checklist for moving into assisted living

Once you know the facility is taking good care of your loved one, and they’ve started to make friends with other people there, you will experience a huge sense of relief. Don’t forget to tell other family members and friends of their change of address, and give them visiting information, if there are any restrictions. Notify USPS and other key services about their change of address. You may also want to choose a family member to stay with them for a night or two.

Take your parent(s) to their new home and plan to spend the day with them, settling them in. However, if they find change difficult due to a disease or issue that affects their memory, it’s best to leave everything in place until the day(s) of their move. If your parent has all their mental faculties and is on board with the move, you can start downsizing their belongings now, and help them decide what to take with them and what they want to do with their remaining belongings. This isn’t often necessary, but it’s best to get them set up before your parent arrives. Make sure you choose an efficient, well-reviewed company.

Book a moving company or hire a truck if necessary (If they have dementia or another condition that affects their memory, it’s best to take their favorite items and try to mimic the furniture layout in their old home in their new one.) 6. Plan what furniture and belongings you’ll move with themĪnd plan where they’ll go in their new home so you don’t have any concerns about whether or not something will fit. This will either be dictated by the facility or closing date, depending on whether they’re renting or buying. Make sure you find this out ahead of time. Some facilities will provide everything for your parent, but their personal touches and clothes, while others will not provide anything but the necessary services. Find out what household furnishings and wares the facility provides You may pay one fee for the room and the service, you may pay rent separately from the provided services, or your parent may own the home and pay a service charge or for the services independently of their property. This process will vary depending on the facility and how the apartments, units, or rooms are owned. Secure their place at your chosen facility. Complete all necessary payments and paperwork Make sure you know now so you don’t get any nasty surprises when your parent moves in. Some may simply need and want to purchase a home in a retirement community with some additional supervision, while others may be better off renting a unit at an assisted living facility adjacent to a full-care facility.Īlso, make sure you look at their rules some facilities allow people to have pets and will not restrict any items, while others will be strict about what furniture and belongings your parent can bring. Consider their needs now and, if they have been diagnosed with a disease or health concern that often progresses, their needs in the future. Once you’ve decided that an assisted living situation is the best option for your elderly parent(s), research what options are available in your area that provide the level of care your parent needs.

Of course, it’s getting our parents there and settled that’s the difficult part, which is why we’ve created this complete checklist to guide you through. While most people resist going into assisted living, it really is the best move when our bodies and/or minds start to fail us. Once your parent has settled into their new home at the facility, they’ll be well-cared for, you will no longer need to worry about if they are okay when you’re not there, and they’ll likely have more of a social life than they’ve had in years. Moving elderly parents into an assisted living facility is never easy but well worth the effort and emotional stress.

Checklist for moving into assisted living