Been a while since you last tackled a big move? Here’s the good news: It’s not as overwhelming as you may think. We want to help make the move into St. Anthony’s Senior Living a breeze! We understand the challenges of determining the level of care you or your loved one will need. So we’ve constructed a roadmap with the necessary items to check off as you make your transition.
If you or a loved one may be planning on moving to a senior living community in 2023, use our essential checklist with everything you’ll need to make moving as smooth and stress-free as possible!
Consider Your Priorities
If you’re considering a move to senior living in 2023, the first step is to consider the priorities that are important to you in a senior living community. What are your non-negotiables when it comes to senior living? What things would be nice to have, but not necessarily essential? Where do you need your senior living community to be located? What are your care needs, and do you expect those to change in the future?
When you know your priorities, you can have a clear picture of what kind of senior living community is right for you personally. But this is also an important step to take as a loved one seeking care for your aging relative. Whether your loved one requires assisted living or memory care, make sure their priorities and wants are heard for their new home.
Talk to a Financial Advisor
You may have already worked with a financial advisor to prepare for retirement, which puts you one step ahead in preparing for senior living! Whether you’ve already outlined your retirement finances or this is your first time thinking about it, a financial advisor can help you organize your budget and understand what your options are for senior living.
This is an especially important part of your moving checklist, as there are additional costs associated with the additional care and support.
Find Your New Home
Now that you have a baseline budget, start researching senior living communities in your area. Look for communities that meet your care needs and work for you financially, and schedule tours to get an in-person feel for life in that community.
As you begin to narrow down your options and settle on the perfect home for you, ask for the following information to prepare for the big day:
- Copy of the floor plan for your apartment
- What items are provided (what furniture comes with the apartment, does the community provide meals, will you have access to an activity calendar, etc.)
- Community rules and guidelines (including what items are prohibited)
Begin the “Decluttering” Process
Senior living communities are designed to help you downsize your life for greater freedom and peace in retirement, which means it’s time to declutter your current home! Keep in mind what items are not allowed in your senior living community. Downsizing and decluttering can be challenging. But it’s an important process, and can feel like a weight has lifted. Think about what is very important to you and what you’re ready to say goodbye to, and keep in mind how much space you have as you choose!
What to Bring:
- Photos and keepsakes
- Legal and financial paperwork
- Clothing and accessories (downsized)
- Favorite books and movies
- Decor (downsized)
- Small appliances and housewares (if not provided)
- Personal care items and toiletries
- TV and other electronics (if not provided)
- Mementos and special items
What NOT to Bring:
- Heavy or oversized items (big sectional couches, outdoor furniture, etc.)
- Rugs and other floor items that may pose safety hazards
- Furniture on wheels
- Any items already provided by our senior living community
Keep in mind you will have a smaller space in assisted living or memory care. At St. Anthony’s, our apartments feature kitchenettes rather than full-sized kitchens, since meals are provided. When working through your assisted living move checklist, you shouldn’t need to bring many kitchen items. If you enjoy cooking, you’re welcome to bring kitchen items to prepare your favorite dishes. But a few plates, bowls, cups, and some flatware should do!
Prepare for Your Move
It’s time to talk logistics! Like any move, there are several must-dos to close out one chapter of your life and open the next one. Here are some crucial basics to cover as you prepare to move to senior living:
Give a Change of Address Notice
Your friends and family aren’t the only ones who need to know your new address! Be sure to notify government agencies, such as USPS and Social Security, of your new address so you don’t miss any important mailings. Also, update your address with your bank, subscriptions, and any other organizations that regularly send mail.
Prepare Your Current Home
Work with a real estate agent to sell your current home or, if you’re renting, give notice that you are ending your lease. Make sure all utilities and other services are canceled shortly after you move out, including:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Waste removal
- Internet, cable TV, and landline phone
- Subscriptions you do not wish to continue
Complete Pre-Move Paperwork
You’ll need to finalize a few documents before your move-in. Make sure you have everything sorted out with your new senior living community so everything will be official and approved come move-in day. This includes paying any deposits required before moving day.
Hire Movers
If you don’t have lots of heavy furniture to move, sometimes friends and family can lend a hand. But for larger furniture, movers may be helpful. Do your research and hire a team of movers with excellent reviews that are licensed and insured. If you are moving any particularly complex or heavy equipment, such as a hospital bed, make sure the movers are able to accommodate those items.
Looking for Senior Living in Kansas City?
You’ve come to the right place! At St. Anthony’s, our mission is to cultivate a loving, thriving community where everyone can enjoy a life of dignity while receiving the care they need. Our staff and residents are truly a family that cares deeply about each other, and it would be our pleasure to welcome you home! Contact us to schedule your tour today and take the first step toward the retirement of your dreams.
