Moving day is always bittersweet, but when you’re moving a loved one into assisted living, the move feels even more meaningful. 

It may be practical, but it is also highly emotional for everyone involved. For your loved one, it marks the start of a new chapter — one that comes with real questions. What is there to look forward to? Will they fit in?

Exactly what should families and new residents expect? 

Moving with Confidence and Peace of Mind

“New residents share that a move to senior living is a feeling of loss and reality of growing older,” says Sarah J., director of sales and marketing at The Lakes at Stillwater in Stillwater, MN, a community managed by The Goodman Group.

However, she adds, once they move in, new residents “come to find that a senior living community has more to offer than what they expected. The care of others, friendships made and new adventures. They wish they had known how welcoming and beautiful a community can be.” 

Amber P., director of sales and marketing at Miramont Pointe in Clackamas, OR, a community managed by The Goodman Group, notes, “There is a stigma of what senior living is because a lot of our older generations view it like a ‘nursing home’.” She says, “In reality, so many come through the doors and realize we are far beyond that and how much the industry has evolved. I sometimes refer to us as a stationary cruise ship.”

“I wish I had moved sooner!”

Amber hears this often. She also says many residents find themselves resistant prior to the move. But once moved in, they share that it was the best decision they’ve made. 

“They wish they had done it sooner,” she says, “so they could take advantage of all we have to offer sooner.”

Amber notes that this is even more important for families who are making a move due to an urgent situation. They tell her, “I wish I had planned better and toured sooner so I was more prepared and in control of the decision making process.”

It’s never too early to start thinking about the next chapter. Seniors and families can come visit and tour to get a feel for the community they’re considering and take the time to think through what matters most. When the time comes, everyone will be ready to navigate the move with confidence rather than feeling rushed.

Practical Senior Living Transition Tips

Involve your loved one in as much decision-making as possible. Adult children can assist and support, but your parents will be the one to live with those decisions, so encourage them to actively engage throughout the process.

Timing

Is there a time of year when families would rather move? Given a choice, the more advanced planning families do, the more control you will have over the timing of your move. Things may be a bit quieter at a new community during the week. Moving companies and rentals also tend to be less busy on weekdays, but if family members are helping during the move, when are they available? When is the community team member who will be there to welcome work?

Moving is a team effort, so ask these questions before making plans.

What should you bring?

Ask what items are provided for residents and whether there are any items that should be left at home. Downsizing can be an adjustment for seniors, but new residents tell us there’s a lot to be said for living in a smaller space.

For day one, keep it simple by focusing on immediate must-haves. Residents can unpack and arrange all belongings later on, but the first 24 hours should be about comfort so new residents can start to feel at home right away.

Pack a suitcase with personal essentials:

• Toiletries
• Medications
• 2-3 days of comfortable clothes plus pajamas, robe and non-slip slippers
• Electronic devices and chargers

Tuck in a few family photos or a special memento. Bring favorite sheets, pillows and a comforter so they can relax into their familiarity that first night.

Don’t forget documents

New residents often express that they wish they had gotten necessary documents lined up earlier in life. That includes establishing trusts or other financial arrangements, but especially designating a Power of Attorney. This is typically required when moving into a senior living community.

Focus on establishing new routines quickly

One of the things new residents often appreciate most is that they don't have to figure things out on their own. Each community managed by The Goodman Group has a Resident Ambassador who can show new residents the ropes, introduce them to some of the fellow residents and share inside tips on making the most of their new life and community.

Let them decide how to arrange and decorate their new quarters. This is their new home and what they see and interact with every day will have a major impact on their physical and emotional comfort.

Resources To Help Plan A Smooth Transition To Assisted Living

Every transition is unique, but no family has to navigate it alone. The resources below offer guidance and honest perspectives to help make the process as smooth as possible.

• Must-Ask Questions When Researching Senior Living Communities
• Before and After Tips for Making a Successful Move to a Senior Living Community
• Valuable Senior Living Resources to Help You on Your Journey
• Video: Ginny, a resident at Terracina Grand on the Terracina Senior Living campus in Naples, Florida, talks about finding the right fit.

Sarah, Amber and other community team members have supported countless transitions. They talk with new residents and families every day. Their insights are golden, especially when it comes to planning a smooth, successful transition for your loved one, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. 

Some of their best advice?

Sarah emphasizes that new residents and their families should understand that this is a new beginning, a chance to enjoy worry free living. “Do it earlier than later,” she stresses. “Senior communities offer support for residents to remain independent and comfort to family members, knowing that their loved one(s) have that support.”