Checklist for Moving to Assisted Living

After plenty of discussions and meticulous research, your family and loved one have chosen an incredible assisted living community! While you celebrate this new chapter, it’s normal to wonder what comes next. 

Here’s how you and your loved one can effectively plan to facilitate a smooth transition to assisted living: 

1. Create a game plan. Start early, make a list of necessities, construct a timeline, hire professionals ahead of time, and establish a move-in date. 
2. Downsize and organize everything room by room. 
3. Work smarter, not harder, by staying practical. 
4. Collect, copy, and review important documents. 
5. Enlist the help of professional movers for the move-in day.
6. Stay connected as your loved one settles into their new space, fosters friendships, and creates their own routine. 

Touring and visiting your loved one’s assisted living community during this process can help determine which items they can seamlessly incorporate into their new living space to minimize overpacking and mitigate stress. 

Step 1: Create a Plan 

Planning ahead is a game changer for tackling any sizable undertaking, and supporting a loved one’s move to assisted living is no exception. A clear plan reduces stress, makes tasks more manageable, and verifies you don’t overlook crucial details.

• Start early: Discuss your loved one’s needs and preferences well in advance. This includes understanding the type of care they require, their ideal location, and the amenities they value when researching assisting living communities. 
• Schedule a visit: Take a personalized tour of the assisted living community to get a feel for the environment, meet staff, and review services.
• Create a moving plan: Create a comprehensive plan that encompasses what your loved one will need in assisted living. This may include household items, sentimental trinkets, and important documents, making decluttering and organizing more manageable. Establish the move-in day and hire any professional help you may need well in advance. 
• Establish a timeline: Set realistic deadlines for each step of the process, from downsizing belongings to finalizing the move date. A timeline of 6 months is a great way to start and helps cushion any obstacles you may encounter during this process. 

Step 2: Downsize & Organize

In some cases, moving to assisted living may require transitioning to a smaller living space, meaning downsizing and organizing is a step we can’t ignore. 

• Sort belongings together: Go room by room, sorting items into categories like “keep,” “donate,” and “discard.” Frequently drop off donations to local charities or thrift stores so more clutter doesn’t accumulate. 
• Create a “must-have” box: Pack everyday necessities that can easily be accessed during the first few days of the move, such as medications, toiletries, comfortable clothing, and everyday dishes.
• Focus on essentials: Prioritize practical items, treasured keepsakes, and meaningful decorations. Digitize any photos, letters, and artwork so your loved one can access them anytime! 
• Hire help if needed: Professional organizers can provide guidance. Alternatively, enlist the help of friends and families! Organizing is a great way to cherish memories and share stories. 

Step 3: Stay Practical 

Maintaining a practical mindset keeps you grounded and allows for a smoother, less stressful moving process: 

• Set realistic expectations: Moving is never a race and it’s normal for this entire process to take time. Understand this experience may come with emotional ups and downs for everyone, and that’s okay. 
• Pack smarter, not harder: Pack everything as you go while decluttering and organizing. You might opt for large, plastic storage containers instead of cardboard boxes so it’s easier to see what’s inside. Label boxes clearly and group similar items together to make unpacking simpler.
• Share responsibilities: Delegate tasks to family members to divide the workload and verify nothing is overlooked. 

Step 4: Collect & Review Relevant Documents

Organizing, reviewing, and copying these records encourages a paper trail, verifying your loved one has access to the care and support they need: 

• Medical records: Include a comprehensive list of medications, healthcare providers, and medical history. 
• Legal documents: Birth certificates, valid identification, Power of attorney forms, guardianship forms living wills, and health directives should be up-to-date and easily accessible. 
• Financial information: Have copies of insurance details, bank account information, and any payment agreements with the assisted living provider. 
• Account notifications: Notify service providers and financial institutions about your loved one’s change of address. 

Step 5: Enlist Professional Help

Hiring professional movers verifies the logistics of moving day go smoothly, allowing you to focus on emotionally supporting your loved one instead of worrying about carrying boxes.

• Specialized movers: Look for companies experienced in helping older adults relocate. They understand the unique needs and sensitivities of such moves. 
• Book in advance: Movers can book up quickly, especially during peak times, so secure help early to avoid last-minute stress. 
• Ask for recommendations: Assisted living communities often partner with moving companies and may be able to provide trusted referrals. 

Step 7: Stay Connected

After helping your loved one unpack, the work doesn’t end here. The days and weeks following the move are critical for your loved one’s adjustment.

Fortunately, thanks to our digital age, staying connected is easier than ever! 

• Ease into visiting: Frequent visits immediately after the move can disrupt their adjustment. Give your loved one room to form connections within their new community. 
• Stay in touch: Regular phone calls, video chats, or handwritten notes can show your support and love without overwhelming them during this adjustment phase. 
• Establish a routine: Once they’ve settled in, create a visiting schedule that works well for both of you, balancing personal family visits with their new activities and social life in the community. 

Tackle this Move with Confidence

With careful planning, thoughtful decision-making, and the right support, transitioning a loved one into assisted living can become more manageable. 

If you’re exploring options, schedule a comprehensive tour of Holbrook Sugar Hill’s assisted living community. These visits can help your family feel informed and prepared.