The big move is approaching, and you and your loved one are feeling anxious. While the transition to assisted living can bring peace of mind and new opportunities, the move itself can feel overwhelming.
The good news? Our team at Provision Living assisted living communities are here to help you and your family feel supported and confident all the way through the transition process.
At Provision Living, we know the best way to ease the anxiety of leaving the familiar space you love is to start preparing early. With a little planning, you can reduce stress and ensure the process goes smoothly. Here, we’ve created a step-by-step assisted living checklist to help you and your family prepare for the move to senior living.
1. Take care of the basics
Having all your medical records and care management paperwork in hand first can clear the way for a more organized process going forward, so you’re not scrambling for required paperwork at the last minute.
Medical records: Create a list of your or your loved one’s current medications, dosages, and doctors.
Important documents: Gather important paperwork like power of attorney documents, advance directives, insurance policies, and financial records.
Coordinate care: Update primary care providers and specialists about the move and schedule any last-minute appointments.
2. Downsize your lifestyle
Downsizing is about a fresh start, but if the process becomes too complicated, consider hiring a professional organizer or senior moving service. Here are some more helpful downsizing tips for seniors:
Prioritize essentials: Prioritize packing items for daily use like personal care items and comfortable clothing.
Donate items: Consider donating gently used items or passing along meaningful items to family members.
Take your time: Go through items slowly and choose your favorite furniture, photos, and mementos that will help make your or your loved one’s new space feel comfortable.
3. Ensure a smooth move
Mapping out the logistics of moving day can make the move-in process less stressful for all involved.
Packing and organization: Keep an inventory list and clearly label boxes for the apartment, storage, or donation.
Change of address: Notify the post office, banks, insurance companies, and subscription services of your move and cancel or transfer utilities as needed.
Obtain information: Ask for floor plans, measure the apartment layout, and confirm which items the community will be providing.
Family roles: Figure out who will be doing the packing, who’s doing the driving, and who is handling check-in. That way, everyone has a job, and everything is taken care of.
4. Prepare emotionally
Choreographing perfect move-in day logistics is ideal, but preparing for the transition on an emotional level is just as important.
Stay in touch: Set up Wi-Fi as you or your loved one settles in, so you can stay connected with friends and family via email, phone, or video chat.
Create familiarity: Bring favorite bedding, decor, or keepsakes to provide comfort and promote continuity.
Get social: Work with community team members to ensure your loved one meets their neighbors and gets involved in community activities soon after they arrive.
Take the first step
Are you ready to start planning your or your loved one’s move? Remember, our team at Provision Living is here to help with answering questions about assisted living, so you can make sure you feel at home from day one. Looking for additional guidance? Download Provision’s new Assisted Living Guide for more helpful tips for making the transition.
To learn more about Provision communities, reach out and speak with one of our helpful community advisors. If you’re ready to see one of our communities in person, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit today! We look forward to introducing you to our community.
