Planning a Move to Assisted Living

Let’s face it, moving is the equivalent of a root canal. Now throw in the fact that you’re moving to an assisted living community, and we are talking about stress levels that could launch a rocket into space! Even if you know it’s the right choice for safety ( and your sanity), the decision to pack up and leave your beloved home can feel like starting a new episode of a reality show: “Survivor Senior Edition.”

Many seniors view assisted living like it’s a game of Monopoly- “ I didn’t want to go to jail! I just wanted to pass go and collect my $200!. It’s normal to feel like your life has been put on pause while you grieve, leaving your cherished home and neighborhood, as if you have lost your favorite pair of slippers.

But let’s try to put a positive spin on this. Sure, you’re leaving your cozy shack, but think about it: You’re moving to a place where there’s bingo and bridge just down the hall! Forget shoveling the snow and mowing the grass; the only thing you’ll need to cut from now on is a slice of birthday cake at birthday parties. Plus, you’ll have a team of superheroes looking after your health, safety, and well-being. Who wouldn’t want that?

Step one: Determine your finances. You must be honest about what you can afford, so double-check your finances to ensure you’re capable of it.

Step two: Talk with your Doctors. They can help you decide if moving is a medical necessity or simply an excuse to avoid doing the dishes.

Step three: Shop around. Like you are looking for the best deal on a new pair of shoes, check out different eldercare options. A quick trip to Care.com or a senior living facility directory can get you started. If money is tight, your local human services department may be able to provide some information.

Step four: Tour the facility. If you can’t see it in person, send a friend or family member armed with questions and a critical eye. “ Is the place bright and cheerful, or does it look like it hasn’t seen the sun since the '90s? Are the residents happy, or shuffling around like they are practicing their version of “ The Walking Dead'?”

Step five: Read the fine print. Treat those contracts like a novel you’re dying to finish. You’ll need to understand what care you can expect. If it reads like a Shakespearean tragedy, consider consulting a lawyer for assistance.

Step Six: Ask for a packing list. Avoid surprises. You don’t want to arrive only to find out that your collection of life-sized ceramic cats is a community no-no..

Step seven: Get some help. It’s sorting and packing time! If it seems overwhelming, consider treating yourself and hiring a moving company. They come in, sort, pack, and clean, so you can sit back and sip tea while they do all the work. Just make sure they don’t pack your chocolate stash!

Storage will be limited, so you can only take what you need. Our book “ Are You a Junkaholic” has an entire section dedicated to the process of moving to assisted living. It lists everything you need from clothing to dishes. You can find it on Amazon.