Moving into an assisted living community is a major life change. It is important to approach this change thoughtfully and take proactive steps to ensure that the move is as seamless and reassuring as possible. 

This may involve carefully planning the logistics of the move and taking the time to familiarize oneself with the new community and its amenities. Additionally, it’s essential to communicate openly with family members and caregivers to address any concerns and ensure a smooth transition.

Here, we provide you with a thorough checklist of what someone needs to prepare before moving into an assisted living community.

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Preparation and Research

Preparing thoroughly and doing research can make the transition to an assisted living community much smoother, easing stress for everyone involved. 

Research and Community Selection

    • Take your time to research multiple assisted living communities in your desired location.
    • Consider the amenities, services, and cost to determine the best fit.

Financial Planning

    • Calculate and understand the cost of assisted living, including rent, care fees, and any additional charges.
    • Carefully assess financial resources such as savings, investments, insurance, and benefits.
    • It’s important to consider seeking advice from a financial advisor if you feel it would be helpful.

Legal and Administrative Documents

    • Create or update crucial legal documents such as a will, power of attorney, and healthcare proxy to ensure your wishes are honored during difficult times.
    • Remember to take the time to have meaningful discussions about these documents with your family members and the community you’ve chosen.

Visit in Advance

    • Before you move in, it’s a good idea to visit the community and take some time to get to know the environment, as well as meet the staff and residents.

Logistics and Moving

Organizing personal possessions is important for a smooth transition to assisted living. Sorting belongings and reducing clutter helps ease the moving process. Adapting to a new living space can be tough, but minimizing stress and making the transition as comfortable as possible is essential.

Downsize and Declutter

    • As you go through your belongings, take your time to decide what to keep, what you can donate to help others, what you can sell, and what you can discard.
    • Consider organizing a garage sale, estate sale, or making donations to charities as part of your decluttering plan.

Packing

    • Remember to start packing early and prioritize essential items like clothing, personal hygiene products, and sentimental belongings. 
    • Label boxes clearly to make unpacking easier.

Furniture and Personal Items

    • Determine what furniture and personal items are allowed in the new living space.
    • Coordinate with the assisted living community regarding room dimensions and restrictions.

Notify Utility Providers

    • Cancel or transfer utility services (e.g., electricity, gas, water, cable, internet) for the current residence.

Change of Address

    • Update your mailing address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, and any subscriptions.

Inform Family and Friends

    • Notify friends and family of your new address and contact information.

Moving Logistics

    • Arrange for professional movers or enlist the help of family and friends to assist with the move.

Health and Well-being

Taking proactive steps toward ensuring health and well-being can’t be discounted when transitioning into an assisted living community, as it fosters a smoother adaptation process and enhances the overall quality of life. 

Medical Records

    • Gather medical records, prescriptions, and a list of current medications.
    • Share these records with the assisted living community’s healthcare staff.

Health and Wellness Check

    • Schedule a thorough health checkup before moving, including dental and vision examinations.

Personal Care Services

    • Discuss the types and extent of personal care services you’ll require with the assisted living community.

Personal Necessities

    • If needed, stock up on personal necessities such as toiletries, medications, and assistive devices.

Transportation

    • Determine the transportation options available in the new community for medical appointments and social activities.

Integration and Community

Ease of integration into a new community helps foster a sense of belonging and support, enhancing the overall well-being and satisfaction of individuals. It also encourages diversity and inclusion, making the community more vibrant and cohesive.

Setting Up the New Space

    • When you’re settling into your new place, think about how you’d like to organize your things for maximum comfort and convenience.

Emotional and Social Support

    • Consider joining resident committees and activities to build connections with neighbors.

Visit in Advance

    • Visiting the community is important during both preparation and research and integration into a new community. Take some time to get to know the environment, as well as meet the staff and residents.

Emergency Contacts

    • Share your emergency contact information with the assisted living staff.

Assessing legal and administrative matters, arranging for pets, and ensuring safety precautions are crucial when transitioning to assisted living. These steps ensure a smooth transition and the well-being of the individual.

Legal and Administrative Documents

    • Creating or updating crucial legal documents such as a will, power of attorney, and healthcare proxy can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
    • Please take the time to discuss these documents with your family members and the chosen community.

Legal Agreements

    • Carefully review and sign any contracts or agreements with the assisted living community.

Get Insurance in Place

    • Make sure you have the proper health, long-term care, and renter’s insurance in place.

Address Pet Arrangements

    • Make arrangements for pets, including finding a suitable home or ensuring the community allows pets.

Safety Precautions

    • Assess the safety of your new living space and implement any required modifications or additions, such as installing grab bars or handrails.

Moving into an assisted living community can be a significant and positive decision, and taking the time to prepare thoroughly can make the transition smoother and more positive.

To ensure a seamless move, it’s essential to start the process early, involve your loved ones, and maintain open communication with the community.

At Veramazo, we provide personalized and curated advisory services to ensure your loved ones feel at home in a community that meets their unique needs and treats them with the dignity they deserve.

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A note from our co-owner and clinical team leader, Michelle Marceca

As the Clinical Team Leader at Veramazo, I often reflect on the meaningful experiences that have shaped my approach to elder care. One such experience that stands out in my career is with a lovely woman named Margaret. She was torn between moving into an assisted living facility and maintaining her independence in a senior-friendly apartment. Margaret’s fierce independence was challenged by recent health concerns, which worried her family. After thorough consultations and honest discussions, we found a solution that offered the best of both worlds. Margaret moved into an independent living community with easy access to additional care when needed. This transitional care community allowed her to retain her cherished independence while ensuring she had the necessary support. It was important to guide her appropriately, considering the entire situation and not just “the now.”

At Veramazo, our unwavering commitment is to provide your loved ones with the highest quality of care. With extensive experience in the healthcare industry, I have always prioritized compassion, dignity, and respect for our elders. Having firsthand insight into the differences between assisted living and independent living, along with the profound impact these choices have on seniors and their families, I am equipped to guide and support you.

I work alongside a devoted team of healthcare professionals who share my passion for elder care. Together, we have assisted countless families in navigating senior living options and are dedicated to providing expert guidance and reassurance as you make these critical decisions. At Veramazo, our ultimate goal is to ensure that every senior under our care enjoys a life of independence, safety, and fulfillment.

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