Packing for Skilled Nursing

A hospital stay is over, rehab is next, and everyone suddenly looks at each other and asks:

“So… what do we pack?”

You don’t need to take absolutely everything. At the same time, you also don’t want to appear without the bare necessities. Here is a checklist thatcan be adjusted for your situation.

Clothing: Keep it Simple

Rehab usually means a ton of walking, bending, and getting in and out of bed and chairs. Dress for that, not for company. Tight dress clothes just make that harder.

Pack:

• Soft T-shirts and regular everyday tops
• Sweatshirts or a light cardigan you can throw on
• Sweatpants or other pull-on pants that don’t fight you

• Shorts if therapists will be working on hips or knees
• Pajamas or a nightgown
• A robe and non-skid slippers Socks and underwear.
• A light sweater or jacket.

For shoes, think “won’t slip” before anything else. You want slip-on or athletic shoes that don’t slide on smooth floors are what you want.

Personal Care: Your Own Things Are Better

Most facilities have basic toiletries, but people usually feel better using what they’re used to.

Toiletries to throw in:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap or body wash
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Deodorant
• Comb or hairbrush
• Lotions and lip balms
• Eyeglasses, reading glasses and contact lenses
• Hearing aids

A surprising amount of people forget these things on short notice.

Comfort and Entertainment: Making the Room Feel Normal

Rehab days have a lot of therapy, but also stretches of downtime. A few familiar things can make a big difference.

Consider bringing:

• One or two books, magazines, or a puzzle book
• Your phone, and if you use them, a tablet or laptop

• Chargers for everything (a small power strip can make outlets easier to reach)
• A favorite pillow or throw blanket
• A few family photos or a small photo album

Nothing here has to be fancy. The point is to make the room “your personal space.”

Medications, Devices, and Paperwork

Before you decide on your own that you’re ready to leave, do a quick check of the basics.

Medications

Please supply a written medication list which includes:

• All prescription and over-the-counter medications
• The exact dosage of each medication and how often you take each one

If you’re unsure about how to go about compiling such a list, consult your primary doctor’s office to print an up-to-date medication list for you.

Medical equipment

Call the facility beforehand and ask:

• If you need to bring your walker, cane, or wheelchair, or are those supplied?
• Does the facility provide CPAP, oxygen, or any other device(s) that you use at home?

That quick phone call can save you from carrying in equipment that you don’t need- or worse, realizing that you really did need it in hindsight.

ID and documents

Pack:

• Photo ID
• Insurance card(s)
• Any advance directives, healthcare proxy, or similar legal papers
• A list of emergency contacts with names and phone numbers

Keep all of this in a small folder or envelope so it’s easy to hand over during admission and not buried under clothes.

Still Unsure? Ask Us.

If you’re glazing at your suitcase and wondering what you might be missing, that’s completely normal.

Call us and tell us:

• When you’re coming
• How long you expect to stay
• Any special medical needs you already know about

We can review what makes sense for this specific rehab stay, as opposed to relying on a generic list.

Bottom line: once you arrive, the goal is to focus on getting stronger—not on wishing you’d packed more socks or your phone charger.

See how we help patients feel at home from Day 1:

Tour a Centers facility and see it for yourself!