Transitioning a loved one into a nursing home is an emotional process, and part of making them comfortable is personalizing their new space. Families often want to bring familiar items from home to create a sense of comfort and normalcy. However, nursing homes operate under strict federal and state regulations designed to ensure the safety and health of all residents. This means there are surprising restrictions on what can be kept in a nursing home room, and many common household items are prohibited for safety reasons.
1. Throw Rugs and Area Rugs
While a colorful rug can make a sterile room feel cozier, throw rugs are one of the most commonly banned items. They are a significant trip-and-fall hazard, especially for residents with mobility issues or who use walkers and wheelchairs. The edges can easily catch, leading to serious injuries. To prevent falls, which are a major concern in long-term care facilities, most homes require floors to be clear of any unsecured floor coverings, making this a forbidden item in a nursing home room.
2. Extension Cords and Power Strips
Space is often limited, and outlets can be scarce, making an extension cord seem like a necessity. However, most nursing homes ban them due to fire safety regulations. Cords running across the floor are also a tripping hazard, and overloading an outlet with a power strip can create a fire risk. Facilities often require any electronic devices to be plugged directly into a wall outlet, and they must be inspected by the maintenance staff first.
3. Electric Blankets and Heating Pads
These items pose a significant fire and burn risk, especially for residents who may have decreased sensation in their skin or cognitive impairments. A resident could fall asleep with a heating pad on and suffer a severe burn without realizing it. Because of this high risk, electric blankets and heating pads are almost universally prohibited. The facility will provide appropriate bedding and temperature control to ensure residents are comfortable and safe in their nursing home room.
4. Space Heaters
Like extension cords and heating pads, portable space heaters are a major fire hazard. They can easily overheat, ignite bedding or curtains, and cause severe burns if accidentally touched. Nursing homes have centralized heating systems that are maintained at a regulated temperature to ensure the comfort of all residents. If a resident is consistently cold, the staff should be notified so they can provide extra blankets or adjust the room’s heating.
5. Scented Products like Candles or Plug-in Air Fresheners
Open flames from candles are an obvious fire risk and are strictly forbidden. However, many facilities also ban plug-in air fresheners and strong aerosol sprays. These products can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory problems in other residents and staff. A shared ventilation system means that what is sprayed in one nursing home room can affect many other people.
6. Certain Medications (Even Over the Counter)
All medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers, vitamins, and supplements, must be managed and dispensed by the nursing home’s medical staff. Leaving a bottle of Tylenol on the nightstand is not allowed. This policy prevents accidental overdoses, negative drug interactions, or another resident mistakenly taking the medication. All prescriptions and supplements must be turned over to the nursing staff upon admission.
7. Upholstered Furniture from Home
Bringing a favorite recliner or chair seems like a great way to make a room feel like home. However, many facilities do not allow outside upholstered furniture. This is primarily for infection control and pest prevention reasons, as furniture can harbor bacteria, bed bugs, or other pests. Any furniture that is brought in must first be approved and inspected by the facility’s administration.
8. Sharp Objects
This category is broad and includes more than just knives. Items like sewing kits with needles, metal nail files, and razors with exposed blades may be restricted. While some items might be allowed, they often need to be kept at the nurse’s station and signed out for use. The policy is in place to prevent accidental injuries or intentional self-harm. Safety is the top priority in every nursing home room.
9. Pets (with some exceptions)
For obvious health and safety reasons, personal pets like cats and dogs cannot live in a resident’s room. Allergies, sanitation, and the risk of bites or scratches make it unfeasible in a communal living environment. While many facilities have a “house pet” or a robust pet therapy program, personal pets are typically not permitted to stay. This is a difficult but necessary rule for the well-being of the entire resident population.
10. Large Amounts of Cash or Valuable Jewelry
Nursing homes are not responsible for lost or stolen personal property, and they strongly advise against keeping valuable items in the room. This includes large sums of cash, expensive jewelry, and important documents. While a room may have a small lockbox, it is not a secure safe. It is best to keep valuables with family or in a bank’s safe deposit box.
Safety and Comfort Can Coexist
While this list of prohibited items may seem restrictive, the rules are in place to protect the health and safety of all residents. Before moving a loved one into a facility, it’s crucial to ask for a list of permitted and banned items. By working with the staff, you can find safe and creative ways to personalize the nursing home room. This ensures it is a comfortable, home-like space that still adheres to essential safety standards.
Were you surprised by any of the items on this list? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments section.
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