Deciding to move your loved one to senior living is never easy. It’s one of those life-changing decisions that keeps you up at night, wondering if you’re doing the right thing. Here’s what we’ve learned from talking to thousands of families: with the right planning and support, this transition can be the beginning of a wonderful new chapter.
This guide will discuss how to prepare for senior care so you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’ll cover the practical and emotional aspects (like paperwork and packing).
Table of Contents
Why Moving to an Assisted Living Can Be Life-Changing In a Good Way
You might be wondering what makes senior living different from just staying home. Here’s what families tell us makes the biggest difference:
- Safety and Support When You Need It: Instead of worrying about your loved one being alone during emergencies, there’s always someone available to help. Most communities have staff on-site 24/7, though the level of medical care varies significantly by facility type and community.
- Real Social Connections: Loneliness is a serious health risk for seniors, but senior living communities are designed around social interaction. Think regular activities, shared meals, and neighbors who become genuine friends.
- Peace of Mind for Families: When you know your loved one has help with daily tasks, medication management, and emergency response, you can shift from constant worry to enjoying time together.
A multi-part NORC study funded by NIC found associations between senior housing residence and improved health outcomes versus community living, including lower hospitalization rates and increased access to healthcare services. However, individual results vary by community and person.
The key is understanding that this transition happens in phases, and each phase has its own timeline and needs.
Getting Started
This early planning phase is critical to ensuring a smooth transition. As you wouldn’t build a house without a proper foundation, successful senior living moves require careful preparation and organization.
Essential Documents You Should Organize First
Before visiting communities or making major decisions, you must gather and organize key documents. Having these ready will streamline every step that follows and prevent delays during the admission process:
- Will (if it’s more than 5 years old, consider updating it)
- Power of attorney for healthcare and finances
- Advanced directives and living will
- Insurance policies (health, long-term care, life)
- Financial statements and investment records
- Social Security and Medicare cards
Keep copies in a folder you can easily grab because you’ll frequently reference these documents.
What Are the Costs?
Here’s where it gets real: senior living isn’t cheap. The latest national median for assisted living is $70,800 per year (about $5,900 per month) according to the 2024 CareScout/Genworth Cost of Care survey. However, costs vary dramatically depending on location and level of care.
There are also “extras” that can add up, like:
- Care level increases over time (most people need more help as they age)
- Additional services like physical therapy or specialized care
- Personal items, activities, and transportation
- Memory care upgrades if needed down the road
Potential Funding Sources
- Long-term care insurance (if you have it, now’s the time to understand what it covers)
- Veterans’ benefits for eligible seniors
- Medicaid programs in many states can help with services through HCBS waivers, though Medicaid doesn’t pay for room and board in assisted living
- Reverse mortgage proceeds or investment withdrawals
Organizing Healthcare
Schedule appointments with all current doctors for comprehensive evaluations. Ask for complete medical records; you’ll need them for the new care team.
If you’re moving to a different area, start researching healthcare providers nearby. Many communities work with local doctors and therapists, but availability varies, so ask about this during your tours.
Medical records to organize include:
- Current medications with exact dosages and schedules
- Recent lab results and test findings
- Specialist reports and treatment plans
- Vaccination records and allergy information
- All insurance cards and Medicare information
Choosing the Right Community
Not all senior living communities are the same, and what works for your neighbor might not work for your family.
Here’s what to look for:
| Care and Services | Community Life | Practical Matters |
| • Personal care assistance levels (and how they handle changes in needs) • Medication management programs • Physical, occupational, or speech therapy (often provided by outside contractors, ask about availability) • Specialized memory care programs • Respite care options for family caregivers | • How staff interact with residents (watch during your visit) • Activity programs that match your loved one’s interests • Dining options and meal quality (ask to stay for lunch) • How families can stay involved Pet policies, if that matters to you | • Location relative to family and friends • Room sizes and layout options (get exact measurements) • Outdoor spaces and common areas • Transportation services Emergency response systems |
Moving Into Assisted Living: Before the Moving Day
This is often the most emotional phase because it involves going through a lifetime of belongings and making tough decisions about what stays and what goes.
Downsizing Without Too Much Stress
Most assisted living apartments are significantly smaller than homes, so downsizing is usually necessary. Here’s how to approach it without getting overwhelmed:
Start with the big stuff:
- Measure key furniture pieces against the floor plan
- Choose one comfortable seating area rather than trying to fit everything
- Select the most meaningful artwork and photos
- Remove any throw rugs or area rugs (they’re fall hazards)
- Focus on furniture that serves multiple purposes
Make the bedroom comfortable:
- Bring familiar bedding and pillows for better sleep
- Keep clothing appropriate for the climate and activities
- Include daily personal care items they’re used to
- Save special jewelry with sentimental value
- Plan for adequate storage in the smaller space
Safety First
Here’s something important: about 14 million (28%) adults 65 and older fall each year, which is the leading cause of injury in this age group. Making safety modifications now can prevent problems later.
Safety items to prioritize:
- Comfortable, supportive shoes (not slippers)
- Grab bars and any mobility aids currently used
- Emergency call devices
- Good lighting for reading and daily activities
- Easy temperature controls
Helping the Elderly Adjust to Letting Go
Expect this process to take longer than you think. Your loved one may need to revisit decisions multiple times, and that’s completely normal.
