Moving a parent to senior living involves a thousand details. This comprehensive checklist breaks the process into manageable steps organized by timeline.
4 Weeks Before Move-In
Administrative Tasks
- Sign residency agreement, review all terms
- Provide emergency contacts, healthcare POA, advance directives, HIPAA forms
- Transfer prescriptions to community's pharmacy
- Schedule pre-move medical assessment
- Transfer medical records
- Update address with Social Security, Medicare, insurance, banks, post office
- Review will, trust, and POA documents
- Get room dimensions for furniture planning
Downsizing
Sort into: Take to community / Give to family / Donate / Discard. Involve your parent in decisions about sentimental items. Consider a senior move manager from NASMM.
2 Weeks Before: Clothing Checklist
- 7-10 sets comfortable day clothing (elastic waistbands, pull-on tops)
- 2-3 sweaters or light jackets
- 7-10 sets undergarments, 5-7 pajamas
- Non-slip shoes (2 pairs), non-slip slippers
- 10+ pairs socks, warm robe
- Label everything with their name
2 Weeks Before: Room Setup Items
- Favorite chair or recliner
- Familiar bedding (comforter, pillow, sheets)
- 5-8 framed family photos
- Familiar clock, small lamp, 1-2 art pieces
- Small area rug (non-slip backing)
1 Week Before: Medical Preparation
- Current medication list (name, dosage, frequency, doctor)
- All medications in original bottles
- Medical history summary
- Recent lab work and specialist reports
- Assistive devices in good condition, labeled
Moving Day
- Set up room before parent arrives
- Make the bed with familiar bedding first
- Place photos where visible from bed and chair
- Meet the care staff, share key preferences
- Have a meal together
- Leave while things are going well
What NOT to Bring
- Valuable jewelry, cash, important documents
- Candles, space heaters, hot plates
- Firearms
- Excessive furniture or clutter
Start by finding the right community on CarePriced, then use this checklist for a smooth move.