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Assisted Living Moving Checklist

Moving to Assisted Living – Ensuring a Smooth Transition

Planning a move is a stressful situation for most anyone; there’s booking the moving company, packing up the entire home, and then unpacking and setting up the new living space. For some seniors, moving to an assisted living community also means downsizing their belongings to fit in a smaller environment. This means stressful decisions must be made about what items to keep and what should be sold, donated or given to family members.

However, many seniors recognize that moving to an assisted living community means they will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their future health care needs will be met. Not only this, but they also look forward to a higher quality of life with more time to focus on the things they find important. This guide is intended to make moving to assisted living less stressful so seniors can instead focus on the many benefits of their new living arrangements.

Moving Checklist for Seniors

First, to make moving a little easier, consider the room dimensions or ask for a floorplan of the new living space. Knowing how much room is available for belongings and furniture helps streamline the packing process so smarter decisions can be made about what can come along in the move. Keep in mind treasured belongings and cherished personal items are welcome, but there will probably be less storage space and little room for larger pieces.

In general, the following items should be packed for the move to an assisted living community:

Furniture and Home Furnishings

• Small sofa, chairs, end tables and/or nightstand
• Bedding — comforter/quilt, blankets, pillows and throw pillows
• Floor lamp and table lamp
• Television/radio
• Microwave and mini-refrigerator (if not provided)
• Framed photos
• Keepsakes/knick-knacks
• Kitchenware — dishes, cutlery, glasses and mugs

Clothing  

• Seasonal and comfortable clothing — jeans, sweatpants, sweaters and shirts
• Robe and pajamas
• Formal outfits for special occasions
• Jackets/sweatshirts
• Shoes and slippers
• Socks and underwear

Necessities and Toiletries

• Bathroom items — toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lotion and razor
• List of all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
• Clothes hangers
• Assistive devices — walkers/canes, hearing aids, and eyeglasses
• Alarm clock
• Favorite books or magazines
• Cleaning wipes for quick clean-ups as needed

Find out what types of items the assisted living community will provide before beginning to pack. That way, items can be eliminated from the list right away. Also, while it’s important to create a home-like environment, don’t overpack the personal knick-knacks as these types of items can easily clutter up and overwhelm the space. Identify those that are the most important when the packing process gets started.

Settling into the Assisted Living Community

It’s possible to feel slightly intimidated after moving to assisted living in the first week or so. Seniors may feel like their independence is being compromised, or that they’ll be forced to adapt to a new routine. New residents should be encouraged to ask the staff questions if they feel unsure about anything and get involved in social activities to start building relationships with their peers. Although moving to an assisted community out of a long-time home is a major life change, keeping an open mind and embracing the new way of life will help promote independence.

Likewise, family members should stay in touch, but allow their loved ones some space and time to adapt to the community. Recognize that this move was in the best interests for all parties involved.

Comfortable Assisted Living Options at Advent Christian Village

Dacier Manor at Advent Christian Village offers around-the-clock support from a professional, caring staff. We provide bright and cheerful private or semi-private rooms that can be customized to feel just like home, with amenities like three daily meals, social activities, housekeeping, an emergency call system and more. Contact us to schedule a tour or to request more information.