How to Get Things in Order for the Move

You have made the decision to move your loved one into a senior living community. We know that was a choice that was not likely easy, especially during this time. We at Aurora on France know your parent is going to get more out of life, get the level of care he or she needs, make new friends, and enjoy the next chapter in their lives.

Now, there are several things to take care of to get things in order BEFORE the move that will make for a smooth transition for your Mom or Dad.

Make an appointment with Mom or Dad's primary doctor
Before moving in, no matter what level of care your parent needs, it's a good idea for them to see their primary physician. Ask the doctor to evaluate your parent's medication list to make sure all prescriptions are current, necessary and don't conflict with each other. Taking the proper doses of the medications they need — and only the medications they need — is vital to their quality of life.

Talk about and sign personal paperwork
Before your loved one moves, it's a good time to sit down and talk about a will, power of attorney, a health care directive, and other important issues that we all tend to put off. Get the paperwork done, signed and filed away now, and you won't have to worry about it when the time eventually comes that you'll need it.

Talk about what to do with the house
If Mom or Dad is currently living in their home, the question becomes what to do with the house when they move to their new community. If their house is paid off, there's no great rush to decide, and the topic can be difficult to broach. But now is the time to float a trial balloon to get their feelings on selling their home or keeping it. The money from the sale will go a long way toward securing their financial future.

Fill out a change of address form
Friends and relatives will want to send cards and letters to Mom or Dad in their new home. They'll want all of their personal mail delivered to them instead of piling up at the house.

Get the dimensions and floorplan of their new unit
With the exact dimensions and floorplan, you can map out which furniture to bring and how it will look in their new home. They'll also need their own linens, cookware, dishes, television and radio, personal items and anything else they'd like to make their new place feel like home.

Consider using a senior moving specialist
Deciding what items from home to bring and what to leave behind can be a difficult choice. Services like Gentle Transitions specialize in moving seniors. At Gentle Transitions, they'll give you a complimentary consultation, work with you to create a move plan based on the floorplan of Mom or Dad's new home, help you strategize what to bring and what to downsize, provide professional packing services, help you choose and supervise professional movers, and will be there to unpack when the move is complete. 

Attend some virtual events at the new community
Learn about the virtual events in their new community before they move. Also, ask the team at the new community if your mom or dad can connect virtually or via phone with some current residents to get to know and staff members. That way, they can really get a good feel for the place before they move in.

Here at Aurora on France, we want to help make the transition from home into  our senior community as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Get in touch today by calling 952-848-8888 or fill out our Contact Form.