What to pack for a move to an assisted living community

When preparing to move your parent into an assisted living facility, you will need to make yet another decision: what to pack and what to discard. Moving can be a tough transition no matter your age, but especially for seniors who want to hang onto all of their belongings.

Moving into an assisted living facility often means that your parent will have to live on a smaller scale and narrow down what they really need to bring. Here is your moving to assisted living checklist:

Assisted Living Checklist

• Personal items: These will likely be your dad’s most important possessions, including things such as heirlooms, family photos and mementos that help make him feel more at home. You and your father should also decide where his medical, legal and financial paperwork should be stored, whether it’s in your home or his.
• Furniture: People often like to sleep in their own bed and lounge in their favorite recliner; making deciding which furniture to bring along an important decision.
• Entertainment items: Be sure to pack things that give your dad joy, like his television, laptop, painting supplies, tool kit, audio system, books or sporting equipment.
• Toiletries and medications: Basic day-to-day items that he will need, such as toothbrush, shampoo, aftershave, over the counter medications, vitamins, and other medical equipment will also need to be moved with him.

There are certain things that should be left behind, such as extra large furniture, area rugs and items that he has multiples of, such as dish sets or a mug collection. Most senior communities are pretty flexible with what you can bring, but keep in mind that your father will likely need to downsize from his current belongings. All families have their own traditions and customs, so be sure to keep these things in mind when packing.

Your contact at the community may also have resources to assist with deciding how to downsize, what to bring, and insight on packing and moving. Make sure that you ask for referrals to assist with your move.