Pre-Move Checklist for Assisted Living: A Caregiver's Guide

Moving a parent or loved one to assisted living is a big step. It comes with many tasks. This checklist helps you organize the process. It covers important areas to make the transition easier for everyone.

Medical Preparations

This is a critical first step. Gather all health information your loved one will need. The assisted living community will ask for this.

Gather Medical Records

Collect all current and past medical records. This includes doctor’s notes, hospital discharge summaries, and specialist reports. Get a list of all current diagnoses.

Medication List

Create a detailed list of all medications. Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Note the dosage, frequency, and reason for each. Make sure to include any allergies.

Emergency Contacts

Provide a clear list of emergency contacts. This includes you, other family members, and their doctors. Include phone numbers for each.

Health Insurance Information

Have all insurance cards ready. This means Medicare, Medicaid, and any supplemental plans. Write down policy numbers and customer service phone numbers.

Advance Directives

If your loved one has advance directives, provide copies. This includes a Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. These documents guide their medical care wishes. ¹ See our Power of Attorney Guide for more on managing legal healthcare decisions.

Financial Preparations

Understanding the costs and managing finances is key. Plan how to pay for assisted living.

Review Financial Documents

Gather bank statements, investment accounts, and social security information. Know what assets your loved one has.

Understand Costs

Get a clear breakdown of all costs from the assisted living facility. This includes monthly fees, extra services, and any one-time charges. Confirm what is included in the base rate. For more on costs, see Assisted Living Costs.

Set Up Payments

Arrange for monthly payments to the facility. This might be direct debit or automatic bill pay. Ensure a smooth payment process.

Power of Attorney for Finances

If you have Financial Power of Attorney, make sure the document is current. This lets you manage their money if they cannot. ² Our Power of Attorney Guide can help you understand this process.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Check if your loved one has long-term care insurance. If they do, contact the provider. Understand what services the policy covers and how to file claims. Learn more at Long-Term Care Insurance.

Legal Preparations

Review important legal documents. Make sure they are updated and accessible.

Wills and Trusts

Ensure your loved one’s will is updated. If they have a trust, review it. These documents are important for their estate plan. For more on estate planning, check Estate Planning for Parents.

Guardian or Conservator Documents

If a guardian or conservator has been appointed, provide all related legal paperwork.

Personal Belongings and Room Setup

This part focuses on what to bring and how to make the new room feel like home.

Inventory Existing Belongings

Go through your loved one's current home. Decide what items will go to assisted living. Many facilities have smaller rooms. Focus on essential and sentimental items.

Choose Items for the New Room

Select clothing, furniture, and personal items. Think about comfort and familiarity. Items like family photos, a favorite blanket, or a special chair can help.

Label Everything

Clearly label clothing and personal items. Use permanent markers or iron-on labels. This helps prevent loss in the facility's laundry or common areas.

Pack an "Immediate Needs" Bag

Pack a bag with essentials for the first few days. Include toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, and contact information. This is helpful while unpacking the main boxes.

Arrange for Utilities and Mail

Cancel utilities at the old home. Set up mail forwarding to the new address. Inform banks and other important contacts of the address change.

Social and Emotional Preparation

Moving is emotional. Support your loved one through this change.

Talk About the Move

Have open conversations with your loved one. Let them express their feelings. Acknowledge their concerns. Explain the benefits of assisted living clearly. For guidance, see Dealing with Parents.

Visit the Facility Together

Take several tours of the assisted living community. Meet staff and residents. This helps them get used to the new environment. Questions to ask on tours can be found at Questions to Ask on Tours.

Plan for Visits and Outings

Discuss how often you will visit. Plan future outings or activities they enjoy. Knowing they will maintain connections helps.

Introduce Them to Others

If possible, introduce your loved one to other residents or staff before the move. This can ease the transition.

Personalize the Room

Once they move in, help them personalize their new space. Make it feel like home quickly. Arrange furniture and decor as they like.

Moving Day Logistics

Plan the actual move day carefully. Clear steps make it less stressful.

Hire Movers or Enlist Help

Decide if you will hire professional movers or ask family and friends. For smaller moves, you might do it yourself.

Create a Timeline

Map out the moving day. Estimate how long each task will take. This includes packing the car, driving, and unpacking.

Coordinate with the Facility

Confirm the move-in date and time with the assisted living facility. Ask about any specific rules for moving in.

This checklist can help you manage the big transition to assisted living. It breaks down a large task into smaller, manageable steps. Remember to be patient and flexible.

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