You want your senior living move-in day to be a success at your parent’s new Sinceri community, but there are so many things to get ready for. You’re worried you’ll forget something, especially given all the emotions you and your parent are going through. What you’d really appreciate is a checklist.
Well, here’s one that should help you out. A checklist of paperwork to bring with you that first day. And along with it, you’ll find a few other pointers.
Paperwork to bring with you on your senior living move-in day
- Your parent’s photo ID
- Their social security card
- Any physician’s orders/directives
- Proof of vaccinations – what’s required may vary by senior living community – may include COVID and/or TB vaccinations
- Proof of health insurance
- Power of attorney form
- Healthcare proxy form
What is a power of attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document that allows your parent to designate a trusted person to act on their behalf in financial matters.
The financial decisions the designated person can make for your parent may include things like doing banking, signing checks, selling assets (including their home), paying taxes, and signing contracts. The specific powers may depend upon the terms laid out in the document.
Should your parent become incapacitated (e.g. have a medical crisis), the power of attorney allows them to maintain control of their finances through the designated person. If your parent becomes incapacitated and a power of attorney is not in place, it may mean your family will have to go through an expensive and time-consuming process to assume control of their finances at an extremely stressful time.
Something to keep in mind: In the case of a durable power of attorney, these powers come into effect when the document is signed and will remain in effect beyond any period of incapacity.
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What is a healthcare proxy?
Although terminology may vary from state to state, your parent can designate someone they trust to communicate health care decisions for them in the event they’re not able to themselves. Healthcare proxy forms generally give a clear explanation of the responsibilities of the designated person.
Some other move-in day pointers
In preparation for move-in day, work with our Sinceri Senior Living staff to coordinate the move-in time. If possible, get a to-scale floor plan of your parent’s new place ahead of time, take measurements of their furniture, and figure out on paper where things will go once the movers deliver them. It will save a lot of aggravation on moving day.
On the day of the move, be sure to set aside anything your parent needs that day – like medications, toiletries, a coffee pot – so that the movers don’t pack them in a box. Also, consider setting aside an item or two that will make the new place feel like home soon after they get there. Perhaps a few family photos or a familiar mug.
Keep in mind that no matter how well you plan the move, problems will likely crop up on moving day. Try to deal with them in stride and keep your sense of humor.
Special considerations if your parent has dementia
If your parent has dementia, you may want to consider the following special suggestions about how to get ready for moving day. Recognize that everyone’s different. Pick the suggestions you think will work best for your parent.
- Handle packing yourself. If their dementia makes it difficult for them to decide what to bring and what to leave behind, pack objects you know are important to them or observe what things around their home they use and enjoy on a regular basis.
- Get planning help. One of our Sinceri Senior Living managers can help you plan the transition and offer you and your parent emotional support throughout the process.
- Schedule time off. Book time off work. Try to save a few vacation days in case the move comes up suddenly. Pre-arrange for a family member or friend to be available on standby to lend a hand or provide child care, as necessary.
- Arrange visits before moving day. If possible, arrange short respite stays for your parent at the senior living community ahead of the move. Dropping in for a meal or a day program is another way to give them a feel for the place. If they don’t remember these visits, it will help staff begin to get to know them in advance.
- Share their story. Let the staff at our senior living community know about your parent’s hobbies, likes and dislikes, passions and pastimes. This will help us engage with your parent in a meaningful way, create an environment in which they’ll thrive, and match them with residents who have similar interests.
- Choose a good moving time. If your parent typically does better in the morning rather than late afternoon, schedule the move for the morning. Keep in mind that early morning can be busy time at our senior living communities, so you might want to get a slot later in the morning.
- Don’t announce the move too soon. If you think your parent will get over-anxious in anticipation of the move, wait until close to the move date to inform them – or hold off until the actual day of the move if that’s practical. It may avoid extreme negative feelings and behaviors if that’s something they’re prone to.
Resources
Want to dig deeper? Check out our free Family Guide to Funding Senior Care and Housing.
Not sure which senior living option will best suit your parents? Our Complete Guide to Choosing Between Senior Living Options will help you decide.
