Moving Into Senior Living
July 15, 2025
Moving to senior living can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be an exciting new chapter filled with community, convenience, and peace of mind. Whether you’re considering assisted living, independent living, or memory care, these practical tips will help make your transition as smooth as possible.
Start early. Give yourself plenty of time to research and visit different communities. Most experts recommend starting your search 6-12 months before you plan to move. This allows you to thoroughly evaluate options without feeling rushed and gives you time to get on waiting lists for popular communities.
However, the actual timeline can vary significantly based on your circumstances. “It can go fairly quickly, for assisted living and independent living, it can be as quick as three weeks,” noted Randi O’Neil, a Community Relations Director at Fieldstone of Bainbridge. “The timeline is much longer if you’re just shopping, it can take four months to a year.”
“Many residents of Fieldstone of Bainbridge are coming from out of state or somewhere else in the state to be near their kids,” said Jamie Bairey, the Community Relations Director for the memory care community. “Or they are selling a house and need to make those kinds of arrangements. It varies greatly.”
Downsize thoughtfully. Moving to senior living typically means transitioning to a smaller space. Start decluttering early by sorting belongings into categories: keep, donate, give to family, and discard. This can be a difficult but liberating process, and it’s often helpful to start with non-essential items and work your way toward more personal belongings. Focus on bringing items that have sentimental value or that you use regularly.
Consider working with a professional organizer or senior move manager who can guide you through this process. These professionals are trained to help you sort, pack, and move in a way that’s efficient and stress-free.
Plan for your space. If possible, visit your new apartment or room to assess the space and plan how to arrange your belongings.
“We do provide floor plans and you can come in and measure ahead of time so you can see what will fit best,” explained Bairey. This advance planning can make the actual move much smoother.
The setup process varies by care level. “It really depends,” Bairey said. “For memory care it works out best if the family comes and sets up the room ahead of time.”
Understand what’s included. One of the benefits of senior living is the comprehensive services provided.
“You don’t have a personal chef at home like you do here!” O’Neil said. “So those services that we provide, those are all included. We also offer free internet and cable TV, and air conditioners.” Understanding what’s included can help you plan what to bring and what you can leave behind.
Prepare for the emotional transition. Moving to senior living represents a significant life change, and it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions. Stay connected with old friends while remaining open to new relationships. Many residents find that participating in community activities and maintaining familiar routines helps them adjust more quickly.
When it comes to memory care, that emotional adjustment isn’t just for the new resident, it also applies to family members. For families feeling anxious about the transition, many communities offer a unique solution: “We do suggest sometimes if possible, go and audit a couple of activities like you would a college class,” Bairey said. “Take a look, you don’t have to participate. When family members have a better understanding of the care we provide, that can really bring them more peace of mind.”
The day of the move can be stressful, but it’s easier when you’ve planned ahead. Some moving companies specialize in helping seniors relocate, offering services like packing, unpacking, and setting up the new space.
If you’re planning the move yourself, be sure to enlist help from family members, friends, or neighbors to make the day go more smoothly. Also, try to move on a weekday when the senior living community is less likely to be busy.
Give yourself time to adjust. Most people need several months to fully settle into their new community. Be patient with yourself during this adjustment period, and don’t hesitate to speak with community staff if you have concerns or need additional support.
For new residents, especially those in memory care, the adjustment process requires patience from everyone involved. “Be prepared for that loved one to have different reactions. Give it a good 36-48 hours and they usually settle in.”
Take advantage of the social opportunities and activities your new community offers. Join clubs, attend events, and participate in group outings. Staying active and engaged is one of the biggest benefits of senior living and can significantly improve your quality of life.
Moving into senior living is a big step, but with careful preparation and the right support, it can be a rewarding transition to a community that enhances your quality of life. The process takes time, but it’s well worth it to find a place that will allow you to live comfortably, safely, and with peace of mind.
