what items are in their possession, making it easier to track and manage their personal items [2].

Transitioning to a Nursing Home

The transition to a nursing home can be a challenging experience for both the resident and their family. It is important to approach this process with sensitivity and care. Before the move, it is advisable to consult with an administrator at the facility to understand the types of items allowed and the policies regarding lost or missing belongings. This ensures compliance with the facility's guidelines and helps to avoid any potential issues [1].

When helping a loved one pack for their move, it is recommended to encourage a mix of items that reflect their personality and have practical use. This can include personal belongings for comfort, such as photographs, familiar bedding, and favorite clothing, as well as hobby items or objects that can engage and stimulate the resident [1].

By being thoughtful and considerate during the transition process, you can help create a comfortable and enjoyable living space for your loved one in the nursing home. This allows them to maintain a sense of identity and familiarity while receiving compassionate, quality care [1]. For a comprehensive packing checklist to assist you in preparing for a loved one's move to a skilled nursing facility, refer to our article on what to bring to a skilled nursing facility.

Disease Management Devices for Older Adults

As older adults often contend with various health conditions, disease management devices can play a crucial role in their well-being. These devices aim to improve disease-related outcomes and enhance the quality of life for nursing home residents. In this section, we will explore the effectiveness of personal devices and the different categories of disease management devices.

Effectiveness of Personal Devices

According to a study published in PubMed Central, personal disease management devices have shown significant effectiveness for older adults. Four out of five studies demonstrated a notable improvement in disease-related outcomes when using these devices. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of these devices was not observed in individuals with significant or severe impairment.

The study also highlighted that frailty, which is common among older adults, was only assessed in a limited number of trials. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of disease management devices in frail individuals remains inconclusive. Further research is needed to better understand the suitability and effectiveness of these devices for frail older adults.

Categories of Disease Management Devices

Various categories of disease management devices have been evaluated in trials for older adults. These categories include mobility devices, personal disease management devices, medication-related devices, mental support devices, hearing aids, and vision enhancement systems.

In trials conducted for older adults, eight studies showed significant effectiveness in all or some of the primary outcome measures. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness varied across different device categories. For example, hearing aids were found to be effective in improving communication, while a portable electronic vision enhancement system showed significant improvement in near-vision visual function.

Here is a summary of the categories of disease management devices evaluated in trials for older adults:

It's worth noting that while disease management devices have shown promising results for well-functioning older adults, further studies are needed to evaluate their effectiveness in frail individuals. Future research should focus on including larger studies involving frail older adults to provide more comprehensive guidance for professionals, older users, and their families.

In addition to disease management devices, it's important to consider other aspects of care in nursing homes, such as nutritional support. By implementing a holistic approach to care, nursing homes can ensure the well-being and comfort of their residents.

Technology in Long-Term Care Facilities

As technology continues to advance, long-term care facilities have embraced various technological innovations to enhance the care provided to their residents. Two significant advancements in this regard are electronic health records and automated medication management systems.

Electronic Health Records

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have revolutionized the way medical information is managed in long-term care facilities. EHRs allow healthcare professionals to track residents' activities of daily living (ADLs), vital signs, and medical information in a digital format. This comprehensive record provides an up-to-date overview of a resident's care, ensuring that all relevant information is easily accessible to the care team.

By using EHRs, healthcare providers can efficiently coordinate care, make informed decisions, and reduce the risk of errors in medication administration. These records also facilitate better communication between different members of the care team, enabling them to work collaboratively to provide the best possible care for residents.

Automated Medication Management Systems

Medication management is a critical aspect of care in long-term care facilities. Automated Medication Management systems play a vital role in ensuring residents receive the correct medications in the right doses and at scheduled times, reducing the risks of missed doses or overdosing, which can be life-threatening.

These systems utilize technology to automate medication administration processes. They include features such as barcode scanning and electronic medication dispensing, which help verify the accuracy of medication administration. Automated Medication Management systems also generate alerts for missed doses or potential drug interactions, supporting healthcare providers in delivering safe and effective medication management.

By implementing these systems, long-term care facilities improve medication safety, enhance efficiency in medication administration, and reduce the risk of medication errors.

Technological advancements in long-term care facilities extend beyond electronic health records and automated medication management systems. Other technologies, such as voice-activated assistants, wearable devices, and real-time location sensors, are also being utilized to enhance the overall care experience for residents [3]. These technologies offer benefits such as improved communication, enhanced safety, and increased independence for residents.

