Moving Into Memory Care
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 six months to a year 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.
Talia Chipman, Community Relations Director at Fieldstone of Puyallup, says early is the key to making the transition to memory care as easy as possible.
“A lot of times people wait too long to move into memory care,” she explained. “We see people who have the highest quality long-term care insurance policies, but they still struggle to activate them.”
That could be because of guilt, or a misunderstanding of what’s currently available in long-term care.
“We need to impress upon people, especially family caregivers, that it’s not a bad thing to get help,” Chipman said. “There’s so much stigma from the nursing homes of the 80s and people really don’t know how different these communities are now. We spend a lot of time and energy to make sure our communities are joyful and vibrant.”
She encourages family caregivers to try some respite care for a month and see how it goes.
“Sometimes people don’t recognize the burden that they are under until they get a break,” said Chipman. “Getting up all night and worrying and causing that stress—that takes a big toll on family caregivers.”
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 keeping items that have sentimental value or that your loved one uses 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. They may also assist with estate sales or setting up your next home.
Plan for the space. If possible, visit the new apartment or room to assess the space and plan how to arrange items. Many communities offer detailed floor plans so you can assess which belongings to bring.
“Bringing things from the room where they spend the most time can help them feel grounded in their new home,” Chipman said. “Family pictures, artwork—the goal is to make it feel like where they came from as much as possible.”
Prepare for the emotional transition. Moving to senior living represents a significant life change, and it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions for both older adults and their families. Many residents find that participating in community activities and maintaining familiar routines helps them adjust more quickly.
The day of the move can be stressful, but it’s easier when you’ve planned ahead. 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.
“I like to plan it right before lunch, so they immediately have an hour to meet people, socialize, and begin to feel comfortable in the community,” she said.
Give your loved one time to adjust. Most people need several months to fully settle into their new community. Don’t hesitate to speak with community staff if you have concerns or need additional support.
The process will be different for each resident, but Fieldstone of Puyallup’s detailed intake process ensures that each person’s unique life story informs their care.
“We want to learn as much as we can about their past and their preferences. If they aren’t particularly social, we don’t want them to shut down.”
Moving into memory care is a big step, but with careful preparation and the right support, it can be a rewarding transition to a community that enhances quality of life. The process takes time, but it’s well worth it to find a place that will allow your loved one to live comfortably, safely, and with peace of mind.