Is your mom or dad moving into a nursing home?

June 7, 2026

When a parent moves into a nursing home, there are many practical matters to consider. One of them is choosing the right clothing.

Family members naturally focus on whether the clothing is attractive, warm, and comfortable. However, life in a nursing home can create additional practical needs that may not become apparent until after the move.

Clothing should be comfortable for the resident, easy to manage during self-dressing or assisted dressing, and suitable for everyday care. The right clothing for nursing home residents can support comfort and dignity while preserving personal style and identity.

Personal style still matters

For many older adults, clothing is an important part of who they are. Perhaps your mom has always preferred colorful tops, or your dad has always worn classic pants and sweaters.

Moving into a nursing home does not mean giving up personal style. Familiar clothing can provide reassurance and a sense of continuity during a time of significant change.

Today, adaptive clothing for older adults is available in designs that look like conventional clothing while offering practical features that make everyday dressing easier for both the resident and care staff.

Why is the right clothing important in a nursing home?

In a nursing home, dressing is often part of the daily care routine. Some residents can manage self-dressing or participate in parts of the process, while others rely on assisted dressing.

When clothing is easy to manage, dressing can become calmer, more comfortable, and less physically demanding. It may also support more ergonomic working postures for care staff and reduce unnecessary discomfort for the resident.

Pants with an elastic waistband are one practical example. They are generally easier to pull up and down than pants with buttons and zippers. This makes them particularly suitable for residents who can participate fully or partially in the dressing process.

Benefits may include:

Easier dressing and undressing
Fewer small fasteners to manage when hand or finger mobility is limited
Greater comfort throughout the day
More opportunity to participate in self-dressing

If your parent needs help getting dressed, explore our clothing for assisted dressing, designed to provide easier access and make the process more manageable for everyone involved.

When more assistance is needed

An older adult’s needs may change over time. If a resident is bedridden, uses a wheelchair, or has very limited mobility, other adaptive clothing solutions may be more appropriate.

Pants with side zippers, for example, can make assisted dressing easier by reducing the need for extensive movements and physically demanding handling. This can help reduce strain on care staff while making dressing more comfortable and reassuring for the resident.

Comfort also depends on the fabric

The choice of fabric plays an important role in everyday comfort, particularly when clothing is worn for many hours at a time.

Soft, flexible fabrics can:

Feel more comfortable against the skin
Provide greater freedom of movement
Make garments easier to manage during dressing
Require less physical effort during assisted dressing

The result can be a more comfortable experience for both the older adult and the care professional providing assistance.

What clothing should you bring to a nursing home?

Many family members are surprised by how much clothing a nursing home resident may need. The exact amount depends on the nursing home’s laundry arrangements, available storage, and the resident’s individual needs and preferences.

A practical starting point may be:

5–7 pairs of pants
7–10 tops or blouses
Plenty of underwear
Several warm sweaters or cardigans
Sleepwear
Slippers

Before packing, ask the nursing home whether it has specific recommendations or requirements. Clothing should generally be clearly labeled with the resident’s name to reduce the risk of items being misplaced.