Looking for tips on moving to an assisted living facility? We’ve got you covered with some practical advice to make this transition as smooth as possible.
Preparing for the Move
Before planning your move to an assisted living community, here are some tips to make this big step a smooth transition:
Learn About Assisted Living in Each Community of Interest
Finding the perfect assisted living community is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Before moving to an assisted living facility, take the time to research multiple communities in your area.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, go on tours to get a feel for the dining options, programming, amenities, and social environment. Don’t be afraid to ask the caregivers, team members, and current residents questions to get a sense of each community.
Be Deliberate and Efficient About Packing
When it comes to what to take to an assisted living, don’t forget to bring essential items like toiletries, medications, clothing, and bedding. Remember those precious belongings that make your new home feel like your own. Whether it’s framed photographs of loved ones, original pieces of artwork, or even your favorite houseplants, these items will help create a familiar and comforting atmosphere. Moving into a new space is a chance for a fresh start, so embrace the opportunity to declutter, downsize, and create a space that truly reflects who you are.
Take Care of Logistics at Your Home
Before moving to an assisted living facility, create a checklist of the tasks you need to complete. From selling furniture to updating your address, make sure you have everything covered. Reach out to your family and support system for resources and assistance. Delegating tasks can make the process less overwhelming.
Prepare for the Transitions
It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions when leaving behind a place filled with cherished memories. Take a moment to experience the nostalgia and reminisce with loved ones. Go through old photos, watch family videos, and spend quality time in your current home. But remember, moving is an exciting opportunity to reinvent your living space and start a new chapter in your life.
Explore these elderly fall prevention tips to keep your loved ones safe.
Moving to Assisted Living: A Checklist
Healthcare Needs
Before you make the big move, make an appointment with your primary care physician. Get a physical checkup and request copies of your medical records. This way, you can easily share your medical history with your new community.
Finding the Right Moving Company
Moving can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the right company to handle your precious belongings. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new home:
- Ask your community for recommendations. They likely have a list of moving companies they trust and ones with specialty experience in senior living moves.
- Don’t forget to get cost estimates. Learn what’s included in their contracts and what costs extra. Budgeting is key.
- Read online reviews. Hearing from real customers about their experiences will help you make an informed decision.
Packing Tips
Consider hiring a senior living moving specialist who can handle everything from measuring the new living space to coordinating with the moving company. While it may be a bit pricey, the stress they eliminate is well worth it.
When packing, prioritize the most important items. Start with essentials like toiletries, medication, and clothing, then move on to things you’ll use regularly. If there’s a kitchen in the new space, pack a few pots, pans, and dishes, but be mindful of the available space. Clearly label furniture that needs to be moved. This will help both you and the moving company stay organized and make sure everything ends up in the right place.
Logistical Items
Be sure to take care of the following logistical details before the move:
- Set up mail forwarding with the USPS so nothing gets missed in the transition.
- Cancel current utility services and transfer them to the new community if necessary.
- Inform all necessary parties of the change of address, such as creditors, insurance companies, and healthcare providers.
- Stay connected by adding your schedule and community contact information to your devices.
- Program your calendar with events and save community contacts to your phone for easy access.
- Plan end-of-life details, such as estate planning and power of attorney designation. It’s a difficult conversation to have, but an important one. Don’t forget to provide a copy of this information to the community.
The Week of Moving Checklist
Here’s our checklist for the week before moving to an assisted living facility:
- Confirm all paperwork: Doublecheck that all necessary forms have been signed and submitted. Call your community and make sure everything is good to go.
- Update contact info: Find out how you’ll be reachable at your new home. Will you have a landline or a cell phone? Make a plan on how to stay in touch and make sure everyone is on the same page.
- Safety first: If you or your loved one has mobility issues, a medical pendant is a must. In case of emergencies or falls, emergency services can be called with a push of a button. Check if your community offers pendants or consider buying one.
- Door codes: If your community keypad access, get the code for your family and the moving company. Store the code on your phone or somewhere you won’t misplace them.
Looking to Move to an Assisted Living Facility?
Are you looking for a purpose-driven assisted living facility in St. Louis? Look no further than Fairmont Senior Living on Clayton. Our community provides personalized assisted living and memory care services tailored to the individual needs of each resident. Contact us today to schedule your tour.