By embracing technology, long-term care facilities strive to provide residents with the highest quality of care while promoting their overall well-being.

Skilled Nursing Facilities: What to Bring

When preparing to move into a skilled nursing facility, it's important for residents and their families to consider what items to bring to ensure comfort and familiarity. By packing the right essentials, residents can create a sense of home within the facility. Here are some suggestions for what to bring and a list of items to avoid bringing.

Packing Checklist

To help make the transition to a skilled nursing facility smoother, consider including the following items in your packing checklist:

These items can help create a familiar and comfortable environment within the skilled nursing facility, providing a sense of home and easing the transition. For more information on what to bring, consult with the facility or refer to our article on how much is nursing home insurance per month?.

Items to Avoid Bringing

While it's important to bring personal items to make the space feel like home, there are some items that should be left behind due to safety and facility regulations. Here are some items to avoid bringing to a skilled nursing facility:

• Perishable food items: These can spoil quickly and may not meet the facility's dietary restrictions or storage capabilities.
• Large sums of money: It's recommended to keep money and valuable items secure at home or with a trusted family member.
• Expensive jewelry: Valuable jewelry can be misplaced or lost within the facility, so it's best to leave it at home.
• Sharp objects: Items like knives, scissors, or other sharp objects present safety hazards and are generally prohibited.
• Flammable liquids: For safety reasons, it's important to avoid bringing flammable liquids or aerosol cans.
• Tobacco products: Most skilled nursing facilities have designated smoking areas or policies prohibiting tobacco use on the premises.

By being mindful of these items, residents can help ensure their safety and the safety of others within the facility. For more information on skilled nursing facilities, including costs and insurance, refer to our article on do nursing homes take Medicare? and what do nursing homes cost?.

As residents settle into their new living arrangements, the skilled nursing facility staff will be available to assist with any specific questions or concerns regarding personal belongings.

Health Concerns in Nursing Homes

Nursing home residents face specific health concerns that require careful attention and management. Two significant issues in nursing homes are polypharmacy and medication management, as well as safety concerns related to falls and infections.

Polypharmacy and Medication Management

Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple medications by an individual. It is common for nursing home residents to take a substantial number of medications daily. According to NCBI Bookshelf, 91% of nursing home residents take more than five medications, and 65% take more than ten medications. However, polypharmacy can lead to various risks, including cognitive impairments, falls, fractures, adverse drug events, and drug interactions.

To mitigate the risks associated with polypharmacy, careful medication management is essential. Nursing home staff should ensure accurate medication administration, monitor for potential drug interactions, and regularly review medication regimens. Effective communication among healthcare professionals, residents, and their families is crucial to prevent medication errors and adverse drug events. For more information on medication management, consult our article on how much is nursing home insurance per month?

Safety Issues: Falls and Infections

Falls are a significant safety concern in nursing homes. Approximately half of all nursing home residents experience falls each year. Several factors contribute to falls, including gait and balance problems, muscle weakness, polypharmacy, and the use of certain medications such as sedatives, antipsychotics, or antidepressants. Falls can result in serious injuries, leading to a decline in overall health and well-being.

Preventing falls requires a multi-faceted approach, including regular assessments of residents' mobility and balance, ensuring a safe physical environment, and implementing fall prevention strategies such as exercise programs and the use of assistive devices. By addressing these factors, the risk of falls can be significantly reduced. For more information on this topic, please refer to our article on how much is nursing home insurance?

Infection control is another crucial aspect of maintaining the health and well-being of nursing home residents. Infections can spread rapidly in close living environments, and nursing homes are no exception. Annually, nearly two million infections occur in nursing homes, with urinary tract infections being common, often associated with catheter use.

Adequate infection control practices, including proper hand hygiene, proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment, are essential to prevent the spread of infections. Regular education and training on infection control protocols should be provided to staff members. Additionally, early identification and prompt treatment of infections can help minimize their impact. For more information on nursing home care, including costs and coverage, please visit our article on do nursing homes take Medicare?

By addressing the health concerns of polypharmacy, falls, and infections, nursing homes can create a safer and healthier environment for their residents. Implementing appropriate protocols, regular monitoring, and effective communication among healthcare professionals, residents, and families play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of nursing home residents.

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9016506/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK584652/
• ‍https://www.good-sam.com/resources/needs-for-nursing-home-residents
• ‍https://www.edenseniorhc.com/what-to-bring-to-a-skilled-nursing-facility-a-checklist/