Making the move to assisted living can be a challenge, but it’s also extremely rewarding. It’s a chance for your loved one to spend every day surrounded by support, love, and engagement. However, your family needs to prepare ahead of time for the move—it’s a key step in making sure the move goes smoothly.
Before helping a loved one move to assisted living, make sure to:
- Start with a plan
- Create a timeline
- Declutter and organize strategically
- Keep a practical mindset
- Gather and review documents
- Consider professional help for moving day
- Show support through the adjustment period
- Remember to visit!
Start With a Plan
Preparation is one of the most important steps when moving to assisted living. A strong plan can ease stress, prevent last-minute complications, and make sure your loved one’s needs are met.
Start by discussing their specific preferences. It helps to ask questions like:
- What kind of activities do they enjoy?
- Are there any dietary preferences or restrictions?
- What community features are most important to them?
- How close would they like to be to family or friends?
- Are there particular medical or personal care needs to take into account?
Once these needs are clear, schedule tours of potential communities. Touring gives you firsthand insight into services, staff interaction, and overall atmosphere.
Create a Timeline
Next, create and stick to a detailed timeline. A six-month preparation period works well for many families. Outline key tasks like decluttering, organizing, and securing moving services. Establish deadlines so the process feels manageable instead of rushed.
During this time, identify which belongings your loved one wants to bring. It also helps to think about room layouts in their new space. This helps you narrow down what to bring—and what should be left behind, sold, or donated.
Declutter & Organize Strategically
Downsizing often plays a big role when transitioning to assisted living. Many communities offer cozy spaces that require careful consideration of what to bring. By organizing ahead of time, you’re taking steps to lighten the load and help them make a fresh start.
Go room by room. Try sorting everything into 4 piles:
- The “keep” pile, for items that absolutely must be brought along
- The “donate” pile, for items of value that could be useful for someone else
- The “sell” pile, for anything that could be sold to help fund the move
- The “discard” pile, for items that have served their purpose
Then, make sure to pack a “must-have” box with essentials like medications, toiletries, and a few favorite personal items for immediate access. This should be one of the first things brought to their new space. It means they have everything essential on Day One!
Keep a Practical Mindset
Moving can stir strong emotions and feel overwhelming. Staying practical helps you stay focused and in control, even if something unexpected arises.
First, remember that this is a process, not a race. Give yourself time to work through each step, and acknowledge that ups and downs are completely normal for everyone involved. Breaking tasks into small, manageable pieces can keep you from feeling stuck.
When it’s time to pack, use sturdy, labeled containers that make unpacking straightforward. Group items by category, such as kitchenware or bedding, and label them clearly. Assign roles and divide responsibilities among the family to ensure no single person carries the entire burden.
Gather & Review Documents
Transitioning into assisted living comes with paperwork. Having all documents ready, organized, and reviewed ahead of time simplifies the move and prevents unnecessary complications.
However, it’s not just about the new community. You’ll also need to update your loved one’s official records and important documents with their new address.
Remember to:
- Update identification documents, such as driver’s licenses or state ID cards.
- Notify financial institutions of the address change.
- Inform healthcare providers and update medical records.
- Redirect mail through the postal service.
- Update insurance policies and beneficiary information where necessary.
- Notify government agencies, such as Social Security or veterans’ services, if applicable.
- Provide the new address to friends, relatives, and other social connections.
It’s a time-consuming step, but having everything in order provides peace of mind. It also smoothens the administrative process and avoids unwanted complications.
Consider Professional Help for Moving Day
Moving day can be physically demanding and emotionally charged. So if you have the means, why not outsource the work to professionals?
Try looking for movers who specialize in senior relocation. These professionals have experience with the sensitivities of such transitions and can help ensure logistics are handled smoothly. Book movers well in advance, especially during popular moving seasons, to avoid last-minute stress.
When moving day arrives, the pros handle the heavy lifting. This frees up significant mental and physical energy so you can focus on supporting your loved one.
Show Support Through the Adjustment Period
Settling in doesn’t happen overnight. Your loved one may need time to adjust to their new routine, community, and surroundings. Offering support, while giving them space to explore, is key during this time.
Avoid overloading their schedule with visits right away. Give them room to start building relationships and engage in activities independently. Keep in touch with balanced communication. From regular phone calls to video chats, you can reassure them without crowding their personal space.
Remember to Visit!
Moving to assisted living is an emotional but meaningful change for many families. From planning the logistics to staying supportive during the adjustment period, each step helps ease the transition. By planning ahead, you’re taking steps to make things easier for your entire family.
Here at The Enclave of Franklin, we understand the effort it takes to make this move successful. And we’re ready to welcome your loved one to their new home. Schedule a tour with us today!
