Suggested Clothing for Nursing Home Residents

Your elder may be one of the thousands of aging people entering a nursing home this year. When your elder moves into the facility, you will want them to have clothes that they are familiar with and comfortable in. Personal effects and clothing can help your elder make the transition to the nursing facility and help maintain individuality and independence.

You should check with the facility where your elder is moving to determine their policies, procedures and schedules for laundering resident clothing. Depending on the medical and psychological condition of your elder, you will determine if she needs additional items beyond those in this list.

When preparing for the move to the facility, make sure that you ask your elder which clothes she prefers to bring with her. It is unlikely that her entire wardrobe can be accommodated. Once you determine her preferences, check with the facility to see if there are any restrictions.

In general, all clothing should be machine washable/dryable and of perma-pressed materials. You can bring special clothing items, but you will have to care for them yourself. The American Health Care Association suggests that the best way to mark his clothes is with sewn-in labels, especially if the clothes are dark. Markings can wash out with repeated launderings. Check all clothing periodically to see if the name tag is still legible, and be sure to get all clothing marked before it comes into the home.

In order to assist you in determining your elder's clothing needs, ElderCare Online recommends that you bring the following wardrobe. Please consult with your facility before finalizing this list.

If you can not bring your elder's entire wardrobe to the facility, please consider donating the rest of his/her clothes to needy residents. Contact your nursing home social worker or administrator for more information.

Women:

Clothing
5 dresses, and/or 8 back-snap dresses if incontinent
5 changes of underwear, or 8 if incontinent
6 pairs of knee-his, socks or stockings
2 pairs of slippers
2 pairs of shoes
3 pairs of pajamas or gowns, or 6 if incontinent
2 robes
3 sweaters
1 coat and hat/scarf (if your elder will occasionally leave the facility)

Personal Care Items
Toothbrush
Deodorant
Body Lotion
Powder
Shampoo
Hairpins and roller (if used)
Brush and comb
Make-up/cosmetics (if used)
Writing materials
Small standing cosmetic mirror for table

Men:

Clothing
5 pants/shirts, 8 if incontinent
5 changes of underwear, 8 if incontinent
2 pairs of shoes
8 pairs of socks
2 pairs of slippers
3 pairs of pajamas, 6 if incontinent
2 robes
3 sweaters
1 coat and hat/scarf (if your elder will occasionally leave the facility)

Personal Care Items
Toothbrush
Deodorant
Body Lotion
Powder
Shampoo
Shaving equipment
Brush and comb
Writing materials