Moving into an Residential aged care home is an important life change, not only for seniors, but for their families as well. It’s natural to feel unsure or even a little overwhelmed about what to bring into an aged care home? Creating a warm, homely space and meeting practical needs can make the process feel better and less daunting.
This supportive guide is designed to make things easier, helping you focus on what truly matters: comfort, familiarity and peace of mind.
If you’re still exploring your options or would like to get a better understanding of what life in a caring aged care community is all about, please read our guide to Aged Care Living.
Things to Pack for an Aged Care Home
TriCare provides so many of our daily essentials, including food, furniture and bedding, so that you won’t need to take much with you.! It’s the personal touches and small, familiar things that make the biggest difference in helping you or your loved one feel comfortable and settled in their new home.
Personal items and comfort:
- Favourite clothing, including sleepwear, slippers and a warm clothes / jackets
- Toiletries and personal grooming items
- Family photos, artwork or a favourite blanket
- Reading glasses, hearing aids and mobility aids (if needed)
Important documents:
- Medicare and pension cards
- Health insurance details
- Power of attorney or advance care directive
- Contact list for family and close friends
Everyday essentials:
- Comfortable shoes
- A small clock or calendar
- Books, puzzles or hobby supplies
- A mobile phone, radio or tablet (if desired)
Special touches:
- Decorative items like cushions, ornaments or plants
- A favourite mug or keepsake to personalise the space
Each of these items helps transform a new room into a familiar and welcoming home, a space that reflects the your personality and sense of comfort.
What to Bring into an Aged Care Home in more detail
When preparing for the move, remember that TriCare already provides most essentials, such as bedding, furniture, meals and toiletries. What you’ll need to pack are the items that bring warmth and individuality to the room, the little reminders of home that will help you to feel truly settled.
1. Non-essential toiletries
TriCare supplies all the basics, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toilet paper. Residents may still want to bring their preferred brands or specialised products for added comfort.
2. Medication
Take all existing medications in original packaging, along with prescription information, GP contact details and any Webster packs. These will be passed over safely to TriCare’s care team for secure storage and administration.
3. Personal items
Familiar things have a tremendous effect in making us residents feel at ease. Music, books, arts and crafts, or even small hobbies are excellent means of bringing in a sense of routine and enjoyment into daily living.
4. Room decor
A few favourite pieces can make a room feel warm and personal. Framed family photos, a treasured blanket or a keepsake can help create comfort and familiarity. Keep the area clean and organised to ensure it stays accessible and safe.
5. Mobile phone or laptop
Staying connected to family and friends is so important. Bring a mobile phone, tablet or laptop along with chargers and headphones. TriCare staff can assist with setting up and safety testing devices if needed.
6. Mobility aids
Residents should bring along any walking sticks, frames or wheelchairs they currently use. If scooters or larger mobility equipment are needed, please discuss this with TriCare staff before the move so arrangements can be made.
7. Comfort and bedding extras
TriCare provides high-quality bedding, but residents may prefer to bring a familiar pillow, quilt or throw blanket to make their room feel more personal and cosy.
8. Important documents
Keep identification, advance care directives, power of attorney documents, Medicare and pension cards readily available. Families should store originals securely and provide copies to TriCare staff.
9. Money and valuables
There’s no need to bring expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash. A small wallet with minimal spending money is all that’s needed for visits to the on-site hair salon or café. We suggest leaving big ticket items with trusted family or friends.
10. Memory aids and tools
For residents with dementia / memory support needs, items such as a memory book, large calendar, labelled photos or easy-fastening clothing can help support independence and ease daily life.
Thinking about Financial Planning?
For financial planning, our extensive guide on the Cost of Aged Care Living can help you understand what’s included and what to expect financially. We also recommend you seek financial advice if possible.
What You Don’t Need to Bring into an Aged Care Home
It can be tempting to overpack, but TriCare’s Residential Aged Care communities are fully equipped to make the move and your new home simple and stress-free. We provide a comfortable, welcoming environment so residents can focus on settling in and enjoying their new surroundings.
To learn more about our various locations and what our facilities have to offer please explore our TriCare aged care facilities.
1. Bedding, extra linens and bedroom furniture
TriCare provides a comfortable bed, wardrobe, bedside cabinet and fresh linen in all facilities. Therefore, there is no need to bring large furniture or bedding.
Premium facilities and rooms may offer more luxuries please check out our Aged Care Rooms Types & Pricing page for more information.
2. Daily meals and snacks
Nutritious meals are prepared fresh on site each day by our resident chefs. All dietary needs are catered for, so there’s no need to bring cooked meals or snacks from home.
3. Grooming kit
Residents may bring personal grooming items if they prefer. Please note however TriCare Aged Care Residences usually offer an on-site hair and beauty salon for regular services to keeping you looking your best.
4. Basic toiletries
Basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo and toothpaste are supplied. Bring only specific brands if you or your loved one is particular about these.
5. Clinical and nursing care
TriCare’s experienced nursing team manages all health and care needs, so there’s no need to arrange private nurses or medical services.
6. Dementia / Memory Care support
Our aged care communities are thoughtfully designed to support residents with dementia and memory care support needs. Calming spaces, sensory activities and personalised care help every resident feel safe and supported. Our secure Memory Support Units allow residents to move freely and access lounges, dining areas and gardens as they please.
Residents receive the same high standard of care and inclusions as our other Ongoing (permanent) and Short-Term (respite) care residents, with the added benefit of specialised dementia and memory support and security.
7. Cleaning and laundry
TriCare staff clean and do majority of your laundry. Families will not need to bring in detergents or other supplies. We just ask that any delicates please be managed by family or friends as we use industrial washing machines.
8. Televisions (TVs)
Televisions are available in common areas and in all rooms for residents. There is no need to bring your own personal television.
9. Recreational items
TriCare offers a extensive program of daily lifestyle activities such as group outings, games and craft activities. Residents have the option to bring small hobbies, but no large equipment is required.
Thriving in an Aged Care Home
At TriCare Aged Care Residences we aim for you or your loved ones to stay Connected to People, Purpose and Yourself / Themselves.
For many of our residents, moving into aged care is a big transition, one that can feel like a loss of independence. It’s completely normal to feel uncertain. At TriCare, we see this moment as a new chapter where you can continue to grow, connect and enjoy your life.
Residents are encouraged to keep doing the things they love, maintain friendships and explore new interests. From shared activities to quiet moments of reflection, every day is an opportunity to feel connected to others, to purpose and to yourself.
Talk to TriCare About Your Next Step
TriCare’s team is here to guide you through every stage of the process with compassion and understanding. We’ll take the time to answer questions, explain what to expect and help you make the best decision for yourself or your loved one.
If you’d like to experience the comfort and care of a TriCare community firsthand, you can book a private tour or contact our friendly team for a chat about next steps.
