stage: 5

What to bring to a care home for someone with dementia — the things that help them settle faster

Familiar objects make a significant difference to how quickly someone with dementia settles into a care home. Photographs of family members and important places, a favourite blanket or cushion, familiar ornaments, and personal toiletries all help the room feel known rather than strange. Clothing should be comfortable, easy to put on, and clearly labelled with the person's name. A simple life history document — a short written summary of who the person is, the names they prefer, what they like and dislike, their routines, and the people who matter to them — is one of the most valuable things you can bring. Many care homes use this to brief staff and guide care. Music is also important: a familiar playlist or a small radio tuned to a station they have always listened to can be immediately calming in a new environment.