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Mom is being admitted next week. I thought it was this week but still waiting on doctor notes, etc. In the meantime, I am trying to figure out what to take to her new room? It is empty so I will need to take a bed and stuff but how big are the rooms, does anyone know? The facility is not being really helpful in this manner.

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I've never heard of moving a parent into a memory care AL, sight unseen! You are asking US the size and layout of your mother's room in her Memory Care???? I've never seen two ALs with the same rooms, or all the same rooms in the same facility! I picked my mother's room from a few that were available, after inspecting the place and the rooms and everything they offered, and speaking with the staff and the Executive Director. This after she was already living in the main building for 5 years previously.

Furthermore, there are rules regarding what residents are allowed to bring with them and not allowed to bring with them. Ie: glass items that are breakable and many other items. Personal belongings require names and room numbers written on them in magic marker, like clothing and sheets. There is a big list of directions for you to follow.

I find it extremely odd you have none of this important information 1 week before move in for mom. No knowledge of the configuration of her room or what size bed will even fit in there! I had to get my mother a twin mattress on a daybed frame for her suite, so she had room for guests to sit and to move around herself with the recliner and tv table, etc. These details are not something to be left for the last minute, trust me on that.

Go down there and scope things out beforehand, if you want everything to run smoothly on move in day. And to make sure the place meets your standards for cleanliness and amenities.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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AlvaDeer May 31, 2024
I agree with you Lea. My brother chose a two room ALF section. He had room for his queen bed and desk, nightstand in bedroom and for chest, easy chair, a small chest and table and a hutch in his main room. Originally when we visited to CHOOSE his room we were shown several cottages and each had a different "feel". The one we chose had old carpet, newly cleaned, and for me that was out. They were install flooring throughout in rooms as they were vacated and we negotiated new flooring and waited a week to get it installed. We also had meetings there with administration, went through the packets of rules and etc., got details on so very many things. Why you might be asked to leave. Calendars of activities. We were invited to eat lunch in facility. I recognize that this was a special place and I still follow it on Facebook all these years after D. is gone. But I cannot imagine not seeing the room.
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The obvious answer is to go and have a look yourself. Take photos and measurements. It’s not just ‘the size of the room’ that matters, it is also affected by placement of doors, windows and any built-ins.
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Reply to MargaretMcKen
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Go and measure the room, that is what my bother and I did, simple.
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Reply to MeDolly
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Don't take anything you hope to get back after she dies. Nice furniture will get trashed. Smaller items may go missing, never to return. Residents routinely "shop" each other's rooms, taking items that appeal to them. They may also constantly pack, rearrange, or dispose of their own items in anticipation of returning home. Even if clearly labeled, it is difficult for memory care staff to keep up with.
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Reply to Dogwood63
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Anxietynacy May 31, 2024
That's good advice, I never would of thought of
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Go on the facility website to look at the specs. Generally you can bring her bed, nightstand and dresser. Maybe a bistro set and a couple of armchairs. Bathroom should have some storage. You can call the marketing director to see if some room specs can be emailed
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Reply to MACinCT
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We took a full size bed so hub had alittle more room a small dresser nightstand and a comfy overstuffed chair as he couldn’t maneuver or figure out a recliner . Lamp on bedside a small tv if he wanted to rest in room . Shower chair 2 sets sheets a blanket comforter( he picked out) toiletries . 2 Towel set and clothes for 7-10 days. Laundry basket coat hangers to put clothes in wardrobe and pics to tape up . Later since he’s so active and needed extra calories I put a few granola bars he likes in a basket on nightstand
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Reply to Db2024
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I find it odd that they didn’t give you the specs of the room. Obviously that info helps a lot!

Regarding the bed; I had no idea what to get mom so got her the twin version of the same bed I have because I like it. It’s a Mattress Firm mattress on a platform where the head of the bed can be raised electronically by a simple button. Even their super thick mattresses can bend up if need be. This bed isn’t high off the ground and my mom - who is never shy about complaining - said it was comfy. Mattress Firm often has sales and at least here the delivery folks are great. So that’s my 2 cents.

I also wish I’d gotten a recliner waaaaay sooner.

Best of luck to you!
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Reply to Madisoncuckoo7
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Madisoncuckoo7 Jun 7, 2024
Correction; the mattress is from Mattress Firm, it’s not their ‘in house’ brand ( if they have that )
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Rogerwyatt7890: The facility should be able to answer your question as to the square footage of the room. OR presumably you may have been familiar with its dimensions when you toured the place.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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Minimal. If it's just one room, it might be 12' x 12' or 14' and have room for a small dresser, TV stand, bed and nightstand. Some people like to have a recliner in the room. You don't have to buy new things - get bargains at thrift shops or consignment places. Then donate it afterward.

You should be able to go online to the facility's website and see a brochure showing room layout and measurements.
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Reply to Fawnby
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One thing I found out was that it was better to have some empty space in the room for maneuvering when my mom had to use her walker. Also, the fewer things she could do in her room made it more appealing for her to get out into the common room with other people. It turned out she didn't even need a dresser, as they had an open closet with shelves so she could see things easily. They never got her TV working, so she had to go watch in the common room. I took a bed, nightstand with pretty lamp, comfortable chair for her sit at the window and watch the goings on outside, TV, and the little dresser she didn't need. I had gotten for her the little radio-like player from the Alzheimer's store for easily accessed music, the dog that barked and cat that meowed from the Alzheimer's store, books, and art on the walls. After getting covid she started eating her toothpaste, so she couldn't have much in her bathroom either. She had very little in memory care compared to what she had at assisted living.
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