Tips for Moving to an Assisted Living Facility

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.