- Include them in every decision, even if it slows things down
- Share memories and stories about items as you sort
- Take photos of things that can’t come along, but hold memories
- Consider temporary storage for items you can’t decide about right now
- Plan estate sales or donations well ahead of moving day
Make clear agreements about who gets what. Some families do “selection meetings” where everyone chooses meaningful pieces. Others take turns choosing items. Whatever you do, write it down to avoid hurt feelings later.
What to Do on the Day of Moving
With belongings sorted and documents ready, it’s time to handle the practical details of moving.
Find the Right Movers
Look for companies that understand senior moves, which mostly differ from regular residential moves. The good ones offer:
- Careful packing of fragile and sentimental items
- Help arrange furniture in the new space
- Coordination with the senior living community
- Short-term storage for things you’re not sure about
- Proper insurance for valuable belongings
| Moving Day Planning ➤ Schedule for mid-week when communities are less busy ➤ Plan for morning start times when everyone has more energy ➤ Have trusted family members present throughout ➤ Pack immediate essentials separately ➤ Make sure the moving crew understands they’re working with seniors |
Who Needs to Know About the Move?
Moving means updating your address everywhere. Here’s your checklist:
- Banks and investment companies
- All insurance providers (health, auto, property)
- Healthcare providers and pharmacies
- Update Social Security (which automatically updates Medicare) through your My Social Security account
- Follow IRS instructions (Form 8822 or on your tax return) for tax address changes
- Subscription services and memberships
- Current home care agencies
Technology setup:
- Check that the cell phone service works well in the new location
- Arrange for internet and cable if not included
- Set up landline service if preferred
- Update emergency contacts everywhere
- Test all communication methods before moving day
Supporting the Adjustment
The first three months really determine how well this transition goes. Expect some ups and downs, and that’s completely normal.
What to Expect in the Beginning
Even when the move goes smoothly, there’s still an adjustment period. Feeling homesick, confused about new routines, or sad about leaving familiar surroundings is normal.
Research shows that adapting to residential care happens in phases: decision-making, fluctuation, adjustment, and acceptance. The first few weeks are usually the hardest as people learn new routines and start building relationships.
Good signs of adjustment include:
- Participating in at least one regular activity
- Learning staff names and building relationships
- Keeping up with personal grooming
- Showing interest in upcoming events
- Getting familiar with daily schedules
How You Can Help as a Family
Your support makes a huge difference, but there’s a balance between helping and letting them develop independence.
- Schedule regular phone calls at consistent times
- Ask specific questions about meals, activities, and new friends
- Share family news while listening for any concerns
- Offer encouragement without taking over
- Respect their growing independence
During the first few weeks, frequent visits provide important stability. But as they build confidence and friendships, gradually decrease how often you visit.
- Go to community events together at first
- Introduce yourself to the staff and other families
- Support their efforts to make new friends
- Celebrate their social successes and new interests
- Give relationships time to develop naturally
Special Situations That Need Extra Attention
When You Need Emergency Placement
Sometimes health crises force quick decisions. While the timeline feels rushed, you can still support a positive outcome:
- Address safety and medical needs first
- Include your loved one in decisions whenever possible
- Bring comfort items as quickly as you can
- Plan for a longer adjustment period
- Arrange for extra family presence initially
Memory Care Considerations
If your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, they’ll benefit from specialized approaches. About 7.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2025, and many need specialized memory care services.
- Try to arrange furniture similarly to their previous home
- Keep daily routines as consistent as possible
- Use visual cues and familiar objects for orientation
- Communicate changes gradually and repeat information
- Work closely with specialized memory care staff
Coordinating Existing Care Services
If your loved one currently receives home care, plan the transition carefully:
- Discuss current routines with the assisted living community
- Find out which services the facility provides versus those of outside agencies
- Make sure medical care continues without interruption
Building Long-Term Success
Keeping Family Connections Strong
Moving to senior living doesn’t end family traditions—it adapts them to new circumstances while encouraging your loved one’s growing independence.
- Celebrate holidays in the new setting
- Plan regular family meals at the facility
- Include their new friends in family gatherings when appropriate
- Document positive experiences and milestones
- Join community events when you’re invited
As they adjust, your loved one may need less frequent contact from you. This usually signals successful adaptation, not rejection of family relationships.
Keep up regular communication while allowing space for new relationships and routines.
Being an Effective Advocate
Stay involved without overwhelming the professional caregivers. Maintain regular contact with care coordinators and attend planning meetings with prepared questions.
Give constructive feedback about services while respecting staff expertise. Address concerns promptly but professionally.
- Connect with other families
- Join available family programs
- Share positive experiences with prospective families
- Consider volunteering when appropriate
- Support community improvement efforts
Ready to Begin Your Family’s Journey? Let StoneBridge Guide the Way
For over 50 years, StoneBridge Senior Living has helped families throughout Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois navigate this important transition with compassion and expertise. Our family-owned communities offer comprehensive care options, from assisted living and memory care to skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. These are all designed to meet evolving needs in trusted, familiar settings.
At StoneBridge, we understand that choosing senior care involves countless decisions and emotions. Our highly trained, compassionate teams work closely with families to make transitions as smooth as possible. With our commitment to family values and personalized attention, we don’t just provide care; we become part of your extended family, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
Contact us today for a personal consultation and community tour. Discover why families across the Midwest trust StoneBridge Senior Living with their most important relationships.